An Aberdeen-based charity supporting children and their families in the city has been named the official charity partner of a new running event set to bring marathon racing back to the city.
Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) has been announced as the headline charity partner of the Aberdeen Half Marathon, taking place on Saturday 18 July 2026.
The event marks a significant milestone for Aberdeen’s running community and is being introduced as a pilot for a full marathon planned for 2027, which would be the city’s first since 1990.
Founded in Aberdeen, GEF works to provide education, safe housing and essential wellbeing support for children and their families both in the north-east of Scotland and Kenya. The partnership will see the charity play a central role in the event, including offering participants the opportunity to fundraise and make a difference through their involvement.
The announcement also carries a personal connection to Aberdeen’s marathon history. The late Mel Edwards, father of GEF co-founder Myles Edwards, was instrumental in organising the city’s previous marathons. His legacy adds a poignant full-circle moment to the return of long-distance running events in Aberdeen.
Speaking on the partnership, Myles Edwards, Co-Founder of Gathimba Edwards Foundation, said:
“It is an honour for GEF to be named as official charity partner of the event. So many families with disabled children in the north-east are forced to choose between covering basic life essentials or providing the specialist equipment and therapies their children urgently need.
“We believe that this event can play a vital role in ensuring they no longer have to make that impossible choice. We are incredibly grateful to Steve Gray for having the vision and determination to make the event a reality.”
The event has been brought to this point by a group of volunteers, including Myles, Steve and Graham Morrison of Aberdeen Sports Village, and event organisation company Sport Systems Limited, who will deliver the event.
Steve Gray, Managing Partner of Ventex Studio, said:
“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.
“We’re committed to involving as much of the community as possible and making a meaningful, positive impact. By partnering with GEF, alongside other charities and organisations, we can maximise that impact.”
As well as bringing a major new sporting event to the city, organisers hope the partnership will inspire the local community to get involved—whether by running, volunteering or supporting fundraising efforts.
Further details on how to take part will be announced soon, including opportunities for 10 Supporting Charity Partners. Each partner charity will be allocated 10 places in the event, alongside opportunities to volunteer and raise awareness.
With strong local backing and growing anticipation, following this year’s half marathon, the hope is that the Aberdeen Marathon is set to become a key date in the city’s events calendar from 2027 and beyond.
GEF has half marathon places available for those keen to take part, and is also calling on volunteers to support the event on the day. To find out more, email info@gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org.