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If you are hardcore enough to attempt one of the best half marathons UK for the first time, or you consider 13.1 miles to be your bread and butter, this is the article for you.
The half marathon distance is a perfect test of endurance. It is long enough to push you to your limits and short enough that your training doesn’t have to take up half your weekend!
No matter whether you are lining up for your first, or 21st half marathon, the feeling of crossing the finishing line is both satisfying and addictive.
But, perhaps you need a little inspiration before signing up for your next half marathon, in this article we explore 10 of the best half marathons that the UK has to offer.
Read on to find out more…
Best Half Marathons UK
Your winning moment deserves a winning location, so here’s our selection of the best half marathons in the UK:
Leeds Half Marathon
Why we rate it … This well organised run is a great way to round off your spring training. The route starts and finishes near the iconic Headingley Stadium, a place close to the hearts of many cricket fans.
But, beware: this course is a challenging one! Leeds has an undulating course profile with a cruel climb at half way.
Make sure you keep plenty in the tank so that you can take full advantage of the fast second half here.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 12th May 2024
Great for… those craving a challenge. The route’s undulating profile may not suit everyone but if you love that big race feeling on a course that will test your mettle, this one is for you.
Want to sign up? Enter here
Cardiff Half Marathon
Why we rate it… The Cardiff Half Marathon is Wales’ biggest and the 2nd biggest in the UK. The scenery should surely help distract from the burning in your legs!
The course races past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including Cardiff Castle and the Wales Millennium Centre.
The event celebrates its 21st anniversary in 2024 and offers a number of different sign up options. Fancy doing the Newport Marathon? You can bag a discount if you sign up to both at the same time.
The first 5,000 runners can also expect to receive a discounted entry fee as well as UKA-affiliated club runners. If you opt for standard, non-discounted entry, the race comes priced at a moderate £46.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 6th October 2024
Great for… those looking for a speedy PB. Whilst you may not be able to keep up with Langat or Chelimo’s record splits, their course records reflect the fast, flat PB-friendly course. Go get it!
Men’s Record: 59:30 (Leonard Langat, 2019)
Women’s Record: 1:05:52 (Edith Chelimo, 2017)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Royal Parks Half Marathon
Why we rate it… Autumn is the perfect time to run a half marathon away from the hustle and bustle of marathon training in the spring.
Autumn also brings temperatures which are typically above freezing, meaning that you won’t need to worry about your hands turning blue!
The run takes you past the finest of London city centre scenery and is fast and flat.
It is hugely popular so it’s up to you whether you get carried along with an enthusiastic pacer or hang back to take in the sights.
From The Mall to Hyde Park, prepare for huge support, stunning scenery and a Food & Fitness Festival to boot!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 13th October 2024
Great for… The course is set on tarmac paths so this one is a great option if you are a road-runner eyeing up a new PB.
The route takes in England’s flagship Hyde Park and is great for those who are keen to take in some of London’s most iconic landmarks.
The race has its own charity which you can fundraise for, or you can choose your own!
Want to sign up? Enter here
Reading Half Marathon
Why we rate it… The Reading Half provides roaring crowds, and gorgeous university campus scenery and culminates with a spectacular stadium finish!
Traffic-free and drawing thousands of runners each year, Reading is the place to go for a real buzz!
The race finishes at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, otherwise known as the home of Reading FC, giving racers the opportunity to finish within the stadium grounds.
There is a range of entry options, giving you the chance to minimise the environmental impact of your race by opting out of the goody bag and race t-shirt with a £5 discount.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 14th April 2024
Great for… a tune up before a spring marathon or a target event if you are a keen half marathon runner.
Men’s Record: 1:01:19 (Patrick Makau, 2008)
Women’s Record: 1:09:35 (Liz Yelling, 2008)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Brighton Half Marathon
Why we rate it… Brighton boasts a unique seafront view and the half marathon course gives you plenty of time to take it in.
Brighton is also renowned for being flat, and flat means fast when it comes to half marathon racing.
The race village is resplendent with a massage marquee and Brighton Half Youth Race offers the perfect challenge for budding young athletes.
The race’s location also gives you the perfect excuse to enjoy some fish and chips to help kickstart your recovery!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 25th February 2024
Great for… Young runners and those looking to get away from the city
Men’s Record: 1:04:53 (Paul Martelletti, 2016)
Women’s Record: 1:14:27 (Eleanor Davis, 2017)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Birmingham Half Marathon
Why we rate it… As well as the 10k, Birmingham also hosts the Great Birmingham Half Marathon so expect big crowds and lots of hype at this cornerstone of the UK running calendar.
The route takes in Birmingham’s finest landmarks and rewards finishers with a bespoke race medal.
Organised by the Great Run team, this event has everything you would expect of a big half marathon event which runs alongside the Great Run 10k making this event one of the biggest of its kind!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 5th May 2024
Great for… Those seeking a big city centre event outside of London.
Men’s Record: 1:00:17 (Micah Kogo, 2012)
Women’s Record: 1:10:19 (Gemma Steel, 2013)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Bath Half Marathon
Why we rate it… Bath might be famous for its Roman spas, but runners competing in the Bath Half Marathon won’t be taking it easy.
This 2-lap course is the perfect place for a PB – and in a World Heritage City no less! Although Bath may be surrounded by hills, the course is carefully plotted to avoid them and give you every opportunity to achieve a fast time.
The course layout also means that support is guaranteed throughout!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 17th March 2024
Great for… Speedy Gonzales’slooking for a fast run
Men’s Record: 1:01:45 (Robert Wambua Mbithi, 2016)
Women’s Record: 1:09:27 (Liz Yelling, 2007)
Want to sign up? Enter here
Bristol Half Marathon
Why we rate it… Another run from The Great Run series, the Bristol Half features a mix of countryside, harbourside and city centre, with spectacular views of the Avon Gorge – not that you’ll be getting much peace and quiet with music points dotted along the course to spur you along!
Feeling keen? The next race is on 19th May 2024
Great for… everyone looking for a mix of city centre hype and country views
Men’s Record: 1:00:03 (Haile Gabreselassie, 2001)
Women’s Record: 1:06:47 (Paula Radcliffe, 2001)
Want to sign up? Enter here
London Landmarks Half Marathon
Why we rate it… This central London half marathon has a carnival atmosphere and takes in over 16 of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, The Shard and The Tower of London.
London Landmarks is the race for you if seeing the sights spurs you on and is the only race that takes in both the City of London and City of Westminster.
If that’s not enough, the race is organised by Tommy’s, helping raise over £30 million for good causes since the first event in 2018.
Feeling keen? The next race is on 7th April 2024
Great for… Seeing the sights of the capital city
Whilst the entry ballot is closed for this year’s event, charity places are still available.
Want to sign up? Enter here
Snowdonia Half Marathon
Why we rate it… Snowdonia Half Marathon changed its route in 2016. Runners wanted the race to reflect the stunning, but ultimately brutal scenery and asked race organisers for a hillier route (yes, really!).
The race organisers listened and redesigned the route to include over 1,900ft climbing Llyn Geirionydd, Llyn Crafnant, and cruelly, at 11 miles, the scarily steep Forest Hill with a gradient of 1:7.
Feeling keen? Snowdonia Half Marathon returns on 12th May 2024.
Great for… Mountain goats and adventure seekers!
Want to sign up? Enter here
Do You Want To Take on a Half Marathon?
We constantly update our calendar so you can choose from the best events across the UK. Take a look at our Half Marathon listings today!
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