A new chapter in history set in the streets of the ancient city of Edinburgh
The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in the world, where you can enjoy Scotland’s beautiful nature and historic cityscapes.
Starting at MacEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh, runners run along a high-speed, mostly downhill course while taking in the magnificent scenery along the Firth of Forth. One of the attractions of this unique course is that it blends history and sport, including passing through the world’s oldest golf course.
Recommended for runners who want to enjoy a challenge against themselves with the cityscape of the ancient city of Edinburgh as a backdrop.
An unforgettable running experience that combines history and nature
The Edinburgh Marathon course is a runner’s mecca, where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Scotland’s ancient capital. Starting at MacEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh, the exhilaration of running through the high-speed course against the backdrop of historical buildings and beautiful nature is exceptional.
Course Overview
・Starting point：Starting from Potter Row with MacEwan Hall at the University of Edinburgh as a backdrop, the course begins in the city center and the race begins in a vibrant atmosphere.
・0.5km：Greyfriars Kirkyard is where you will find the statue of Edinburgh’s beloved dog Bobby. As a symbol of loyalty, it gives courage to runners.
・1.0km：The Royal Mile is an iconic street in Edinburgh. You can see historical buildings such as St. Giles Cathedral and Edinburgh Castle up close.
・2.0km：The Scott Memorial is a Gothic monument dedicated to Sir Walter Scott. You will be overwhelmed by its majestic appearance.
・3.0km：The Scottish Parliament is a beautiful Gothic building. The view of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Palace from here is spectacular.
・10km：Portobello Promenade, a beautiful promenade along the Firth of Forth. You can run comfortably while feeling the sea breeze.
・15km：You can see the world’s oldest golf course, where golf has been played since 1672. It is a must-see spot for golf lovers.
・20km：Gosford House is a neoclassical mansion. Its majestic appearance will impress runners.
・Finish point：The excitement of running along the coast and seeing the finish line is indescribable. The moment you reach the finish line with the beautiful view of the Firth of Forth in the background will be an unforgettable memory.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：A flat course with a descent of almost 90 meters. It is known as a fast course and is also recommended for runners aiming to improve their personal bests.
・Temperature：The weather in Scotland is changeable, so be sure to prepare warm clothes and other necessary items.
Participant comments
“It was a really fun course where you could enjoy both historical buildings and beautiful nature at the same time.”
“It’s a fast course, so it’s great that you can aim to beat your personal best.”
“The cheers from the sidelines were encouraging and helped me to run to the end.”
Strategy
The primary strategy for conquering the Edinburgh Marathon is to utilize the initial dramatic downhill section without over-pacing. This early descent is a huge advantage for speed but requires control. Once you hit the flat East Lothian section, focus on maintaining a constant, strong rhythm and managing the coastal wind exposure. Use the city sights for distraction early on, and then concentrate on form during the long, flat stretch to Musselburgh for the PB attempt.
The Edinburgh Marathon is a 42.195km journey that will thrill your senses. Run through Scotland’s historic capital and along its stunning coastline, and achieve your fastest time on this celebrated flat course.
2025 Edinburgh Marathon Summary
・DATE：May 25, 2025
・FINISHERS： –
・Average Time：-
MEN
1: Marshall Smith: 2:22:16
2: Ben Holmes: 2:26:14
3: Kris Lecher: 2:26:57
4: Shaun Cumming: 2:27:28
5: Dougie Selman: 2:28:08
6: James Johnson: 2:30:46
7: Alex Mackenzie: 2:32:21
8: Ewan Cameron: 2:32:23
9: Russell Greaves: 2:33:38
10: Russell Cairns: 2:33:50
WOMEN
1: Melissah Gibson: 2:38:42
2: Kirsty Oldham: 2:45:30
3: Emily Soanes: 2:46:58
4: Antonia Seeger: 2:52:56
5: Katja Juhart: 2:56:44
6: Hannah Berry: 2:56:51
7: Lydia Mann: 3:00:27
8: Maddyson Mallet: 3:00:38
9: Chelsea Cruickshank: 3:00:56
10: Petra Tramte: 3:01:37
2026 Edinburgh Marathon
Calling all runners out there, this 42.195km race is a thrilling experience for you. Join fellow runners from around the world as you run through the streets of Edinburgh and along the scenic coast, chasing your personal best and experiencing something unforgettable.
・Location: Potterrow (The University of Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall)
・Date and time: May 24, 2026
・Start time: 10:00 am
Edinburgh, one of the UK’s leading cities, combines the charm of an ancient city with a modern atmosphere
Walking through the cobblestone streets, you can still see the strong traces of the Middle Ages. The majestic Edinburgh Castle overlooks the city, and traditional pubs line the lively Royal Mile. Meanwhile, the New Town is lined with sophisticated shops and art museums, creating a wonderful blend of history and modernity.
Edinburgh’s charm is full of diversity. History lovers will love the atmosphere of the ancient city, art lovers will enjoy exciting cultural events, nature lovers will enjoy beautiful gardens and hills, and food lovers will enjoy traditional dishes made with local ingredients. There is a lot to keep visitors entertained throughout the year.
For example, in the summer, the Edinburgh International Festival is held, attracting artists from all over the world, and the whole city becomes a festival of the arts. In addition, in the winter, a New Year’s Eve event called Hogmanay is held on a grand scale, and people from all over the world gather to welcome the New Year.
Another attraction of Edinburgh is its beautiful nature. Princes Street Garden in the city center is a place of relaxation that helps you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. From Arthur’s Seat, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city of Edinburgh. You can also take a walk along the Firth of Forth and feel the sea breeze as you relax.
Edinburgh is not just a tourist destination, but is also known as a city with a high quality of life. It is a university city that attracts excellent students from all over the world, and its vibrant cultural scene is also one of its attractions.
If you visit Edinburgh, be sure to visit the historical buildings, taste the local cuisine, and have a beer in a lively pub. And spend some time relaxing in the beautiful nature. Edinburgh is sure to capture your heart.
