Edinburgh Marathon 2015: Route, Course Map, Times, Event Details

One of the fastest marathons around returns this weekend with the 2015 iteration of the Edinburgh Marathon in Scotland.

The flat, scenic and fast race draws some of the best runners in the world and enters its 13th iteration stronger and more popular than ever. Even better, the event runs a partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support and raises money for various organizations, too.

The main event begins Sunday, May 31, at 9:50 a.m. local time at London Road and doesn't figure to last very long.

As the event's description details, the flat course makes it one of the quickest around:

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Flat & fast. This course was voted the fastest marathon in the UK by Runners World in 2008. Great if it's your first marathon or you are looking for a PB! Runners must be a minimum of 18 years old on race day to enter. Please note that the route may be subject to change. The Edinburgh Marathon is a road race over a measured distance of 26.2 miles.

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There are other events on Saturday and Sunday, such as a half marathon, team relay, 10K and 5K, among others, which promote beginners and experienced runners alike to make the trip and take to the course.

Runner Andrew Baker provides a look at the course map:

There's a lot to like about the extensive course, which the marathon's website breaks down in detail here.

For example, the backdrop for the entire race is the world-famous Edinburgh Castle, which sits atop an extinct volcano. Point No. 5 on the image above begins the scenic trek runners will take in the salty air next to the sea.

This year's iteration of the scenic route may prove more difficult than usual, though, as Weather.com lists a 100 percent chance of rain on Sunday with winds up to 22 mph and a high of just 55 degrees.

Of course, possible inclement weather won't stop elite and casual runners alike.

Start with the elite. Last year, Kenyan David Toniok stormed to an easy victory just seven seconds off the course record and will look to take home the prize again this year.

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

After his triumph, he spoke with the marathon's website about the course.

“I enjoyed running with the others," Toniok said. "Running by the sea was lovely. Edinburgh is such a nice city. I’m happy with my finish time. I felt today was a better run for me than last year. I felt really prepared.”

An event so focused on raising money for good causes means Mother Nature won't get in anyone's way, really. For example, local dad Julian Bloor will raise money for leukemia and cancer research. He spoke with the Ilkeston Advertiser about his approach.

“This is my first full marathon, I have done a lot of half marathons," Bloor said. "Training has been hard. I have been doing 40 miles a week, over five days a week. I get back from work and then go straight out running.”

The competitive-charitable balance is as unique as the quick-twitch course of the Edinburgh Marathon.

Even if inclement weather strikes, there's no denying the beauty of the seaside trek and the epic times anyone and everyone can post on the flat journey.

This year's edition of the growing event promises to be the best yet in many ways. 

Stats and info courtesy of Edinburgh-Marathon.com unless otherwise specified.