Scotland’s capital was transformed at the weekend (24-25 May) as tens of thousands of runners took part in this year's Edinburgh Marathon Festival. The event, which has grown into the country’s biggest running celebration, featured nine races across two days, drawing participants from across the UK and beyond.

The Edinburgh Marathon itself remains a major draw, attracting elite athletes and amateur runners alike with its reputation as one of the flattest and fastest courses in the UK. Alongside the marathon, the weekend also featured a half marathon, 10K, 5K, junior races and the much-loved Hairy Haggis relay. Crowds lined the streets to support runners of all ages and abilities taking part in what organisers described as an incredible two days of racing.

Event organisers paid tribute to every finisher, saying: “Today was just incredible, congratulations to each and every one of you who crossed the finish line this weekend. Your dedication, hard work and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder of you all.”

The 2025 edition of the festival also saw a fundraising record smashed, as over £7 million was raised by more than 40,000 runners supporting over 500 charities. Many runners dedicated their efforts to personal causes and took to social media to share their stories.

Among them was Shruth Yorkie, who completed the half marathon for Thrombosis UK after suffering from blood clots in the past 18 months. She wrote on Facebook: “So proud to have run the half marathon to raise money for Thrombosis UK. A great event and I can’t wait to take part next year.”

In the women’s marathon, Melissah Gibson of Ealing Eagles RC took the win in 2:38:48. She was followed by Kirsty Oldham in 2:45:40 and Emily Soanes of Beverley AC in 2:47:10. The men’s marathon title went to Marshall Smith of Ashford AC who finished in 2:22:16. He was chased home by Ben Holmes of Solihull & Small Heath AC in 2:26:14 and Kris Lecher of City of Hull AC in 2:27:01.

In the half marathon, the women’s race was won by Stella Cross of Wetherby Runners in 1:19:04, followed by Morgan Boyd in 1:20:15 and Jennifer Berry of Wallsend Harriers & AC in 1:20:55. The men’s race saw a strong performance from Sean Chalmers of Aberdeen AAC who crossed the line in 1:04:59. Christian Graham of Lasswade Athletics Club followed in 1:06:15, with Angus Smith of Corstorphine AAC taking third place in 1:07:28.

With another successful weekend of racing complete, the Edinburgh Marathon Festival once again proved why it holds a firm place on the calendar for runners of all levels.

If you'd like to know more about the 2026 edition which will take place over the weekend of 23/24 May then visit the Edinburgh Marathon website.

Image: Edinburgh Marathon Facebook