Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026

The Edinburgh Marathon is a fantastic route which takes in some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks as well as offering picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline. Voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World, the Edinburgh Marathon is ideal if this is your first marathon or you are looking for a new personal best. But you’ll need to be quick to get your place as the Edinburgh Marathon has sold out every year since 2008.

Every penny you raise will directly support research to improve the lives of people living with motor neuron disease (MND) and related conditions. 

We have partnered with EMF to offer a limited number of charity places to this event. There is a minimum sponsorship requirement for runners applying for a charity place, but not for runners buying their own place. The choice is yours and you’ll receive a free branded t-shirt or running top either way.

Sunday, 24^th May 2025

EMF Marathon

£400 minimum sponsorship target or standard own entry place from £82.00

EMF Half

£300 minimum sponsorship target or standard own entry place from £46.25

EMF Relay

£500 minimum sponsor target (£125 per runner) or standard own entry place from £151.25 (£37.82 per runner)

Saturday, 23^rd May 2025

EMF 10K

£150 minimum sponsorship target or standard own entry place from £36.50

EMF 5K

£100 minimum sponsorship target or standard own entry place from £24.25

JustGiving

Once registered, set-up your JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/EMC4MND following the simple steps below:

Step 1:             Add your photo to let your friends and family know they’re at the right page

Step 2:             Use your story to let your supporters know why you’re fundraising

Step 3:             Set an ambitious fundraising target

When creating your page, JustGiving will automatically generate a unique URL; it’s worthwhile changing this to something easy to remember. And please opt-in to receive keep in touch with your chosen charity (that’s us) when completing your page.

We’re here to help

Thank you so much for fundraising in aid of the Euan MacDonald Centre. We will be delighted to support you with your fundraising, whether it be giving advice on setting up your online sponsorship page, supplying promotional materials, or creating social media assets for you. If you get in touch, you will receive:

• help setting up your JustGiving page
• printable sponsorship forms
• promotional assets for your social media channels
• a free branded t-shirt or running top and water bottle

Whatever running event you chose to take part in, please make sure it is appropriate for your level of fitness. As well as being a challenge, it should also be doable and fun!

Useful links

Get in touch: Kerry.Mackay@ed.ac.uk

JustGiving: www.justgiving.com/campaign/EMC4MND

EMF website: www.edinburghmarathon.com

Fundraising Pack: Download a fundraising pack

Get inspired

Graeme Barry

Working at the Edinburgh Brain Bank, Graeme sees the importance of research in combating MND. Graeme felt compelled to channel his passion for running into raising funds.

David Brook

David was affected greatly by his grandfather Arthur's struggle with MND. This, together with a commitment to fitness and fundraising challenges, led David to attempt the Edinburgh Half Marathon.

Amy Stenson

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

David Thomson

An MND Clinical Nurse Specialist, David views the Edinburgh Half Marathon as an opportunity to contribute to the cause beyond his regular clinical work.

The University of Edinburgh Development Trust

The University of Edinburgh Development Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, with registration number SC004307. The Development Trust processes all donations in aid of the Euan MacDonald Centre for MND Research. All the money received through your fundraising will directly support research into motor neuron disease and related conditions. Thank You for your support.