Edinburgh Marathon 2026
- Potterrow, Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9BX
- 24 May 2026
- 26.2 miles
The challenge
The Edinburgh Marathon is perfect for beginners or experienced runners looking for a new personal best. This flat course has a descent of almost 90 metres and is among the fastest marathon routes in the world.
The route takes you through Edinburgh's historic city centre past iconic landmarks including Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh Castle, the Scottish Parliament and Arthur's Seat. You'll run along the beautiful coastline past the oldest golf course in the world, along Port Seaton promenade, before being greeted by cheering crowds at the finish line back in Musselburgh.
You must be at least 18 years old to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon.
Already have your own place?
If you've already secured a spot, you can help create housing justice by running and fundraising for Shelter Scotland. We'd love for you to join the team – please get in touch.
Run with usFundraise for Shelter Scotland
When you fundraise for Shelter Scotland, you help us to provide vital expert support and advice to those affected by the housing emergency.
We recommend setting up a JustGiving page for online fundraising. If you do not already have a fundraising page, our community fundraising team can help you set one up once you've registered for the event.
You can ask people to sponsor you through your fundraising page or use a paper fundraising form.
We're here to support you with your fundraising. If you have any questions, please email us at communityscotland@shelter.org.uk.
Find our fundraising resources here.
Gift Aid on donations
Please encourage people who sponsor you to include Gift Aid in their donations. It's a fantastic way to help us raise extra funds and be there for more people who are living in unsafe housing conditions.
Gift Aid does not count towards your fundraising target.
What you get from Shelter Scotland
Shelter Scotland running top (once £40 raised)
finisher's medal and distance keyring
finisher's t shirt
finisher's pack
personalised event number with timing chip
event baggage facilities
hydration and energy gel on route
hydration and nutrition at the finish
More information about the Edinburgh Marathon
If you can no longer take part
Your place is non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you've collected donations online with JustGiving, ask your donors if they're still happy for their donation to be passed on to Shelter Scotland. If they are, your online funds are automatically sent to us. Your donors can request a refund from JustGiving if they no longer wish to donate.
Got your own place at this event?
If you've already secured a spot for this event, you can use your place to help create housing justice by fundraising for Shelter Scotland. We'd love you to join our team!
Get the most from your training
We've created plans to help you get the most from your training. Whatever your ability and event, we're here to help.
We can't fight the housing emergency without your help
Want to fundraise for Shelter Scotland? Take a look at all our challenges, runs and options if you want to organise your own event.
Whether you run, dance, walk miles in your kilt or crawl through mud, every pound you raise helps us to fight the housing emergency.
Thanks to fundraisers like you, in 2024 over 17,000 people got advice through our helpline and webchat services, and there were over 2 million views of our online advice pages.
Together we can continue to create long-term change and fight the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and society.