The Edinburgh Marathon: A Guide to Scotland's Capital City Race

The Edinburgh Marathon is one of the UK's most iconic running events, offering runners a chance to take on the historic city of Edinburgh. With a famously fast and flat course that winds past medieval buildings and sweeping city views, it's no wonder the Edinburgh Marathon attracts over 25,000 runners each year. This in-depth guide will provide you with everything you need to know about running the Edinburgh Marathon.

The Edinburgh Marathon was established in 2003 by Neil Kilgour, a keen amateur runner and native of Edinburgh. Kilgour was inspired to create the event after running the London Marathon and noticing the lack of a major marathon in Scotland. After 18 months of planning, Kilgour launched the inaugural Edinburgh Marathon in May 2003 with just over 8000 participants. The route began and ended in Holyrood Park, located near the Scottish Parliament buildings and the famous Arthur's Seat. Runners got sweeping views of Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Calton Hill as they wound through the city. The first race was won by Todd Williams of England in a time of 2:21:33. Morag MacLarty was the first female finisher in 2:42:43. The Edinburgh Marathon quickly grew in popularity, establishing itself as Scotland's premier marathon event. By 2011 participation had swelled to over 25,000 runners, with the event selling out months in advance. The marathon helped put Edinburgh on the map internationally as a running destination. In 2010, the Edinburgh Marathon was purchased by IMG, a global sports management company. IMG expanded the event into a marathon festival encompassing the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K distances. They developed the event into one of the fastest marathons in the UK, with the men's course record now standing at 2:13:28 and the women's at 2:29:25. Over its history, the Edinburgh Marathon has become an integral part of the city's sporting culture. It's an event that highlights both Edinburgh's ancient history and cosmopolitan present. From elite athletes chasing records to charity runners dressed in costumes, the marathon showcases all the vibrancy of Scotland's capital.

The Edinburgh Marathon course highlights the best of Edinburgh's iconic architecture, history, and natural beauty. The point-to-point route begins in the village of Milsey Bay to the north of the city centre and finishes in Holyrood Park next to the famous Edinburgh Castle. The route heads south from Milsey Bay through the seaside community of Silverknowes. It then turns inland, taking runners south through the neighbourhoods of Davidson Mains and Cramond. Around mile 5, it crosses over the River Almond on the historic Cramond Bridge. After passing through the scenic Cramond village, the course runs along the River Forth, offering spectacular views across the Firth of Forth to Fife. Around mile 8, the route turns south to head through the city centre. It winds through the Georgian architecture of the New Town before leading runners down the Royal Mile with Edinburgh Castle looming ahead.The halfway point is reached just below Edinburgh Castle in Holyrood Park. The route does a loop of Arthur's Seat, giving runners stunning skyline views, before heading back up the Royal Mile and through the New Town. Around mile 20, the course heads into the port area of Leith, passing by the Royal Yacht Britannia. The route then winds west along the Water of Leith riverwalk way before turning north back through the city centre. The final miles take runners back through Holyrood Park, with the finish line located in the park with the Scottish Parliament and Arthur’s Seat as a backdrop. Spectators lining the route and the final stretch create an electric atmosphere for runners headed to the finish.

For those considering taking part in the 2024 Edinburgh Marathon, here are some key details:

• The 2024 event takes place on Sunday, May 25, 2024.
• The marathon starts at 10:00 am with the wheelchair athletes beginning at 9:45 am. The half marathon kicks off at 10:15 am.
• The marathon course limit is 6 hours. Athletes still on the course after 4:30 pm will be directed to sidewalks to finish.
• The entry fee for the marathon is £90. The half marathon entry fee is £65. Entry fees increase as the event nears. 
• There are over 25,000 spots available in the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K events combined. The marathon and half marathon sell out quickly.
• The 2024 event will maintain the current fast, flat course that passes through Edinburgh's historic heart. The marathon course record stands at 2:13:38 for men and 2:29:25 for women.
• Participants must be 18 or older on race day. The half marathon has an additional 16+ age category.
• Participants receive a technical t-shirt and finisher's medal. There are fluid stations and medical services along the route.
• A Marathon Festival Expo takes place for several days prior to the race at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

For those aiming to qualify for the 2024 Boston Marathon, the Edinburgh Marathon's net downhill and fast course provide an excellent opportunity. The 2024 Boston Marathon qualifying times are 3:00 for men 18-34 and 3:30 for women 18-34.

