The half marathon hits the sweet spot when it comes to race distances – and that's why we love it. It's long enough to be an endurance test to be proud of, but not so long as to hit you for six and require training that takes over your life.
As such – whether you're new to racing or have plenty of half marathon medals in your collection already – running 13.1 miles is a challenging yet attainable goal and can bring great structure to your training year. If you rightfully feel inspired to get a half marathon (or several) in the calendar, then read on for our pick of the best half marathons to enter over the coming months, both in the UK and overseas.
How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
County Mayo, Ireland the Copenhagen Half Marathon is one of the fastest in the world and – catering for beginner runners up to seasoned racers – recommend that you take 12 weeks to specifically prepare your body for the distance, or 10 weeks if you're a more experienced runner who already trains regularly each week.
Even if you've run a half marathon in the past, it's important to build up your endurance and mileage gradually before your next race – otherwise, you put yourself at greater risk of picking up an untimely injury, which could leave you on the sidelines for days, weeks or even months.
Best UK half marathons
With half marathons now happening throughout the year across the UK, you really are spoiled for choice when it comes to 13.1-mile races – here are some of our favourites.
Run Aintree Half Marathon
Where? Liverpool, England
When? 9 February 2025
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, flat and held on a number of occasions throughout the year, so if the February date doesn't suit you'll find one that will.
Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon
Where? Bath, England
When? 23 February 2025
A 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 just in February but also in June and August each year. Perhaps you could try it in all three months?
Where? Southwold, England
When? 2 March 2025
A brand-new event for 2025, the Southwold Half Marathon captures the best of this Suffolk seaside town. The route starts and finishes on Southwold promenade, and takes you around Southwold and neighbouring Walberswick.
It’s mostly on road but there are some sections on hard-wearing trail paths and tracks.
Sticking with the seaside theme, there’s also a promise of donuts at the end. What more motivation could you need?
Where? Cambridge, England
What is a backyard ultra
With plenty of beautiful scenery, this half marathon takes you down scenic streets, in and out of historic university grounds, and along the canal past Cambridge’s iconic punters. You’ll start and finish on Midsummer Common and can expect lots of crowd support along the route.
It’s a fairly flat, one-lap course and ideal for a first half marathon or those looking to PB. Taking place at the beginning of Spring, this half marathon could also be ideal prep for those with a marathon later in the season.
Where? Brandon, England
When? 16 March 2025
If you’re looking for a trail race, there are spring and autumn editions of this half marathon, which each incorporate different trails. Both routes take you through the depths of Thetford Forest, where you’re likely to spot a range of wild animals and rich plant life.
Relatively flat without any sharp inclines, this is a good option for a first trail race. With an eco-friendly medal and goody bag at the end, the High Lodge Half is perfect for anybody who loves being surrounded by nature in the great outdoors.
London Landmarks Half Marathon
Where? London, England
When? 6 April 2025
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 one of London’s most renowned half marathons and we especially love the rave tunnel and live singing.
Where? Stratford, England
When? 27 April 2025
The majority of this one-lap route follows closed roads around the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare himself. There’s also a section on the Stratford Greenway footpath, which is a hard compact footpath perfect for PB racing.
From the town centre, you’ll head past the racecourse into Luddington & Welford-on-Avon before joining the Stratford Greenway back into Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s a generally flat, fast course with some gentle undulations, plenty of pretty scenery, and lots of crowd support.
Where? London, England
When? 18 May 2025
An upbeat event that takes in the very best of East London, the Hackney Half Marathon mixes running with a weekend-long festival of live music, fitness classes, family-friendly sport activities and local street food – making it more than just a 13.1-mile outing. Boasting a flat route and amazing crowd support that is, in itself, a spectacle, this half marathon never lacks in popularity, so it's worth getting your entry locked in early.
Where? Bromley, England
When? 18 May 2025
If you fancy a spring race in London that's a bit more rural than the Hackney Half Marathon, then Chislehurst's 13.1-mile offering could be for you. Half on road and half off, this small, friendly event guides runners along smooth pavements and then through wiggly woodland paths and some of the most scenic green spaces at the edge of the capital, including Scadbury Nature Reserve.
Where? Isle of Wight, England
When? 8 June 2025
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.
