Edinburgh Marathon 2027

What is the route of the Edinburgh Marathon 2027

The marathon starts at Potterrow, with the University of Edinburgh's McEwan Hall as a backdrop, with the start scheduled for 10:00 AM. The opening metres pass Greyfriars Kirkyard before entering the historic Old Town.

The course crosses the Royal Mile, with St Giles' Cathedral on one side and Edinburgh Castle on the other, and descends into the New Town via The Mound, with Princes Street Gardens and the Scott Monument in view. The route then returns to the Royal Mile, with views of the Scottish Parliament, Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace.

From there, the course heads towards the coast, passing through Portobello and Musselburgh — home to the world's oldest golf course, dating to 1672 — before reaching Gosford House, an imposing neoclassical mansion designed by architect Robert Adam.

Runners return along the coastal route to the finish, near the sea, after a total descent of almost 90 metres that makes this one of the fastest marathons on the planet. The cut-off time to finish is 6 hours 30 minutes, with a sweeper bus following at the pace of the time limit.

Key kilometer points of the Edinburgh Marathon 2027

• Km 0-8 — Salida en Potterrow

  Arranque junto al McEwan Hall, cruzando la Milla Real junto a la Catedral de St Giles y el Castillo de Edimburgo.

• Km 8-19 — New Town y Holyrood

  Descenso por The Mound hacia los jardines de Princes Street, con vistas al Parlamento escocés, Arthur's Seat y el Palacio de Holyrood.

• Km 19-32 — Costa hacia Musselburgh

  El trazado se dirige hacia la costa pasando por Portobello y Musselburgh, sede del campo de golf más antiguo del mundo.

• Km 32-42,195 — Gosford House y meta junto al mar

  Tramo final por la ruta costera con un descenso acumulado de casi 90 metros hasta la meta.

Where to stay for the Edinburgh Marathon 2027

The start is at Potterrow, near the centre, while the finish is by the sea, far from the centre; most runners prefer to stay in the historic centre, near the start, and use public transport to get back from the finish.

The Old Town, next to the Royal Mile, is the most practical option, with plenty of hotels and within walking distance of the start.

Getting there from the airport for the Edinburgh Marathon 2027

Edinburgh Airport is connected to the centre by tram, reaching Princes Street in about 30 minutes for around £5.50-7.90.

The Airlink 100 bus is a slightly cheaper alternative (around £6), taking 30-45 minutes to Waverley Bridge, with departures every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Marathon 2027

When does the Edinburgh Marathon 2027 take place?

The marathon runs on Sunday, May 30, 2027, starting at 10:00 AM from Potterrow.

What is the time limit to finish the marathon?

The maximum time is 6 hours 30 minutes from when the last runner crosses the start line, with a sweeper bus following at the pace of the time limit.

Is there a baggage drop service?

Yes. The baggage area is right next to the start, on Potterrow.

How often are the refreshment stations?

The course has regular hydration points, plus High5 energy gels at the designated energy stations along the route.

Are there toilets available?

Yes, there are large numbers of toilets available, though demand rises significantly as the start time approaches.

What do I receive after finishing?

Every finisher receives a technical t-shirt, a medal with a commemorative keyring and a finisher pack; the bib includes an accurate timing chip.

Is this a fast marathon?

Yes. With a total descent of almost 90 metres and a largely flat profile, it's been voted the UK's fastest marathon.

About Edinburgh Marathon 2027

The Edinburgh Marathon is part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and has been voted the UK's fastest marathon by Runner's World thanks to its downhill, largely flat profile. Every year it brings together thousands of runners on the streets of the Scottish capital.

The course combines the best of Edinburgh's historic Old Town — the Royal Mile, the Castle, Holyrood — with a coastal stretch into East Lothian, passing through towns such as Musselburgh, Prestonpans and Port Seton. With an elevation drop of almost 90 metres, it's one of Europe's most favourable marathons for a new personal best.

The Edinburgh Marathon takes place on May 30, 2027, starting at Potterrow, next to the University of Edinburgh's McEwan Hall, and finishing near the coast. Taking part is an opportunity to run through one of Scotland's most beautiful cities.