Edinburgh Marathon course.

The marathon course for 2027 (30 May 2027): flat, 90 m of climbing, point to point.

MarathonBQ course

Distance
42.195
kilometers
Climb
90 m
total ascent
Descent
150 m
total descent
Profile
Flat
PB territory
Layout
Point to point
Road
Time limit
6.5 h
to finish
Start
10:00
local time
Boston qualifier
Yes
times count for Boston

Racing it

Pro tips

  1. 01

    Plan the point-to-point

    This is a point-to-point race from central Edinburgh to the coast, so decide before race morning how you will reach the 10:00 start and how you will get back from the finish.

    From the layout

  2. 02

    Flat, if the wind behaves

    Total climb is only about 90 m, but the coastal stretch past Musselburgh and out to Gosford House is exposed. The wind, not the hills, usually decides the times here.

    From the description, elevation profile

  3. 03

    Cool 10:00 start

    Expect roughly 13°C at the 10:00 start. That is cool enough to race hard from the gun, but wear something you can shed for the wait and the breezy coastal miles.

    From the start time, temperature

  4. 04

    Ease down the opening

    The course drops out of central Edinburgh downhill to Portobello. Take that opening gently; the flat miles along the coast to Gosford House and back are where the marathon is run.

    From the description

  5. 05

    Use the out-and-back

    The out-and-back to Gosford House means you will see the rest of the field coming the other way. Use it to check your position and pace rather than to chase.

    From the description

Written by AI from the course data. Check race-day details with the organizer.

Course on the 2027 race page Dates and entry Race-day weather

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