Edinburgh Half Marathon 2026, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Overview
The Edinburgh Half Marathon is a cornerstone of the world-famous Edinburgh Marathon Festival, attracting thousands of runners to Scotland’s historic capital every May. This race is renowned for being one of the fastest half marathons in the United Kingdom, featuring a net downhill course that begins in the heart of the city and heads toward the scenic coast. Participants start their journey amidst the stunning architecture of Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing legendary sites like the Royal Mile and Arthur’s Seat before descending toward the refreshing sea air of the Firth of Forth.
The event is celebrated for its incredible community support and the breathtaking views that accompany runners as they move from urban grandeur to the tranquil beauty of the East Lothian coastline. As part of a larger festival of running, the atmosphere is electric, filled with the sounds of bagpipes and the cheers of thousands of spectators. Crossing the finish line at Pinkie Playing Fields provides a sense of immense achievement, making it a premier choice for those seeking a personal best in a setting that perfectly blends history, nature, and athletic passion.
Event Highlights
- Fast and Flat Course: The route is designed with a significant elevation drop in the first few miles, making it an ideal destination for runners aiming to break their personal time records.
- Historic City Start: Runners begin their 13.1 mile trek with the dramatic backdrop of Edinburgh’s medieval and neoclassical architecture, providing a truly epic start to the race.
- Scenic Coastal Stretch: A large portion of the race follows the picturesque shoreline of the Firth of Forth, offering calming sea views and a cool breeze to help participants maintain their pace.
- Festival Atmosphere: As part of the wider Edinburgh Marathon Festival, the half marathon benefits from a massive race village, professional timing, and a celebratory environment shared with thousands of other athletes.
Why Attend
This race is a top recommendation for any runner who wants to experience the magic of Scotland while participating in a gold-label standard event. Because the course is famously quick, it draws a mix of elite athletes and enthusiastic amateurs who are all looking to capitalize on the downhill start. It is the perfect opportunity to see Edinburgh from a unique perspective, moving from the bustling city center to the charming coastal towns of Musselburgh and Prestonpans without the usual traffic.
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For international visitors, the Edinburgh Half Marathon serves as the perfect centerpiece for a spring vacation in Scotland. The city is a hub of culture, with its famous castle, world-class museums, and vibrant culinary scene all within easy reach of the race festivities. Whether you are running for a charity, chasing a specific finish time, or simply looking for a beautiful destination race, this event provides a professional and welcoming stage that captures the very best of Scottish hospitality and sporting spirit.
Date & Duration
- Race Date: The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2026.
- Time Limit: Participants are generally expected to complete the course within 3 hours and 15 minutes to ensure road closures can be managed safely.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom.
- Venue: The race starts at Potterrow in the city center and finishes at Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh.
- Google Maps Address: Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9AL, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Registration is conducted exclusively online through the official Edinburgh Marathon Festival website on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Admission Type: Entry is secured through a paid registration which includes a race number, timing chip, a finisher’s medal, and a high-quality technical finisher’s t-shirt.
- Ticket Pricing: Standard entry fees typically begin at approximately $85.00, with slight variations depending on whether the runner belongs to a UK athletics club.
- Price Range: The registration cost generally falls between a minimum of $85.00 and a maximum of $110.00 for late or specialized entries.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Charity entries are widely available for those who wish to run for a cause, and corporate team packages offer enhanced benefits and group branding.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@manchester-marathon.co.uk (Note: General inquiries are handled via the EMF website contact form).
- Phone: +44 131 335 3300
- Website: https://www.edinburghmarathon.com/
- Social Media: Connect with the community on Facebook, X, and Instagram by searching for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Edinburgh Airport (EDI) is located 12 km from the city center; the tram service reaches the start area in about 35 minutes for roughly $9.50.
- Public Transport: Frequent bus services and the Edinburgh Tram system connect all parts of the city to the Potterrow start area for a fare of approximately $2.60.
- Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi from the airport to the city center costs approximately $35.00 to $45.00; Uber and local firms like Central Taxis are readily available.
- Parking: Parking in the city center is very limited; it is highly recommended to use the Park and Ride facilities at Ingliston or Hermiston for about $10.00 per day.
- Other Access: Edinburgh Waverley railway station is a short 10 minute walk from the start line, making it very convenient for those traveling from other parts of the UK.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: The Balmoral Hotel offers iconic 5-star luxury for about $450.00 to $750.00 per night; Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh – The Caledonian provides opulent stays for $400.00 to $650.00 per night.
- Mid-Range Options: Novotel Edinburgh Centre is a modern and convenient choice for $180.00 to $280.00 per night; Apex City of Edinburgh Hotel offers great views for $160.00 to $250.00 per night.
- Budget Stays: The Social Hub Edinburgh provides a vibrant atmosphere for $100.00 to $160.00 per night; Ibis Edinburgh Centre Royal Mile offers efficient rooms for $90.00 to $150.00 per night.
Reviews
- Incredible Speed: I finally smashed my personal record on this course because the first few miles are so fast and the downhill really helps.
- Great Scenery: Running out toward the coast was so peaceful and the transition from the city streets to the sea air was amazing.
- Brilliant Support: The crowds in Musselburgh at the finish were so loud and encouraging that I forgot how tired my legs were.
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FAQ's
Where and when do I collect my race pack and timing chip?
Unlike many other major marathons, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival typically posts race packs to participants living in the UK several weeks before the event. If you are an international runner or your pack does not arrive, you will need to collect it from the event information point during the race weekend. Detailed instructions regarding the collection location and opening hours are sent to all registered participants via email in the month leading up to the race.
How do I get back to the city center from the finish line in Musselburgh?
The organizers provide a dedicated shuttle bus service that transports runners and spectators from the finish area at Pinkie Playing Fields back to the Edinburgh city center. These bus tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website to ensure you have a seat after you finish your run. Additionally, local bus services and the nearby Wallyford railway station provide frequent links back to the heart of Edinburgh for a small fee.
Is there a bag drop facility available at the start of the half marathon?
Yes, there is a comprehensive baggage deposit system located near the start line at Potterrow where you can leave one bag containing your post-race clothes. Your bag will be securely transported by the event team to the finish area in Musselburgh, where it will be waiting for you in the baggage hall. You must use the official baggage tag provided in your race pack to ensure your items are correctly identified and moved to the finish.
Are there specific starting pens based on my expected finish time?
To ensure a smooth and safe start for everyone, the race uses a colored pen system based on the estimated finish time you provided during registration. The fastest runners are placed in the front pens, while those expecting a more relaxed pace start further back to prevent congestion on the course. You should ensure you are in your designated pen at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time to avoid missing your wave.
What kind of on-course medical support is available for the participants?
The safety of runners is a top priority, and a professional medical team is stationed at regular intervals along the entire 13.1 mile route. There are fixed medical tents at all major hydration stations, as well as mobile units on bicycles and motorcycles to respond quickly to any incidents. If you feel unwell or sustain an injury during the race, simply alert the nearest course marshal or volunteer who will call for medical assistance immediately.