Preparing properly for any marathon is key to both enjoying the experience on race day and finishing strong. Training for the iconic Edinburgh Marathon takes dedication and smart preparation. Here are some tips on how to train for and successfully complete the 26.2-mile distance:

• Give yourself at least 4-5 months of training. Beginners may want to provide even more time, up to 9 months.
• Build up your mileage gradually. Start with a mix of short and long runs during the week. Over time, work up to where you can comfortably complete at least one 18-20 mile training run.
• Try to run 3-4 days per week, with one day of cross-training like cycling or swimming. Take rest days to allow your body to recover and strengthen. 
• Include speed work like tempo runs and intervals. These will get your body used to running at your goal marathon pace.
• Choose a structured marathon plan rather than winging it. Plans help balance mileage and workouts. Some good starter plans are Hal Higdon Novice 1 or Runner's World Sub-4 Hour plan.
• Practice hydrating and fueling during long runs. This will teach your body to absorb fluids and energy gels when running for hours.
• Run for time on feet rather than distance as you build up. Get comfortable running for 3, 4, 5+ hours at a time.
• Sign up for a half marathon tune-up race. This will help prepare you for racing day logistics.
• Stay injury-free by listening to your body, cross-training, foam rolling, and getting enough rest.
• Break in multiple pairs of shoes and test gear like socks, shorts and sports bras on long runs.
• Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet to properly fuel training. Increase carb intake during peak training.

If you're planning to watch the Edinburgh Marathon and support the runners, here are some tips to get the most out of the experience:

• The marathon has a free spectator zone at the finish line in Holyrood Park. Arrive early to grab a good spot with views of the home stretch.
• Check the event map and plan your walking route between viewing spots in advance. Much of the course is accessible on foot. 
• Some top viewing spots include Cramond/River Almond, the Gyle Shopping Center area around mile 10, Royal Mile around mile 13, finish line in Holyrood Park.
• Bring supplies - snacks, fluids, umbrellas or blankets depending on the weather. Keep yourself fueled and comfortable.
• Make signs and cheer loudly! The crowds really help motivate runners through challenging miles.
• Download the event app which allows you to track runners by bib number and receive progress alerts.
• Photography is allowed but be respectful and don't obstruct runners. Get down low for great finish-line celebration shots.
• Stick around the finish area for as long as you can to support runners coming in later waves. The stands clear out but runners appreciate every cheer.
• Offer to be the designated gear check person. Marathoners have to lug around bags pre and post-race. Help them out by keeping an eye on their stuff.
• Can't make it race day? Hold supportive marathon posters along the training route leading up to the big day.

Spectating the Edinburgh Marathon offers a front-row seat to an inspiring event. With smart planning and enthusiastic support, you can provide a huge morale boost to your loved ones tackling the iconic course.

The Edinburgh Marathon has grown into a weekend-long Marathon Festival comprising of various running events. In addition to the marathon, the festival features:

The Edinburgh half marathon follows the second half of the marathon course, taking in 13.1 miles of Edinburgh's scenic landscape. The half marathon Edinburgh starts 30 minutes after the marathon, with a wave start to ease congestion on the narrow sections of the course.

The half marathon is a great introduction to Edinburgh for first-time visitors. It hits many of the city's highlights including the Royal Mile, Holyrood Park, Calton Hill, and the Water of Leith. The course has a few gentle hills between miles 8-10 which add some challenge. The finish line descent down the Royal Mile and final stretch in Holyrood Park give runners an unforgettable run to the end. 

