Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Full Marathon
Voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runner’s World. Enjoy a fantastic all-encompassing route which takes in some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks as well as offering picturesque views along the East Lothian coastline.
Fast & flat, this course was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it’s your first marathon or you are looking for a PB. The Edinburgh Marathon has sold out every year since 2008 and is the second largest marathon in the UK, behind only London.
Sunday 25 May 2025 - 10:00am
Distance: 26.2 miles
Minimum target: £500
Minimum age: 18 years
Half Marathon
The PB potential on this fabulously flat and fast route is high! If you are planning the EMF Half as your first half-marathon, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the course starts on a downhill, then flattens out all the way to the finish line. Starting at Potterrow in Edinburgh, this route hits many iconic venues of Edinburgh before making its way to Musselburgh, where you will experience the roar of the crowds on the finish straight. Wearing your medal, and finisher's t-shirt, you can soak up the festival atmosphere at the finish area surrounded by your friends and family.
Fast & flat, the Edinburgh Half Marathon follows the marathon course which was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it’s your first half marathon or you are looking for a PB. The Edinburgh Half Marathon has sold out every year since 2012 and is one of the largest half marathons in the UK.
Sunday 25 May 2025 - 08:00am
Distance: 13.1 miles
Minimum target: £250
Minimum age: 17 years
Team Relay
The EMF Relay is a chance for a team of four to join forces and complete the Edinburgh Marathon! With each relay leg posing a different challenge, make sure you pick and order your team wisely; which lucky runner will get The Glory Leg?
The EMF Hairy Haggis Team Relay is an opportunity for a team of 4 runners to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival. The 26.2 miles is split into 4 legs, each runner will run one leg.
Sunday 25 May 2025 - 10:00am
Distance: 26.2 miles (team distance)
Minimum target: £500
Minimum age: 15 years
In return for your support you will receive:
- Regional fundraising support. A dedicated RAF Benevolent Fund regional fundraiser will be your main point of contact, providing fundraising ideas, support and encouragement. They will support you to create a fundraising plan and will be in regular contact throughout your fundraising to help you with your plans.
- Fundraising materials. If you wish to be sent a fundraising toolkit as well as an RAF Benevolent Fund t-shirt or running vest to wear during training and the event itself just let your regional fundraiser know when they get in touch. Additional fundraising materials such as collection tins, bunting and posters can be sent on request.
- Post event thank you. All of our supporters receive a personalised thank you after their event.
In the meantime, how about checking out one of our other challenge events happening in 2024?
Take part in a challenge event
Got your own place?
If you have your own place in the event you can still be part of Team RAFBF, and won't have a minimum fundraising target. Drop us an email at challenge@rafbf.org.uk to let us know where you live and one of our local fundraisers will get in touch.
Any other questions?
Got a question not answered above? Email challenge@rafbf.org.uk or call us on 020 3928 0565.