We love a half marathon. Whether you’re an old hand or new to racing, running 13.1 miles is a challenging yet completely attainable goal for most, and can bring great structure to your training year. Most half marathons tend to take place during the spring or autumn – which either means you’ll be training in the depths of winter or the height of summer.
How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
Both our beginner and improver half marathon training plans recommend that you take around 12 weeks to properly prepare your body for the distance. This is because, with a goal like a half marathon, it’s crucial to build up your endurance and mileage gradually – otherwise, you put yourself at a greater risk of injury, which is far from ideal.
Which half marathons are the best?
With so many brilliant races on offer here in the UK, you're spoiled for choice – but to help you pick, we've compiled a list of our favourites below. We’ve also included a few overseas races in case you want to stretch your legs a little further afield.
Best UK half marathons
Run Aintree Half Marathon
Where? Liverpool, England
When? 11 February 2024
This race offers runners a unique chance to run laps around the iconic Aintree Racecourse – best known for holding the annual Grand National steeplechase. It's fast and flat and there are 5K and 10K events, too.
Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon
Where? Bath, England
When? 25 February, 2 June and 18 August 2024
A fast and flat, two-lap course set in the World Heritage city of Bath, this half marathon features two of the longest underground sections of any running race in the UK, with more than 8km spent within a tunnel. Something to really make you light up, though, is the fact that this race is held not once but three times a year, which means you still have a chance to take part if one or two of the dates don't work for you. Or, you could take on the trio.
London Landmarks Half Marathon
Where? London, England
When? 7 April 2024
Starting on Pall Mall and finishing outside Downing Street, this flat, closed-road half marathon zigzags through the centre of London and passes multiple landmarks along the way, from St. Paul's Cathedral and the Shard to the Bank of England and Big Ben. It’s London’s only half marathon and we especially love the rave tunnel and live singing.
Hackney Half Marathon
Where? London, England
When? 19 May 2024
An upbeat half marathon that takes place in ‘real’ London – away from all the touristy attractions – the Hackney Half Marathon features a fast and flat course and an atmosphere that is guaranteed to keep your adrenaline flowing. 'I love the course and how involved and engaged the local community is,' says Runner's World coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm. 'It’s also so nice to see more people that look like me running.'
Where? Bromley, England
When? 19 May 2024
If you want something London-based but a bit more rural than the Hackney Half Marathon, Chislehurst's 13.1-mile offering could be for you. Half on road and half off, this small, friendly event guides runners through wiggly woodland paths and some of the most picturesque green spaces at the edge of the capital, including Scadbury Nature Reserve. 'The one-of-a-kind course offers the best of both worlds, serving straight, flat roads one minute and tricky, undulating trails the next,' says Rachel Boswell, Senior Content Writer. 'The finisher medal is also one of the most interesting I've ever received.'
Hitchin Half Marathon
Where? Hertfordshire, England
When? 2 June 2024
Billed as hard and hilly, this half marathon is no walk in the park, but it still offers some beautiful views. The route takes you up from Hitchin Priory to the village of Preston and onto a loop around the surrounding hills.
Needles Half Marathon
Where? Isle of Wight, England
When? 8 June 2024
The Needles are a picture-perfect row of three chalk stacks that rise out of the sea on the west coast of the Isle of Wight. They pop into view around the halfway point of this excellently organised race, which has a welcoming, small-scale feel. Expect lovely scenery as well as some tough uphill trail sections.
Cheltenham Half Marathon
Where? Cheltenham, England
When? 1 September 2023
This popular half marathon starts and finishes at the grand grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse. Expect glorious views of the surrounding Cotswolds and plenty of spectator support as you work your way around the spa town. The course is mostly flat, making the race a good option for those on the hunt for a half marathon PB.
Great North Run
Where? Tyne and Wear, England
When? 8 September 2024
Attracting almost 60,000 runners, the Great North Run is the world’s biggest half marathon and quite simply one of the best mass participation events on the planet. The streets of Newcastle, Gateshead and South Shields positively hum with activity and support on race day, making it unmissable. 'The roar of the crowds as you run over the Tyne Bridge and the sound of the Red Arrows overhead is guaranteed to give you goosebumps,' says Jenny Bozon, Deputy Digital Editor.
Richmond Half Marathon
Where? London, England
When? 15 September 2024
Starting in the superb grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and finishing in the Old Deer Park in Richmond, this half marathon also takes in Ham House, Richmond Palace, Teddington Lock and some of the most attractive sections of the Thames Towpath. It's a flat, mixed terrain course with road, gravel and grass – and there's an excellent goody bag at the end.
Robin Hood Half Marathon
Where? Nottingham, England
When? 29 September 2024
Starting and finishing in the Victoria Embankment Recreation Ground in Nottingham, join thousands of club and recreational runners on this fast, flat course. It's a great event for those looking to kickstart the autumn half marathon season with a PB.
Windsor Half Marathon
Where? Berkshire, England
When? 29 September 2024
Royal fans, rejoice! This half marathon starts and finishes on the famous Long Walk, a straight, 1.5-mile stretch that leads up to Windsor Castle, one of the official residences of the British Monarch. While you probably won’t spot any royalty, this race is sure to be a memorable one.
Cardiff Half Marathon
Where? Cardiff, Wales
When? 6 October 2024
The Cardiff Half Marathon has steadily cemented itself as a world-famous elite event in recent years. Broadcast live on the BBC, it’s the UK’s third-biggest race and, excitingly, one of the SuperHalfs – a new international series of six half marathons, not dissimilar to the Abbott World Marathon Majors series. The course is flat and fast and the event sells out extremely quickly, so speed is required long before you even lace up your race shoes.
