Run St Magnus
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
Run St Magnus is scheduled for 05 July 2026 on Orkney’s west mainland. The Birsay Community Association organises the eighth St. Magnus Marathon. The marathon route starts at Kirkwall’s St. Magnus Cathedral and follows a historic route to Christ’s Kirk in Birsay, finishing at Birsay Community Hall. The course is Scottish Athletics certified and is almost entirely on public roads that remain open to traffic.
Race formats and distances
- Marathon
- Relay (teams of 3): Leg distances below
- 5K Fun Run (circular route around Birsay Hall; sign-ups on the day)
Relay legs:
- 7.9 miles Kirkwall to Finstown School
- 7.3 miles Finstown to Evie
- 11 miles Evie to Birsay
Relay teams are responsible for transporting runners to changeover points and should use school car parks rather than laybys at changeovers.
Logistics and safety
Entries for the Marathon and Relay are via Entry Central; there are no entries on the day for these events and transfers are allowed until 21 June 2026. There are seven water stations on the marathon route and runners may leave labelled bottles at selected stations. Runners must enter emergency contact details on the back of their race number. Marshals will staff the course, first aid will be based at the finish and can be contacted via marshals if required, and the use of personal music players is not permitted. Facilities include changing rooms, toilets, parking information in the registration pack, catering at Birsay Hall, and prize giving after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.