The half marathon has grown hugely in popularity, selling out months in advance. Entry fee is £65 and runners receive a technical t-shirt and finisher's medal. There are pacers to help runners target specific finish times. The course record is 1:02:35 for men and 1:12:31 for women.

The 10K provides an intermediate distance challenge at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. The scenic course follows the second half of the marathon route, taking in the city center, port, and finish in Holyrood Park. The event has grown rapidly, selling out months in advance. Entry fee is £40 and includes a technical t-shirt and bespoke finisher's medal. The cap is set at 7,500 runners split into separate waves by predicted finish time. The 10K heads out from the city center at Market Street and winds south through Old Town. It crosses the picturesque Water of Leith via Dean Village around the halfway point. The route returns along the river before veering west through the city center. It finishes by descending the Royal Mile with the final stretch in Holyrood Park lined with cheering crowds. Prizes are awarded to top overall and age group finishers. There are also prizes for runners who best predict their finishing time during registration. Pacers run with groups targeting popular finish times like sub-50 or sub-60 minutes. The 10K strikes a nice balance between distance, scenery, and challenge. It provides an alternative for runners not quite ready for the half or full marathon. Finishing the beautiful Edinburgh course provides a major sense of accomplishment.

The 5K takes place on the Saturday morning of marathon weekend. The course loops around Holyrood Park, located near the marathon start/finish area. Runners get beautiful views of Arthur's Seat and the surrounding cityscape. It has a affordable entry fee of just £20 that makes it accessible to casual runners. Registration includes a finishers medal in the shape of Arthur's Seat given to all participants. Prizes are awarded to top finishers in various age group categories. The family-friendly atmosphere and achievable distance makes the 5K popular with new runners. Parents often push children in strollers while seasoned racers vie for top honours. Fancy dress is encouraged which leads to colourful costumes along the route.

The 5K sells out every year, capping at 5000 participants. However, the loop course means spectators can easily cheer on runners multiple times. The Edinburgh 5K provides a lively warm-up act for the Marathon Festival.

The Junior Marathon allows kids ages 4-16 to experience marathon race day excitement. The 1.5 mile course follows the home stretch of the marathon, finishing on the raceway in Holyrood Park. The Junior Marathon happens the day before the main Marathon events. Registration is £15 and includes a t-shirt, medal and goody bag. Parents are allowed to run alongside their children for guidance and safety. The race has a fun, festive atmosphere with music playing and massive support along the route. Costumes are popular with some schools having coordinated outfits. Students from local Edinburgh schools design motivational signs to cheer runners to the finish. For many local youth, completing the Junior Marathon is a rite of passage and early introduction to the joy of running. The inspiring environment often motivates kids to continue training towards the 10K or half marathon when they get older.

The Torchlight Run amps up the drama the evening before race day. Participants complete a 5K loop around Holyrood Park in darkness, using flickering head torches to light the way. The unique nighttime course provides stunning views of Arthur's Seat silhouetted by the torchlight. The sea of bobbing lights creates an unforgettable atmosphere as runners weave through the night. Registration is £25 and includes a head torch, technical t-shirt, and a medal with a glow in the dark strap. Prices increase closer to race day with a cap at 1000 participants. In addition to awards, prizes are given for the most creative torch decor and best costume. The Torchlight Run's striking visuals provide an artistic start to marathon weekend.

Edinburgh Marathon weekend wraps up with the Fun Run, a casual 2.5K loop of Holyrood Park open to all ages and abilities. With a modest registration fee of £10, the Fun Run's aim is participation over competition. The relaxed course and party atmosphere make it popular with families.Fancy dress is highly encouraged with clever costumes and colorful outfits on display. Prizes are awarded for the best dressed individuals and groups, incentivizing creative attire. The Fun Run draws thousands of runners, walkers, and even four legged friends. Strollers and dogs on leashes are a common sight. The event provides a celebratory cool down honoring the entire running community.