10 Top City Marathons (Preview)

The globetrotters' guide to the world's finest urban 26.2-milers (non-subscriber preview)

Posted: 30 March 2010
by Matt Gilbert

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Edinburgh Marathon (Scotland, May)

Only in its eighth year, this racein the Scottish capital has already earned a "must-do" reputation - consequently it's the second-largest UK marathon.

It's a fast course, with an overall descent of 40m -
so, great for PBs. And the organisers expect 15,000 entrants this year. Prefer to run a shorter race? The Hairy Haggis Team Relay splits the distance into legs for teams of four, and a whopping 19,500 entrants are expected to enter for this truncated test.

COURSE The mostly flat and scenic race starts in the city centre, taking in Holyrood Park, Leith Links and Portobello Promenade. It goes on to East Lothian to the coast, past picturesque fishing villages, before a grandstand finish at the Musselburgh Racecourse.

FAST FACT There's free entry for runners with proof of super-fast times: sub-2:40 for men and sub-3:00 for women.

CONTACT edinburgh-marathon.com

Discuss this article

Karen Samuel

Race Director(s),This was supposed to be my favourite marathon

Please read carefully all of May 2010 Runners World event ratings to help improve Edinburgh Marathon for 2011. There are vast areas that still need plenty of improvement.With these improvements your races may be Runners World Winner

Best of luck for 2011.
Posted: 25/05/2010 at 15:09

Karen Samuel

The Edinburgh Marathon organisers have sent me a questionnaire to help improve their future Edinburgh half and full marathon races . My message to the Edinburgh organisers, is just save yourself time and money and just read Runners World Edinburgh ratings for 2010. I might just rate your marathon if it would help.

Posted: 26/06/2010 at 23:30

Karen Samuel

I just got an email from Edinburgh Marathon orgainsers. The 2011 Edinburgh will be held on 22 May 2011. A great race but they need to work on their finish!!!

http://www.edinburgh-marathon.com/?edinburghmarathon