Edinburgh Christmas Running Festival
Dash through Edinburgh’s Inverleith Park in Santa spirit. From 5K to 10K to the Junior 1500m Fun Run, Edinburgh’s most popular Christmas runs bring together festive cheer and running joy for all.
A race for every ability
10K, 5K, or Junior Fun Run. Every race loops the picturesque Inverleith Park, with wide open spaces, leafy paths and views of Edinburgh’s skyline.
- Warm up
- 09:20
- Start
- 09:30
- Course
- One lap
- Warm up
- 10:50
- Start
- 11:00
- Course
- Two laps
- Race
- Junior Fun Run
- Start
- 12:30
- Course
- Inverleith Park
Edinburgh Castle under snow, on a tartan ribbon
A unique medal for this year’s 10K, 5K and Junior 1500m, with chip timing on every race and special prizes for the top three men and women.
Join us this Christmas in Edinburgh
Step into a city alive with festive spirit. The Edinburgh Christmas Running Festival brings people together to celebrate fitness, fun, and community. From first-time runners to seasoned athletes, everyone can share in the joy of crossing the finish line with Christmas cheer all around.
Festive tradition
Now celebrating its 22nd year, The Edinburgh Christmas Running Festival has become a much-loved tradition in the city’s Christmas calendar.
Route
All of our festive runs loop around the picturesque Inverleith Park, with its wide open spaces, leafy paths, and stunning views of Edinburgh’s skyline.
Distances for all
Everyone can participate with a 5K, 10K and Junior 1500m fun run available to enter.
Bring the team
Bring your friends, family, and colleagues — it’s Christmas running made unforgettable.
Around Inverleith Park
One full lap: Inverleith Place, Arboretum Avenue, down to the pond and along the Water of Leith to Inverleith Terrace, finishing back at the gantry.
On the day
Number and chip pick up is at the desk/gazebo at the Royal Botanic Garden end of the park, near the start gantry. Secure bag drop is at the pavilion — look for the sign on the day.
Festive fancy dress is strongly encouraged. Please still wear appropriate running clothing to minimise the risk of injury.
The magic of Edinburgh: 22 years of festive runs
For over two decades, Edinburgh’s Festive Runs have lit up the city’s winter calendar — a tradition that blends fitness, fun, and festive spirit. This year marks the 22nd anniversary, a milestone that celebrates the thousands who’ve run, jogged, and walked their way into Christmas cheer.
Enter now
Have questions?
What are the timings on the day?
07:45 – Number & chip pick up at the desk/gazebo in Inverleith Park, Royal Botanic Garden end near the start gantry. Arboretum Place EH3 5NZ. 09:20 – Warm up for the 5K 09:30 – 5K starts 10:50 – Warm up for the 10K 11:00 – 10K starts 12:30 – Junior 1500m Fun Run starts
Is there parking?
There are many car parks near to Inverleith Park. The closest is called JustPark and its address is: 10 Young St, Edinburgh EH2 4JB.
How do I get there?
By bus or coach – the closest stop to Inverleith Park is Learmonth Grove, which is approximately a 4 minute walk away. Or by train, with the closest station being Haymarket, a 30 minute walk away from Inverleith Park.
Is there a bag drop off?
Yes, there will be a secure baggage drop off at the pavilion – look for the sign on the day.
Are there age restrictions?
You must be at least 13 years old to enter the 10K and at least 11 years old to enter the 5K.
Can I wear fancy dress?
Yes, festive fancy dress is strongly encouraged as it sets a great atmosphere. Great Scottish Events ask that you still wear the appropriate clothing for running to minimise the risk of injury.
Where can I find my results?
Full results of both the 5K & 10K races will be uploaded on greatscottishevents.net soon after the event has concluded.