Date: 24th May 2026
Start time: 10am
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh Marathon
Entry: £30
Sponsorship: £600
Organiser: Edinburgh Running Festival
Contact: Acorns Events team
Telephone: 01564 825037
Please read the full terms and conditions before signing up.
Run at the Edinburgh Marathon 2026 with #TeamAcorns
Join #TeamAcorns for the second largest marathon in the UK. The Edinburgh Marathon has sold out every year since 2008, so get your place secured today.
Fast and flat, this course was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it’s your first marathon or you are looking for a PB.
The marathon features in a weekend of events as part of the Edinburgh Running Festival. This has grown over the years and is now a major fixture in the Scottish sporting calendar.
The full weekend of events attracts around 30,000 runners, with thousands more lining the course to support. There are nine races on offer over two days including the Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k, 10k and more. There really is something for everyone, so why not make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend.
Secure your charity place today
We are excited to offer a limited number of charity race entries for the 2026 marathon! Each place has a minimum fundraising target. Your charity entry includes:
- An Acorns water bottle and t shirt to use while you’re training
- Bespoke support from our specialist Events team to help with your training and fundraising
- Monthly check ins with our Events team as you build towards the big day
- A fundraising pack with ideas to help you meet your fundraising target
- An Acorns running vest to wear proudly on the big day
- Finishers’ t shirt
- Personalised event number with accurate timing chip
- Hydration and energy gel on route, and hydration and nutrition at the finish
- Results posted in your account within 48 hours
- A unique themed medal
- Post race finishers’ pack
Not quite up for the full marathon? That’s perfectly okay, every step counts!
Join us at the Edinburgh Running Festival and take on one of the incredible alternative challenges, whether it’s a 5k, 10k, or half marathon, you’ll experience the stunning sights of Edinburgh while making a huge difference.
No matter the distance, you’ll be a valued part of #TeamAcorns, helping to create lasting impact for the children and families supported by Acorns. Let’s go the distance together, your journey starts here!
Take on a race
Friends or family coming to cheer you on?
Let us know, and we’ll send them an Acorns Cheer Kit – complete with banners, noisemakers and plenty of spirit! Help your supporters go the extra mile and make some serious noise as you race towards the finish line!
Marathon route
Starting at Potterrow with the stunning backdrop of The University of Edinburgh’s McEwan Hall, this scenic city-centre marathon route showcases some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.
Early in the course, you’ll pass Greyfriars Kirkyard, home to the beloved Greyfriars Bobby, before crossing the historic Royal Mile between St Giles’ Cathedral and the magnificent Edinburgh Castle.
Another highlight comes as the route winds through Princes Street Gardens, offering views of the striking Scott Monument, before leading past the Scottish Parliament and the dramatic backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and the Palace of Holyrood.
The course then follows the coastline to Portobello promenade and on to Musselburgh, where runners pass the world’s oldest golf course and the grand Gosford House. With a final flat stretch and a welcome descent of nearly 90 metres, the route concludes near sea level with a spectacular coastal finish – one of the fastest and most picturesque marathon endings in the world.
Already have a place in the race?
If you already have a place, you can still join #TeamAcorns and help to raise funds for local children and families. Our Events team will be on hand to support you throughout.
Kick start your fundraising
We’re here to support you all the way! By signing up for the event you will receive an Acorns running vest, support from our Events team to help with your training and fundraising and the amazing feeling you’ll get from knowing you’re making a real difference to local children! Here are some simple ways to give your fundraising a boost, if you need more support we’d be happy to help. Just get in touch at events@acorns.org.uk.
I want to join #TeamAcorns
If you have secured your place in the Edinburgh Running Festival and would like to support Acorns through your run, please fill out the form below and one of our team will be in touch soon.