Edinburgh Marathon Festival

Having run over 30 marathons in the U.S. and Europe, this was NOT one of my favorites. While the course was mostly flat and quite picturesque, the fan support was just okay, and the support for runners was awful. No electrolyte drinks were offered along the entire course. In the US, most marathons offer water AND Gatorade every 2 miles or so. In Edinburgh, we were given a 10 Oz water bottle only every three miles and a few liquidy High-5 gels late in the race. There is no shade along the course, and ours was a very sunny day. After the race, all we received was another small water bottle and a single granola bar! Really?! There were a few food trucks (better bring your credit card…the food is not free). Once you finish, you have to walk another mile and a half to buses that drive you another 40 minutes back to the city. The logistics here are terrible. They should design an out and back course so the buses are not necessary.

Easy to hit the wall at mile 20 on a sunny day with nonoffered electrolytes.

nice start to the run but later the route is rather bland. support in terms of feed stations is poor. most only had water and very few only had gels. I would have performed much better had i prepared for it as a solo event. logistics at the end is a PITA after running 42km.

I think my lack of enjoyment was mainly down to my lack of fitness for this one :) however the marathon is worthwhile even just for Edinburgh. The city made the run for me, the first 5k was utterly beautiful. I disliked the latter half of the marathon as you double back on yourself for what felt like forever :) Organisation was great, and everything else seemed brilliant. Not a fan of the medal though haha.

Marathon

The route was really nice, and well thought out, especially avoiding any significant climbs on what is quite a hilly city. I especially enjoyed running down the lower part of the royal mile. However it was very windy this year and running back into wind for last 6 miles made it very challenging. The organisation of the start area was chaotic, toilets were difficult. i also thought the choice of Musselborugh finish where transport was difficult wasn't great. expensive shuttle buses ran from over a mile away from finish, which you had to walk to, not the best after finishing a long run. There seemed to be no options to get anywhere other than central Edinburgh, not very useful when we were staying at North Berwick. All event staff and volunteers on the day were really encouraging and helpful. I also thought the support of public was fantastic.

Well organised

Cheerful staff and spectators along the course.

Nice course, and very well organised at the beginning, however, staff were sparse further on in the event & there was probably insufficient toilet facilities throughout the race. Post race pack and medal where very good quality and I'm very happy with it overall

Great scenic route, cheerful crowds, well organised as always...might do with more city-scape rather than running on straight line and back for 20km!

Super city and great atmosphere. Suggest spending a couple of days exploring the beauty of the city (castle, botanic gardens, arthur's seat etc.). The event is well organised, well supported and has a great 15 mile stretch along the coast.