2026 Scottish Half Marathon and 10K

Event Spectator Information Pack

Sun 16th August 2026


Welcome Pre-Event Info Event Day Info Other Exciting Things

Welcome

Welcome

The information below will help plan your day out at the Scottish Half Marathon. 

The Scottish Half Marathon and Scottish 10K events take place along the magnificent East Lothian Golf Coast before finishing in the final furlong at Musselburgh Racecourse to finish. With events starting at different times, make sure you check the Key Times section, so you don't miss whoever it is you are supporting.

 

Questions

If you have any questions, we have developed an extensive FAQ section to help with event queries.

Plan Your Travel

Visit our website to explore your transport options for the event.

If you are local to the area, you may be able to access spectator points along the route on foot. If you would like to do this, please plan this by consulting the Road Closures Document.

Please note: National Entitlement Cards cannot be used on Event Buses.

Top Spectating Tips

  • Research the route: Get to know the route, including start and finish locations, key landmarks, and viewing spots along the way. Check for road closures and transportation options.
  • Check the weather: Monitor the weather forecast for the day. Dress appropriately and pack extra layers or rain gear if needed.
  • Plan your transportation: Determine how you will get to and from the different locations. Check the transport section for further advice.
  • Pack essentials: Bring essentials such as sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, comfortable clothing and shoes, water bottles, snacks, a portable chair or blanket, and any necessary medications.
  • Charge your devices: Ensure your phone or camera is fully charged. Bring a portable charger to capture photos and videos throughout the day.
  • Create spectator signs: Make colourful and encouraging signs to cheer on the runners. Include personalised messages or funny slogans to uplift their spirits.
  • Coordinate with others: Agree on a lettered meeting point in the Reunion Area before the event to make it easier to find each other after the finish.

Key Times and Locations

09:00 | The Scottish 10K starts at Musselburgh Racecourse

11:00 | The Scottish Half Marathon starts at Meadowmill

11:20 | Scottish Half spectator buses leave Meadowmill for the finish line. 

Spectator Points

 

 

0K - Start Line at Meadowmill Sports Complex

Location: Tranent EH33 1LZ

What3words: ///composes.chambers.molars

You can reach Meadowmill by public transport or by taking one of our event buses which leave from various Park & Ride locations. You can buy tickets in advance on the Scottish Half Marathon Website. Please note: there is no parking at Meadowmill Sports Centre.

The best place to watch is after the start line.

After you have waved your friends and family off, you can get a spectator bus to the finish at Musselburgh Racecourse where you'll be able to see them finish their run. 

There will be teas, coffees and breakfast items available to purchase in the East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club.

 


16K-18K - Prestonpans 

Location: Prestonpans High Street,  EH32 9SE

What3words: ///gain.chats.thud

Located at the 10-mile mark, this spot is within walking distance from the start line and offers a chance to see your runner along the route.

Please note that it is close to the finish area, so you may not be able to watch them here and also see them cross the finish line.

 


21K - Finish Line at Musselburgh Racecourse

Location: Linkfield Rd, Musselburgh EH21 7RG

What3words: ///fades.impose.toys

You can reach Musselburgh Racecourse by public transport or by taking one of our event buses which leave from the start area of The Scottish Half Marathon. You can buy tickets in advance on the Scottish Half Marathon Website. Please note: there is no parking at Musselburgh Racecourse.

The best place to watch is either on Linkfield Road as runners enter into Musselburgh Racecourse, or in the grandstands of the Racecourse itself. These are open from 11am. 

Event Maps

The Start

 

The Route

 

The Finish

Live Tracking

Our events do not use live tracking, however there are many other ways your family & friends can track participants:

 

 

1. Strava Beacon 

Compatibility: Apple and Android

Strava Beacon allows runners to share their real-time location with anyone they want. When Beacon is activated, the runner can go into the Strava app and select any contacts they want to send a notification text to with their location. 

The link sent to you via text will open in a browser, so you don't need to have the Strava app, or be a Strava user, to see your runner. 

To find out more, visit the Strava website.

 

 

2. Find My 

Compatibility: Apple 

The "Find My Friends" app is available on iPhone and allows users to share their location with friends and family members Here's how it works:

The runner can choose to share their current location with specific individuals for a set period of time or indefinitely. They have control over who can see their location and can customise sharing settings for each person.

The runner can send invitations to friends or family members to share their location. Once the invitation is accepted, you'll see each other's real-time location on a map.

To find out more, visit the Apple website.

 

3. Google Maps 

Compatibility: Apple and Android

Google Maps offers a feature called "Location Sharing" that allows users to share their real-time location with others. Here's how it works:

Access: The runner open Google Maps, navigate to the menu, and select "Location Sharing."

Sharing: The runner chooses contacts to share their location with and sets a duration for sharing.

Real-time tracking: You will receive a notification and can view the runner's real-time location on a map.

To find out more, visit Google Support.

 

4. Whatsapp Live Location

Compatibility: Apple and Android

Live Location allows you to share your real-time location with the members of an individual or group chat.

  • Open an individual or group chat.
  • Tap attach > Location > Share live location.
  • Select the length of time you'd like to share your live location. Your live location will stop being shared after the selected amount of time.
  • You can also enter a comment and emoji.
  • Tap send.

To find our more, click here.

Other Exciting Things

Feeling Inspired?

Fast, flat & picturesque, the 2027 Scottish 10K and Scottish Half Marathon takes place on Sunday 15th August. Whether you're chasing a personal best, running for charity, or seeking a personal challenge - this event is perfect for you.

The beautiful route runs along the magnificent Golf Coast before finishing in the final furlong at Musselburgh Racecourse, Scotland's oldest racecourse.

⚡ Fast, flat route

🏃 Ideal for PB-chasers, first-timers, and everyone in between!

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Run along the stunning East Lothian Golf Coast

🏇 Grandstand finish at Musselburgh Racecourse

🎉 Edinburgh Fringe Festival season

Grab your place now:

MyRunning

You may be familiar with MyRunning if you've participated in an event with us previously, but regardless of if you are new, or if you want a refresher on what you can do within your MyRunning account, here are some of the highlights... 

🗓️ Plan your event year - With everything from a marathon to half marathons, 10ks, 5ks and fun runs. MyRunning has a host of UK events for you to choose from.

🏃 Training plans - available for beginner, intermediate or advanced runners. Ability to access them from your MyRunning dashboard.

🤝 Fundraising - Our fundraising section in MyRunning allows you to easily see your total fundraising amount in the one place. 

🛍️ Discounts from partners - With an entry you have access to MyRunning benefits which has great discounts from partners like Run4it.

🏆 Results and event stats -  When you’ve taken part in other MyRunning events, take a trip down memory lane and view your previous finish times and category positions.

 Click here to create a MyRunning account today for free!