Event information
Date: 24th May 2026
Location: Edinburgh
Registration Fee: from £10
Fundraising Target: from £75
About Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Marathon
24th May 2026 10:00 am
The marathon at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is regarded as the fastest marathon in the UK, making it the ideal race to bag a new PB or embark on your first 26.2-mile race. Runners will be treated to stunning city views with some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks as well as the picturesque East Lothian coastline.
Half Marathon
24th May 2026 08:00 am
Just like the marathon, this half marathon course offers real PB potential to runners in truly beautiful surroundings – from the Scottish capital’s iconic landmarks to the tranquillity of the East Lothian coastline.
10k
23rd May 2026 09:00 am
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.
5k
23rd May 2026 11:00 am
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.
For any further information, please see the race organisers FAQs and race terms.
What you’ll get
By signing up for the Edinburgh Marathon Festival and running for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, you become part of the Roy’s Runners family.
- Your own personalised Roy’s Runners technical vest
- Support and training advice to help you prepare for race day
- A welcome pack with all you need to know about fundraising
- An invitation to our Roy’s Runners Facebook group where you can chat with fellow runners
- Your very own Roy’s Runners medal.
Our sporting events team will be with you every step of the way with fundraising tips, suggestions, and regular calls to help you reach your fundraising target and have the best running experience.
Why run for Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
Lung cancer is the UK’s biggest cancer killer, taking the lives of more people than breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers combined. Your support means we can continue our vital work and stop lung cancer from cutting lives short.
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation is the only UK charity solely dedicated to supporting everyone affected by lung cancer. This means lung cancer, and lung cancer alone, is at the heart of everything we do. It is the focus of every research project we fund, every person we support, every life we save. It is our one and only priority.
We devote every day to improving the lives of people living with lung cancer. We put everything into discovering new ways to diagnose and treat lung cancer. We spend every minute fighting this disease so that, one day, we will live in a world where no one dies of lung cancer. Join us in our fight and sign up for the Edinburgh Marathon festival today.
I have my own place at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival
If you already have a place at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, we would love to have you on our Roy’s Runner’s team. There’s no fundraising commitment but any money you can raise will help support our vital work to stop lung cancer from cutting lives short. Our fundraising team will support you with any fundraising you do, as well as give you tips and ideas to raise even more money.
Become a Roy’s Runner
Join a brilliant community of more than 3,500 runners who cheer each other on every step of the way. Roy’s Runners is packed with friendly support, training tips and stories that keep you motivated whether you are lacing up for your first 5k or chasing a marathon PB. Many members run and fundraise for our charity, but there is no obligation at all. Just turn up, enjoy the chat and let the community carry you through your running journey. There are also freebies available!
Not on Facebook? You can also find us over on Strava!
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the Edinburgh Marathon Festival or need help signing up for the event, contact our sports team. Email sport@roycastle.org or call 0333 323 7200.