Why the Edinburgh Marathon Should Be Your Next Big Race And What No One Tells You About Running It!

Are you looking for a marathon that’s breathtaking, brutally honest, and brilliantly supported—all in one iconic city? Then stop scrolling now. Let me give you an insider’s review of the Edinburgh Marathon from my own running shoes! If you want a race that’ll inspire you, challenge you, and remind you why you run, this is the one. But be warned: this is Scotland, and the weather is as unpredictable as a plot twist in a thriller.

My Runpreneur Journey: Why This Matters Before we dive in, here’s why I’m sharing this: I’m on a relentless quest, aiming for more than 4,292 days of consecutive run vlogging, with a target to run a staggering 40,075km—the distance of a lap around the world—raising £1,000,000 for children’s charities along the way. Every race, every review, every stride is built upon this mission. If you believe in saving lives, running for a cause, or simply pushing your limits, you’re in the right place.

Edinburgh Marathon Review: The Good. The Great. The Real.

Unparalleled Scenery Meets Unbeatable Support Let’s cut to the chase: Edinburgh Marathon lands firmly in my top 20% out of the 15 marathons and ultramarathons I’ve run! Why? It’s set in a city that’s as beautiful as it is historic. You’ll be mesmerised by Edinburgh Castle and stunning city landmarks as you cruise through the first 10K—all while crowds of passionate, weather-defying Scots are out in full support. Forget marathons where you run lonely, unsupported miles—here, cheers lift you when your legs are screaming for mercy.

Logistics: The Elephant in the Room Here’s where I get real. Marathon day logistics are challenging. Edinburgh’s notorious for road closures. Unless you’re staying smack in the middle with easy access to public transport, give yourself plenty of time. My base was Falkirk—great for groups and families, but it did mean a fair bit of travel. My advice? Use the park and ride at Ingliston, hop on the tram, and factor in some walking. Key tip: Take advantage of the 10am start; no need for a 4am alarm (thank goodness!).

Organisation: Could Do Better The vibe at the start is a bit like assembling flat-pack furniture without instructions—friendly volunteers but muddled directions. Baggage drops and start lines spread out, queues confusing (especially for the loos!), and course maps not quite up to the mark. Hands up if you’ve ever stood in the wrong toilet queue before a race—yeah, that happened here! But hey, with Google Maps and a positive attitude, you’ll get there. Just arrive early.

Weather Warning: Only in Scotland!

Think you’ve raced in variable conditions? Edinburgh will test you. Heavy rain, hailstones that sting, 25 mph winds, all swapping out with blazing sun—sometimes in the same hour. The course is a potential PB—flat, fast, net elevation gain minimal—but only if the weather plays nice (which is rare!). Trust me, running the last eight miles into an unrelenting headwind was humbling. Adjust your time goals—sometimes survival is a bigger win than a stopwatch finish!

Route Breakdown: What to Expect

• City Start: Sights and support galore! Buzzing atmosphere.

• Downhill Dash: The first 10K is mostly downhill—great for pace, tough on quads if you get carried away.

• Coastline Cruise: After Musselburgh, enjoy tranquil sea views—waves calmed by the estuary, soothing for weary runners.

• Out and (mostly) Back: 2/3 out, 1/3 back. Lots of runner camaraderie as you see both the speedsters flying home and others digging deep.

• Finish: If you survive the headwinds, the final stretch is an achievement you earn, not just run!

Final Thoughts from the Runpreneur

Would I recommend the Edinburgh Marathon? Absolutely. It’s beautiful, emotional, and unforgettable. The crowds make the kilometres fly by, the setting is magical, and the Scottish hospitality will have you smiling through the rain. It’s not perfect—the logistics test your patience and the weather tests your resolve—but the finish line pride is off the charts.

Are you ready to be more than a runner? Join me. Let’s run Edinburgh together—not just for medals or PBs, but for a mission that matters. Every stride fuels my mission to raise £1,000,000 for children’s causes. Subscribe, share, and help me get one step closer to that goal.

Questions, thoughts, or ready to commit? Drop a comment below! Let’s make every race count—for you, for children, for the world.

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Stay positive. Stay happy. Keep running with purpose.

Kevin