Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026

Challenge yourself, soak in the stunning Edinburgh cityscape, and be part of something unforgettable—sign up now for the Edinburgh Marathon 2026 and support MND research at the Euan MacDonald Centre!

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) is one of the UK’s most scenic and popular running events, taking participants through the heart of Scotland’s historic capital and along the beautiful East Lothian coastline. By running in support of MND research at the Euan MacDonald Centre, you’ll not only take on a personal challenge but also help fund vital scientific work aimed at understanding and improving the outcomes for people living with motor neuron disease.  

With nine events to choose from, there's something for everyone. What will you do?

The events

EMF marathon: 24 May 2026 10.00am

Voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World. Enjoy a fantastic all-encompassing route which takes in some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks as well as offering picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline.

EMF half: 24 May 2026 8.00am

The PB potential on this fabulously flat and fast route is high! If you are planning the EMF Half as your first half-marathon, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the course starts on a downhill, then flattens out all the way to the finish line. Starting at Potterrow in Edinburgh, this route hits many iconic venues of Edinburgh before making its way to Musselburgh, where you will experience the roar of the crowds on the finish straight.

EMF relay (Hairy Haggis): 24 May 2026 10.00am

he EMF Relay is a chance for a team of four to join forces and complete the Edinburgh Marathon! With each relay leg posing a different challenge, make sure you pick and order your team wisely; which lucky runner will get The Glory Leg?

EMF 10k: 23 May 2026 9.00am

The 10K falls on the Saturday of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend and is run in the stunning surroundings of Holyrood Park. Starting and finishing near Dynamic Earth, this route offers striking panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle.

EMF 5k: 23 May 2026 11.00am

The EMF 5K takes place on the Saturday of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend and is run in the stunning surroundings of Holyrood Park. Starting and finishing near Dynamic Earth, this route offers striking panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle.

EMF 5k Junior: 23 May 2026 12.00pm

The EMF Junior 5K is for 11-18 year olds and takes place on the Saturday of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival weekend. The event offers a picturesque route around Holyrood Park with stunning panoramic views of the city and Edinburgh Castle. It’s the perfect way for teenagers to get involved in EMF Weekend.

EMF 2k Junior: 23 May 2026 1.00pm

The EMF Junior 2K is for 9-12 year olds. The junior races are a fantastic way to get children active and encourage them to get involved in running. As with the 5K and 10K races, the routes will be run around the beautiful Holyrood Park.

EMF 1.5k Junior: 23 May 2026 1.30pm​

The EMF Junior 1.5K is for 6-8 year olds. The junior races are a fantastic way to get children active and encourage them to get involved in running. As with the 5K and 10K races, the routes will be run around the beautiful Holyrood Park.

EMF Kids Kilometre: 23 May 2026 2.00pm

The EMF Kids’ Kilometre is for 3-6 year olds. The junior races are a fantastic way to get children active and encourage them to get involved in running. As with the 5K and 10K races, the routes will be run around the beautiful Holyrood Park.

Be inspired

Read some of our supporter stories from our 2025 Edinburgh Marathon fundraisers.

David Story who took on the EMF to honour Euan MacDonald, a remarkable man.

Graeme Barry felt compelled to channel his passion for running into raising funds.

David Thomson an MND Clinical Nurse Specialist, viewed the EMF as an opportunity to contribute to the cause beyond his regular clinical work.

David Brook was greatly affected by his grandfather Arthur's struggle with MND, led David to attempt the Edinburgh Half Marathon in 2025.

Amy Stenson a dedicated researcher working on the MND-SMART clinical trial, turned her passion for running to raise funds and awareness for the Euan MacDonald Centre.

JustGiving

Once you've registered it's time to set-up your JustGiving page by visiting the Euan MacDonald Centre JustGiving page (external website). Click on "start fundraising" - set an ambitious fundraising goal and use your story to tell your donors what you are doing to raise funds for the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research. Add your photo to your JustGiving page, so your supporters know they're at the right page!

Please click to opt-in to receive communications from your chosen charity (that’s us) when you set up your Just Giving page. This will allow our fundraising team to provide advice and support for your fundraising activity, let you know how your donation is helping, and invite you to events.

When creating your page, JustGiving will automatically generate a unique URL – it’s worthwhile changing this to something easier to remember. We can create a QR code for your page that you can use to promote your fundraising.

Let us know

Please let us know when you have registered, and if you tell us what size you want, we’ll send you a free branded t-shirt to wear on your training days and on the big day itself!” We can also send you a water bottle. Email Kerry Mackay, Senior Community Fundraising Officer for more information.

Help and support

For help and support fundraising for the Euan MacDonald Centre please email Kerry Mackay, Senior Community Fundraising Officer.

For more information

The information above is taken from the Edinburgh Marathon Festival website please check their website for any further information or updates: Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF) (external website).

You can find out about any accessibility details on the EMF frequently asked questions section (external website).