Aberdeen is to become home to Europe’s ‘coolest summer marathon’ as the city seeks to build on the success of last year’s Tall Ships Race.
The region will strengthen its reputation as a major events destination with the launch of a new half marathon this summer – the first step in plans to establish a full city marathon from 2027 onwards.
The City of Aberdeen Half Marathon will take place on Saturday 18th July 2026, inviting runners to take on a 13.1-mile route through the heart of the region.
The event will capitalise on Aberdeen’s naturally cooler summer climate and distinctive coastal setting - offering ideal racing conditions alongside a visually striking course.
The 2026 event will act as a launchpad for a full City of Aberdeen Marathon in 2027, with organisers outlining ambitions to create a flagship endurance event capable of attracting participants and visitors from across the UK and internationally.
For the full marathon, runners will pass key landmarks including Marischal Square, King’s College, the full length of Union Street, Bridge of Dee, the city centre, and the North Sea coastline at Aberdeen Beach, blending urban energy with open coastal stretches.
A new not-for-profit company - The Aberdeen Marathon Company Limited - has been established to deliver the event, led by city businessman and running enthusiast Steve Gray.
The event is being launched with financial support from Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, and will be supported by Great British Energy, True North Advisors and Ventex. It has also received support from Aberdeen City Council, with the initiative championed by Councillor Martin Greig.
The launch comes as the city looks to build on the momentum generated by major events such as last year’s Tall Ships race, which attracted more than 400,000 people into Aberdeen city centre.
Steve Gray, founder of The Aberdeen Marathon Company Limited, said: “Europe has no major mid-summer marathons. Aberdeen has all the ingredients to deliver a truly standout running event in July – a compact city, a stunning coastline, plenty of accommodation and crucially, cooler summer temperatures that create ideal racing conditions.
“The half marathon in 2026 is the starting point in our plans to run a full marathon the following year and establish Aberdeen as a must-run destination on the UK calendar.”
Designed to appeal to both experienced runners and first-timers, the full marathon course will offer a balance of fast, flowing sections for those chasing personal bests, alongside scenic stretches that showcase the city and its coastline.
Demand is expected to be strong, with runners encouraged to secure their place early.
Jennifer Craw, Chief Executive of Opportunity North East, said: “The Aberdeen Half Marathon will showcase the region as a great adventure tourism destination, with exciting plans to extend to the full marathon distance in 2027.
“Visiting runners will get a warm welcome but a cool environment for this newest addition to the running calendar, enjoying the spectacular beauty of the North-east coastline, iconic Aberdeen buildings and comfortable temperatures, as they race to the finish line.
“I am confident many will return for the full marathon in summer next year. Adventure tourism drives a visitor economy worth around £1.3billion across the North-east and the Aberdeen Marathon is a very welcome addition.”
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Last year showed the scale of what Aberdeen can deliver when it comes to major events. The opportunity now is to create something consistent – an annual fixture that brings energy into the city centre and supports our local economy.”
Elite athletes are also being invited to take part, with complimentary entries available for runners achieving benchmark times of sub-70 minutes (men) and sub-80 minutes (women) over the half-marathon distance.
Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s lead on culture, said: “The Tall Ships Race was a huge success and showed Aberdeen at its very best. This new marathon is an exciting opportunity to build on that momentum and create another event that brings people together and showcases our city on a wider stage.”
The event is expected to deliver economic benefits through increased visitor numbers, while also encouraging participation in sport and wellbeing across the region.
Registration is now open, with places limited. Visit http://www.aberdeenmarathon.org/ to reserve your place.