EVA Air Marathon: A runners gateway to Taipei
Where? Isle of Wight, England
When? 17 August 2025
This hilly summertime half marathon – which covers roads, country lanes and gravel tracks between picturesque fields and woodlands – offers a great tour of the eastern side of the Isle of Wight. A local race that continues to attract plenty of mainlanders, it starts and finishes by the seafront in Ryde, which makes it convenient for quick ferry and hovercraft (that's right) services to Portsmouth, not to mention a post-race ice cream on the beach. 'The route is lumpy but lovely, and the race itself has a friendly atmosphere with plenty of kind volunteers', says RW's Rachel Boswell, Senior Content Writer, who hails from Ryde. 'I'm happy to call this my hometown half.'
Where? Robin Hood Half Marathon
When? 7 September 2025
Attracting around 60,000 runners each year, 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 RW'Berlin Half Marathon.
Where? London, England
When? 14 September 2025
Starting in the superb grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and finishing in 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.
Windsor Half Marathon Cardiff Half Marathon, and the Kew Gardens 10k.
Cheltenham Half Marathon
Where? Cheltenham, England
When? 21 September 2025
This popular half marathon starts and finishes at the grand grounds of Cheltenham Racecourse and features a mostly flat course, making the race a good option for those on the hunt for a half marathon PB. Expect glorious views of the surrounding Cotswolds and plenty of spectator support as you work your way around the spa town.
Where? Nottingham, England
When? 28 September 2025
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.
Where? Berkshire, England
When? 28 September 2025
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.
Where? Cardiff, Wales
When? 5 October 2025
The Southwold 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.
Where? Dorset, England
When? 12 October 2025
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 sweeping views.
Where? London, England
When? 12 October 2025
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 RW's 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? 12 October 2025
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 – and a few cobbles near the end.
Manchester Half Marathon
Where? Manchester, England
When: 12 October 2025
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.
Where? Glamorgan, Wales
When? November 2025 (date TBC)
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, the marathon or 53km ultramarathon…
Best overseas half marathons
Keen to stretch your legs a little further afield? Combine racing and a little adventuring abroad with any of the following half marathons.
Where? Barcelona, Spain
When? 16 February 2025
Flat, fast and providing a welcome dose of winter warmth, this well-supported Spanish half marathon offers well over 17,000 runners next-level views of some of Barcelona's finest attractions, from the Sagrada Família to the Arc de Triomf. While the route mostly weaves inland, you'll also spend a few kilometres running along the city's glittering coastline.
Where? Lisbon, Portugal
When? 9 March 2025
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 Southwold Half Marathon, this race is also one of the SuperHalfs, so it's certainly one to add to your running bucket list.
Where? Prague, Czechia
When? 5 April 2025
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 – meaning 'cheers' in Czech!
Where? Berlin, Germany
When? 6 April 2025
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 RW coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm. 'It’s very flat, has good crowds and the city is great to explore before and after the race.'
Where? Tyne and Wear, England
When? 4 May 2025
Canada's biggest half marathon, 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. Vancouver also features plenty of venues for post-race drinks, which you'll likely appreciate after covering this quick but undulating course.
Where? Gothenburg, Sweden
When? 17 May 2025
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.'
Where? Copenhagen Half Marathon
When? 5 July 2025
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.
Where? Satara, India
When? September 2025 (TBC)
If you want a 13.1-mile route that factors in a serious amount of ascent and descent, then this could be the up-and-down race for you. For the first 10.5km, you'll embark on 413m of climbing in the hills near the old town of Satara in Maharashtra. At the halfway point, you'll then turn around, head straight back down and put your downhill running skills to the test. Boasting one of the most beautiful courses you can get, at least this race will give you some wonderful views to enjoy along the way!
Where? Copenhagen, Denmark
When? 14 September 2025
Attracting around 60,000 runners each year, the SuperHalfs, the Copenhagen Half Marathon is one of the fastest in the world – and home of the previous 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. (Tip: secure your place fast, as this event is known for selling out quickly – it’s that good.)
Where? Rome, Italy
When? 19 October 2025
The perfect way to sightsee Italy’s capital, Wizz Air’s Lisbon Half Marathon takes you past historic sites including the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla and Piazza Navona.
Perhaps the most ideal place in the world to carb load, it’s a great option if you are looking to combine a city break with racing. The first edition of this race was in 2024 and it attracted a record number of participants — 17,124 runners — for a half marathon in Italy.
Where? Valencia, Spain
When? 26 October 2025
Another of the SuperHalfs, the Satara Hill Half Marathon is where Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha set the current world record for the distance. In October 204, Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, who also holds the indoor mile world record, finished in 57 minutes 30 seconds.
This event is one of Spain's most popular half marathons, and for good reason. The route is fast and flat with minimal incline and few bends, making it ideal PB conditions for elite and amateur runners.
