Edinburgh Marathon 2026
Edinburgh Marathon 2026
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 at 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!
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.
Superstar treatment with Team Place2Be
Run with us and you’ll enjoy plenty of perks to help you every step of the way!
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
By joining Team Place2Be, you’ll be raising money to help ensure that no child has to face mental health problems alone.
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.
The impact of your fundraising
£54
£54 could pay for a child struggling with trauma to have a 50-minute one-to-one session with a counsellor
£252
£252 could pay for 4 specialised parent coaching sessions for a parent and child to have together
£500
£500 could allow 31 children to book their own appointment to speak to a mental health professional about issues like anxiety
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.
Read more about the event
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.
What's the difference between a charity place and own place?
Charity place: If you haven't got a place from the race event organisers, you can secure a charity place for a race through a charity.
Own place: If you've secured your own place via the race event organisers, you can choose to run for a charity and raise money.
If you're not sure what type of place you have, please get in touch with our Events team and we'll be able to help!
More information
Do you have a question or would like more information? We're here to help! You can get in touch with our fundraising events team and we'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.
Contact us
