Edinburgh Marathon 2026

24 May 2026

Edinburgh

Edinburgh Marathon 2026

24 May 2026

Edinburgh

About the event

Distance:
26.2 miles
Ability:
Intermediate

Fast & flat, this course was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it’s your first marathon or you are looking for a Personal Best!

The Edinburgh Marathon has sold out every year since 2008 and is the second largest marathon in the UK, behind only London.

Register your place!

Secure your place at the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon, running with the SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity team!

Register today!

Enjoy the May Bank Holiday weekend with a trip away to Scotland’s beautiful capital city and enjoy running against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and along the shore of the Forth estuary.

Your registration fee includes a lot more than just the event.  All participants will receive:

  • SSAFA running vest
  • SSAFA training support
  • Wicking finisher's t-shirt
  • Finisher's medal & distance keyring
  • Finisher's pack
  • Personalised event number with accurate timing chip
  • Event baggage facilities
  • Hydration & energy gel on route
  • Hydration & nutrition at the finish
  • Results posted in your account within 48 hours
  • Fantastic running experience


If you would like any more information, please email Scott.Cunningham@ssafa.org.uk. 

Location and Travel

How to get there

By Car:

There is no parking available in Musselburgh and restrictions are in place. Please plan your travel and use public transport or the EMF Event Buses.

Please DO NOT take your car to Musselburgh.

The continuing success of the event depends upon the support of the local community and sadly last year, despite parking restrictions being in place we experienced massive problems with runners and spectators parking illegally, blocking bus routes, residents driveways and even cars being abandoned on the pavements making it impossible for people using wheelchairs or parents with prams to use the pavement, instead being forced onto the open road to pass.

If you are parking anywhere over the event weekend, please do so legally and with respect to those who live in these areas, however please note that parking in Musselburgh and the surrounding area is restricted and for residents only.

Police Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, East Lothian Council and EMF organisers take this issue very seriously and the following measures will be in operation. There will be marshals in place to enforce parking restrictions. Only residents will be issued passes to access the restricted area. The drivers of all vehicles parked illegally will be fined.

Please help us by planning your travel in advance of the event weekend and where possible, leave the car and choose one of the many transport options available.

 

By Event Bus:

There will be EMF Event Buses operating for the Half Marathon and Full Marathon events for participants and spectators. Park & Ride EMF Event Buses operate between Newcraighall, Straiton, Sheriffhall and Wallyford Park & Ride sites, from which you can travel to the Start or Finish of the events. 

 

By Train:

Getting to the start

The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley. It is around a mile from the start at Potterrow. 

The finish and getting back to Edinburgh city centre after the event

The nearest train stations are Musselburgh Train Station and Wallyford Train Station. They are both around 1 mile from the finish area. These trains will take you to Edinburgh Waverley. For more information please visit www.scotrail.co.uk.