EDINBURGH MARATHON AND HALF-MARATHON

MAY 21 TO 25, 2026

LET'S DO THIS

Questions? Send us an Email or complete the contact form at the bottom of the page

Overview

Edinburgh serves up medieval charm, sweeping seaside views, and a whole lot of Scottish flair. The Edinburgh Marathon is one of Europe’s fastest courses and a must-run both for PR-chasers and runners there to soak up all that makes Scotland so special. This trip is for runners, supporters, bagpipers and Bravehearts alike.

HOTEL

Let’s do this properly! The 4-star YOTEL Edinburgh perfectly blends modern design with exceptional comfort. It is right (and we mean “right”) in the heart of the city, steps from the sights, shops. and energy of Edinburgh. It is the ideal launchpad for 4 days of adventure - and the perfect spot to relax and recharge afterwards. And their breakfast is exactly what every carb-loading runner is going to want leading up to race day.

TOUR DIRECTOR

Our Edinburgh-based Tour Director will be with us from start to finish and will give us deep access to the real Edinburgh that only the locals know. Buckle up for a whole lot of insider stories that you won’t find in the guidebooks. If it exists in Edinburgh, our Tour Director will know where to find it - every store, restaurant, bar, museum…and anything else that will help make your trip unforgettable.

MARATHON and half-marathon

The Edinburgh Marathon Festival (marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and kids’ races) draws over 30,000 runners. 11,000 of those run the marathon, making it one of the UK’s biggest. The course is fast, scenic…and unforgettable - a run through Scotland’s most iconic backdrop that showcases both the city’s iconic landmarks and the surrounding coastal beauty. 

Itinerary

  • Thursday, May 21 - Arrive in Edinburgh by your own means (be sure to book an OVERNIGHT flight departing on May 20 (if coming from the U.S.) and transfer to the 4-star YOTEL Edinburgh hotel (help with how to get there will be provided). Meet the Active Odysseys team and the rest of the runners and companions. Start exploring the wonders of the city on a leisurely orientation walk with our Tour Director. Tonight, we will meet for a welcome reception and an overview of the upcoming adventures. 

  • Friday, May 22 - Opt to join a morning shake-out run. After breakfast, our Tour Director will lead us on a private, guided coach tour of the city, sharing fascinating sights and untold stories in a way that only a local can. We will build in time to treat our tastebuds to some local food (carbs, anyone?) before heading over together to the marathon expo. Return to the hotel from the expo with the group or at your leisure and then use the rest of the afternoon to fall in love even more with this amazing city.

  • Saturday, May 23 - Opt to join a morning shake-out run. After breakfast, we will have a free day to explore the wonders of the city (or beyond). A visit to Edinburgh Castle will be high on most people’s list, but our Tour Director will also provide unrivaled local knowledge and suggestions to ensure that you can see, eat (and possibly buy) the very best that Edinburgh has to offer - at the best price. Or, if you prefer, you can choose to stick with our Tour Director and the Active Odysseys team for the day, experiencing some local highlights. Tonight, the itinerary includes a 3-course dinner in an authentic local restaurant. Then get some sleep…

  • Sunday, May 24 - Race Day! The start line is a 20-minute warmup walk away. Non-running companions will be given the best advice on where to shake their cowbells. After triumphing in your race, the Active Odysseys team will help you get back safely to the city center and the hotel. Opt to swap stories with the rest of the group in a post-race celebration near the hotel before enjoying your last, so well-deserved, Scottish dinner (our Tour Director can give you some amazing suggestions and make reservations).

  • Monday, May 25 - You did it! Wear your medal with pride as you make your own way to the airport or on to more adventures in Scotland or beyond (we can help with that).

    ***ITINERARY SUBJECT TO CHANGE*** 

What’s included

  • Guaranteed race registration (for runners).

  • Private coaching consultation with RRCA-certified coach Chris Montgomery (runner-guests only).

  • 8 optional bi-weekly, virtual group-coaching sessions in the lead up to the race (runner-guests only).

  • Four nights' accommodation (all taxes included) at the YOTEL Edinburgh hotel.

  • Support of full-time Edinburgh-based Tour Director and the on-site Active Odysseys staff, including Edinburgh University alum and Active Odysseys founder Chris Montgomery.

  • Travel app for itinerary details, reminders, and updates.

  • Welcome reception drinks and apps on arrival day.

  • Daily breakfast at the hotel.

  • Private guided coach tour of the city.

  • 3-course pre-race dinner on Saturday evening in local restaurant.

  • Post-race celebration drinks, apps and awards ceremony.

what’s not included

Anything not mentioned above, but specifically:

  • Flights - guests are responsible for arranging their own flights. 

  • Travel Insurance - guests are strongly encouraged to take out their own international travel insurance.

  • Travel Documentation - guests are responsible for ensuring they possess a valid passport and any additional documentation needed for the trip.

  • Transport between Edinburgh airport (EDI) and YOTEL Edinburgh - please request this as an additional service (for arrival and / or departure) if needed.

  • Tour Director gratuities - while tips are at your own discretion and are not mandatory, they are an industry-standard component of a Tour Director’s income in Europe, much like for workers in the service industry in the U.S. A customary tip for a “job well done” by our Tour Director for the trip would be $60 per person.  They will be worth every cent!

  • Any extra hotel nights or services not listed above - please let us know if you want any help extending your stay in Scotland or beyond.

PRICING (per person)

  • TWIN or DOUBLE Room: $1699 (without race registration) / $1819 (with marathon registration) / $1769 (with half-marathon registration).

  • SINGLE Room: $2199 (without race registration) / $2319 (with marathon registration) / $2269 (with half-marathon registration).

Event Information 

  • Marathon and Half-Marathon Date: Sunday, May 23, 2026.

  • Half-Marathon Start Time: 8:00am

  • Marathon Start Time: 10:00am

 Weather

  • Average temperature: 55° to 60°F / 13°C to 16°C

 Time Limit

  • The course will be open for 6h30 and the half-marathon course will be open for 3h15.

Mile Markers

  • The course for the half-marathon and the marathon will be marked in miles.

Prepare to get some dust in both of your eyes at the same time…

LET'S DO THIS

GOT QUESTIONS?