Few running weekends capture the imagination quite like the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. From the historic streets of Scotland's capital to the sweeping coastline of East Lothian, the 2027 festival promises another memorable celebration of running, with thousands preparing to tackle distances ranging from a single kilometre to the full 26.2 miles.

Taking place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 May, the festival brings together nine events across two days. Saturday belongs to the 5K, 10K and junior races around Holyrood Park, where runners enjoy panoramic views of Edinburgh and its famous castle. Sunday sees the spotlight shift to the Edinburgh Half Marathon, the full marathon and the wonderfully named Hairy Haggis Team Relay, where four runners share the marathon distance.

The Edinburgh Marathon has earned a reputation for its fast course, combining the city's famous landmarks with the open coastal scenery of East Lothian. For runners chasing a personal best, it presents an attractive opportunity, while the Hairy Haggis offers friends, colleagues and running clubmates the chance to experience marathon day as a team.

There is another dimension to the weekend that makes Edinburgh particularly special. Charity fundraising is an important part of the festival, with runners using their efforts to support causes close to home and further afield. Among those offering places for 2027 is Pregnancy Counselling & Care (Scotland), a small Edinburgh charity providing counselling and practical support to women and families facing difficult circumstances.

The charity is inviting individuals and businesses to join Team PCCS, with corporate teams particularly welcome. Its community fundraiser, Joan Alexander, can help runners explore available charity places, including opportunities to tackle the Hairy Haggis relay together.

For those considering a spring running challenge, Edinburgh offers plenty of reasons to get involved. A great course, a memorable weekend and, for anyone choosing to run for a cause, the satisfaction of making those miles mean something more.

Step up for Team PCCS today by signing up to the their EMF team.

Image courtesy Pregnancy Counselling & Care Scotland.