Bournemouth Half Marathon
Where? Dorset, England
When? 13 October 2024
Part of the Bournemouth Marathon Festival, the half marathon course follows the full marathon coastal route, which sets off from Kings Park before making its way down to the seafront, taking in Boscombe and Bournemouth pier along the way. It offers the ideal combination of flat roads and scenic views.
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Where? London, England
When? 13 October 2023
The Royal Parks Half Marathon route squeezes in as much green space as possible – winding through Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens – and passes Westminster, Buckingham Palace and many other famous sights along the way. It's a firm favourite of Ben Hobson, Multiplatform Director: 'It’s almost a cliché for this race to be on a list, but as a race that takes in some of London’s best sights and parks, it’s incredibly hard to beat.'
Oxford Half Marathon
Where? Oxford, England
When? 13 October 2024
The fast and flat 13.1-mile route starts and finishes in the historic city centre of Oxford and winds past its world-leading museums, university and parks. Expect live music, local DJs and a great atmosphere.
Manchester Half Marathon
Where? Manchester, England
When: 13 October 2024
A pancake flat course finishing at Old Trafford – the home of Manchester United – this is a good one to enter if you’re gunning for a PB. It's also an incredibly friendly, welcoming and supportive race, so it would be an equally great option for your first half marathon.
Gower Half Marathon
Where? Glamorgan, Wales
When? 9 November 2024
The Gower peninsula on the south coast of Wales might not be the first place you think of when you consider the most beautiful places in the country – but that’s only because most people haven’t been there. Described by the event organisers as having 'strenuous terrain' featuring grass, moorland, sand dunes and rocks, this hilly half marathon is certainly a challenge, but the dramatic scenery is outstanding. If you don't fancy the half marathon, you could instead take on the 10K – or the marathon or 53km ultramarathon...
Poole Half Marathon
Where? Dorset, England
When? 2024 date TBC
Part of Poole's biggest running festival, which also includes a 5K and 10K race and a child-friendly 1.5km race, this half marathon is undulating, off road and dog friendly, and held on the lovely Upton Country Park. Bring your trail shoes!
Best overseas half marathons
Lisbon Half Marathon
Where? Lisbon, Portugal
When? 17 March 2024
The current world record for the half marathon was set on this course in 2021, so it's safe to say it's a fast one. While you might not come close to Jacob Kiplimo’s yet-unbeaten time of 57:31, you’ll still enjoy a pancake flat route – which is remarkable given how hilly Lisbon is – that hugs the banks of the River Tagus. Like the Cardiff Half Marathon, this race is also one of the SuperHalfs, so it's certainly one to add to your running bucket list.
Prague Half Marathon
Where? Prague, Czech Republic
When? 6 April 2024
Prague is as pretty as a European city can get, and the route for this half marathon brings you up close to some of its best sights. You’ll cross the Vltavariver river no fewer than six times and finish near the Powder Tower of the old city gates. After that? Nazdraví (that’s ‘cheers’ in Czech)!
Berlin Half Marathon
Where? Berlin, Germany
When? 7 April 2024
Berlin isn't just a brilliant city for running – it’s also a brilliant city for spectating. Plan your route well on the U-Bahn and you’ll be able to see your friend or loved one at least two or three times pass some of Berlin’s best attractions, including the bombed-out Gedächtniskirche on Ku’damm, the hip Potsdamer Platz and, of course, the iconic Brandenburg Gate at the end. 'This is probably the half marathon that I have run the most,' says Cory Wharton-Malcolm. 'It’s very flat, has good crowds and the city is great to explore before and after the race.'
Vancouver Half Marathon
Where? British Columbia, Canada
When? 5 May 2024
This huge race has a fabulous route that blends beautiful coastline with unbeatable mountain views, wonderful urban parks and a romping downtown finish among city skyscrapers. It’s Canada’s biggest half marathon, with Vancouver offering plenty of options for post-race drinks (which you’ll no doubt need them after giving your all on this quick but undulating course).
Gothenburg Half Marathon
Where? Gothenburg, Sweden
When? 18 May 2024
This bustling half marathon is part of a full week of running-related festivities in Gothenburg, which also include a trail run, a relay race and a race for people with learning difficulties. It’s eco-friendly, too, as the city offers three days of free public transport for participants – and you even can book a ride on a special 'Runner’s Train'. This race is highly commended by Joe Mackie, Deputy Editor: 'It serves up a fabulous atmosphere and a great course that mixes parks, cafe-lined city boulevards and a bridge crossing or two.'
Achill Half Marathon
Where? County Mayo, Ireland
When? 6 July 2024
Located on the west coast of Ireland, Achill Island doesn't have many roads, so you’ll find yourself running on most of them during this half marathon. It starts in the biggest town, Keel – which is, in fact, a very small village – and quickly moves into the countryside. Here you’ll be surrounded by nothing but clean Atlantic air, epic views of big hills and friendly locals, many of whom speak Irish. It will be one of the most memorable runs of your life.
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Where? Copenhagen, Denmark
When? 15 September 2024
Another of the six SuperHalfs, the Copenhagen Half Marathon is one of the fastest in the world – and home of the 2019 world record – so if you’re looking for somewhere to nab a new PB, this could be it. There are no ballots, charity spots or qualification standards to enter, so entries are open for as long as there are spots available. (Pro tip: secure your place fast, as this event is known for selling out quickly – it’s that good.)
Satara Hill Half Marathon
Where? Satara, India
When? 2024 date TBC
Uphills are hard and downhills are easy, right? Well, you'll find out with this race, which takes both to the extreme. For the first 10.5km, you'll embark on 413m of ascent in the hills near the old town of Satara in Maharashtra. At the halfway point, you'll then turn to head straight back down – only to realise that running constantly downhill is quite painful, too. At least you'll have a wonderful view to enjoy!
