Fast & flat, this course was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World, ideal if it is 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.

The Edinburgh Marathon starts in London and Regent Road before passing by the historic Holyrood Palace, home to Scottish kings and queens. It then runs through Holyrood Park in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat, an extinct volcano. It races by Meadowbank Sports Stadium, scene of former Commonwealth Games glory for runners such as Liz McColgan. It then turns north, along Lochend Road and Leith Links before reaching Portobello Promenade for some bracing seaside air.

The route then stretches along Musselburgh Road before reaching Musselburgh Racecourse then on to Prestonpans, passing Cockenzie and Port Seton. It then races on to picturesque East Lothian, along Scotland’s golf coast which boasts 22 courses including some of the world’s oldest and most admired like North Berwick, Gullane and Muirfield. The route reaches the village of Longniddry before reaching Gosford House, looping around and heading back past Musselburgh Links, the famous golf course officially recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest golf coure in the world. The marathon finishes in playing fields at Pinkie St Peter’s Primary School.