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Edinburgh Marathon 2026

Edinburgh Marathon 2026

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Tick a marathon off your bucket list and be part of Scotland's biggest running festival!

Take in some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks and picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline at the Edinburgh Marathon. It's voted the flattest marathon in the UK - perfect for anyone to take it on, from first-timers to those chasing a personal best!

Join the tens of thousands of runners for Edinburgh Marathon and run with #TeamPlace2Be - every step of the way you'll be helping children and young people get the mental health support they need.

Key information

Date: 24 May 2026

Location: Edinburgh

Distance: Marathon (26.2 miles)

Minimum age: You must be 18 years old or older on the event day

How to enter the Edinburgh Marathon

We would love to have you run for us on race day! There are two ways you can get a place to run for us:

  • Secure a charity place with Place2Be: As a charity, we get a certain number of places in the Edinburgh Marathon every year. You can apply to secure one of these places by filling in our form.
  • Choose to run for Place2Be using your own place: If you've secured your own place via the Edinburgh Marathon organisers, you can still raise money for Place2Be.
Register for a charity place today

Fill in the form below to get a charity place with #TeamPlace2Be and take part in Edinburgh Marathon 2026. You'll raise vital funds to ensure no child has to face mental health problems alone.

  • Registration fee: £30
  • Minimum fundraising pledge: £500

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I already have my own place confirmed

If you've already purchased your own place in the event from the event organisers via the ballot, there would be no extra entry fee. You can set your own fundraising target.

If you're not sure what type of place you have, please get in touch with our Events team.

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Why should I run for Place2Be?

By joining #TeamPlace2Be, you'll be fundraising for our vital in-school services to help more children and young people get the mental health support they need.

Every penny and pound your raise for your Edinburgh Marathon will fund:

  • mental health support in schools for pupils
  • vital mental health training and resources for staff, parents and families
  • our work increasing the number of mental health professionals who can become a qualified counsellor with Place2Be.

How we'll support you

When you join Team Place2Be, you'll get the superstar treatment!

Our fundraising pack full of top tips

A personalised Place2Be running vest

Regular e-newsletters to keep you up to date and motivated in the lead up to the event

Support from our dedicated Events Team who will be on hand with training and fundraising advice

An invitation to a Place2Be school visit or webinar

The friendliest cheer squad to support you on the big day!

FAQs
Where is the Edinburgh Marathon?

The Edinburgh Marathon takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland. The run starts on Potterrow and takes you through the city's old town and past many of Edinburgh's major landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle, St Giles Cathedral and the Scott Monument.

See the full route map
When is the Edinburgh Marathon?

Edinburgh Marathon 2026 is taking place on Sunday 24 May 2026.

How far is the Edinburgh Marathon?

The run is a full marathon, which is 26.2 miles.

How much money do I need to raise?

If you have a charity place with Place2Be, we ask you to raise at least £500. Our friendly fundraising team will support you every step of the way and can support you in reaching this target.  

If you secure your own place from Edinburgh Marathon, you'll be free to set your own fundraising target! 

We've also got lots of fundraising resources designed to help you raise money.

How old do I have to be to run the Edinburgh Marathon?

You need to be at least 18 years old on the day of the Edinburgh Marathon to take part.

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More information

Do you have a question or would like more information? We're here to help! You can: