The Best Half Marathons in the UK

A half marathon is one of the most rewarding distances you can run. It is long enough to test your endurance and discipline but short enough to train for alongside work and family life. Whether you are chasing a new personal best or looking to complete your very first 13.1 miles, the United Kingdom offers a fantastic range of races to choose from.

From bustling city events filled with cheering crowds to scenic countryside courses that wind through rolling hills and coastal roads, the UK truly has something for every type of runner. Many of these races are rich in history, while others are known for their breathtaking landscapes or fun community atmosphere.

In this article, we’ve rounded up the 15 best half marathons in the UK, complete with key details, what makes each one special, and links to training plans to help you prepare for your next big challenge.

1. Great North Run (Newcastle upon Tyne, England)

When: Early September
Where: Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields
Cut-off time: Around 4 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes, very inclusive with massive crowd support
Average price: £60–£75
Number of participants: Over 60,000
Official website: Great Run
Training plans: Grab your Great North Run training plan

The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world and a true bucket-list event for runners. Founded in 1981, it attracts tens of thousands of participants every year, from complete beginners to elite athletes. The route starts in Newcastle city centre, crosses the iconic Tyne Bridge, and finishes along the seafront in South Shields.

Crowd support is phenomenal, with spectators cheering, offering sweets, and blasting music all along the 13.1-mile course. The Red Arrows often perform an aerial display at the finish, making for an unforgettable end to the race.

The course has a few gentle hills but nothing too intimidating, and the energy of the crowd carries you through every step. It’s perfect for runners who thrive on atmosphere and camaraderie.

2. Royal Parks Half Marathon (London, England)

When: Early October
Where: Central London
Cut-off time: 4 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: Around £60
Number of participants: Approximately 16,000
Official website: Royal Parks Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Royal Parks Half Marathon training plan

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful urban races in the UK. It takes runners through four of London’s eight Royal Parks: Hyde Park, Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. You’ll also pass some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament.

The route is mainly flat, making it a great choice for both first-time half marathoners and those chasing a personal best. The event is also well known for its sustainability efforts, with eco-friendly race practices and an emphasis on supporting charities.

The crisp autumn air, golden leaves, and stunning city views make this race an unforgettable experience. Plus, the crowd energy and charity runners’ enthusiasm create a truly uplifting atmosphere.

3. Cardiff Half Marathon (Cardiff, Wales)

When: Early October
Where: Cardiff city centre
Cut-off time: 4 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: Over 25,000
Official website: Cardiff Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Cardiff Half Marathon training plan

The Cardiff Half Marathon is one of the biggest and most popular races in the UK. The flat, fast course makes it perfect for first-timers or those aiming for a PB. Starting and finishing near Cardiff Castle, the route takes you past many of the city’s landmarks, including the Millennium Stadium and Cardiff Bay.

The event’s inclusive atmosphere and supportive crowds make it one of the best races for runners of all levels. Welsh hospitality is strong throughout the day, and you’ll be cheered on in both English and Welsh.

Cool autumn weather and excellent organization mean you can focus on enjoying the run and soaking up the festival-like atmosphere in Wales’s capital.

4. Bath Half Marathon (Bath, England)

When: Mid-March
Where: Bath city centre
Cut-off time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £45–£60
Number of participants: Around 15,000
Official website: Bath Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Bath Half Marathon training plan

The Bath Half, affectionately known as the “Bath Half,” is one of the oldest and most established half marathons in the UK. The route consists of two laps through the beautiful Georgian streets of Bath, making it a great spectator-friendly event.

The course is fast and relatively flat, ideal for those looking for a strong time or a confidence-boosting first half marathon. The city’s architecture and the support from the locals make it feel like a true celebration.

Spring weather in Bath can be crisp and sunny, perfect for running, and the post-race atmosphere in the city’s cafés and pubs is always lively.

5. Edinburgh Half Marathon (Edinburgh, Scotland)

When: Late May
Where: Edinburgh city centre to Musselburgh
Cut-off time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes, very flat
Average price: £40–£55
Number of participants: Around 10,000
Official website: Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Training plans: Grab your Edinburgh Half Marathon training plan

Part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, this half marathon offers a stunning route with a gentle net downhill profile. It starts near Edinburgh’s city centre and finishes along the East Lothian coastline in Musselburgh.

Runners enjoy views of Arthur’s Seat, the historic Royal Mile, and the North Sea. The course’s layout and mild late-May weather make it ideal for personal best attempts.

Crowd support is lively, particularly near the start and finish, and the coastal breeze adds an invigorating freshness as you near the end.

6. Oxford Half Marathon (Oxford, England)

When: Mid-October
Where: Oxford city centre
Cut-off time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £50–£65
Number of participants: Around 13,000
Official website: Oxford Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Oxford Half Marathon training plan

The Oxford Half Marathon offers a stunning combination of historic scenery and lively crowd energy. The course takes runners past the famous colleges, cobblestone streets, and lush parks of Oxford.

It’s a mostly flat course, making it perfect for first-time half marathoners or those hoping for a strong finishing time. The organization is top-notch, with plenty of water stations, entertainment, and enthusiastic spectators along the way.

Running past iconic landmarks like Radcliffe Camera and Christ Church Meadow gives the event a uniquely British charm that’s hard to beat.

7. Reading Half Marathon (Reading, England)

When: Late March
Where: Reading, Berkshire
Cut-off time: 3 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £40–£55
Number of participants: Over 10,000
Official website: Reading Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Reading Half Marathon training plan

The Reading Half Marathon is one of the most well-organized events in the UK. The route takes you through the heart of Reading, finishing inside the Madejski Stadium, where cheering crowds and booming music create an electrifying finale.

The course is fairly flat, with a few gentle inclines, making it accessible for most runners. March weather usually brings cool, comfortable running conditions, and the well-planned course support makes the day stress-free.

The stadium finish is a highlight that few other races can match, making this an excellent choice for both first-timers and experienced runners.

8. Run Bournemouth Half Marathon (Bournemouth, England)

When: Early October
Where: Bournemouth and Poole seafront
Cut-off time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes, scenic coastal course
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: Around 5,000
Official website: Run Bournemouth
Training plans: Grab your Run Bournemouth Half Marathon training plan

The Run Bournemouth Half Marathon is a coastal gem. The route runs along the stunning Dorset coastline, featuring piers, beaches, and sea views almost the entire way.

Starting in Kings Park, the race finishes on Bournemouth Pier, giving you that classic seaside finish-line feeling. The course is gently undulating but beginner-friendly, and the ocean breeze helps keep temperatures comfortable.

With entertainment along the route and the sound of waves accompanying your run, this event feels like a mini holiday as much as a race.

9. Brighton Half Marathon (Brighton, England)

When: Late February
Where: Brighton seafront
Cut-off time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: 12,000
Official website: Brighton Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Brighton Half Marathon training plan

The Brighton Half Marathon is the perfect start to the racing season, offering a flat and fast course along the famous Brighton seafront. The route passes iconic landmarks like the Brighton Pier and Hove Lawns.

Crowds are famously supportive, often lining the route with banners and costumes. Even in February, the seaside atmosphere is lively and welcoming.

This event is also a major fundraiser for local charities, so you’ll see plenty of runners wearing charity vests and getting cheered on by their supporters.

10. Windsor Half Marathon (Windsor, England)

When: Late September
Where: Windsor Great Park
Cut-off time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Moderate – a few hills
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: Around 6,000
Official website: Windsor Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Windsor Half Marathon training plan

If you love scenic races, the Windsor Half Marathon should be high on your list. The course takes you through the picturesque Windsor Great Park, with views of Windsor Castle in the distance.

The undulating terrain adds a bit of challenge, but the scenery and peaceful setting make it worth the effort. Autumn colours in late September create a beautiful backdrop for your run.

It’s a well-organized, friendly race that captures the best of British countryside running.

11. Belfast City Half Marathon (Belfast, Northern Ireland)

When: September
Where: Belfast city centre
Cut-off time: 3 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £40–£50
Number of participants: Around 5,000
Official website: Belfast City Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Belfast Half Marathon training plan

The Belfast City Half Marathon offers runners a tour of Northern Ireland’s capital, with an energetic crowd and a flat, beginner-friendly course.

You’ll pass many of Belfast’s key landmarks, including the City Hall, Botanic Gardens, and the famous Harland & Wolff cranes. The course’s mix of urban and riverside running keeps it interesting throughout.

The event is renowned for its hospitality, friendly volunteers, and great post-race atmosphere. Expect live music, cheering families, and plenty of smiles.

12. Inverness Half Marathon (Inverness, Scotland)

When: Early March
Where: Inverness, Scottish Highlands
Cut-off time: 4 hours
Beginner-friendly? Moderately challenging but stunning
Average price: £40–£50
Number of participants: Around 5,000
Official website: Inverness Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Inverness Half Marathon training plan

If you want breathtaking scenery, this is your race. The Inverness Half Marathon takes you through the spectacular Scottish Highlands, through the city of Inverness before finishing at Queen's Park Stadium.

The course has rolling hills but nothing overly steep, and the views of forests, mountains, and the water are simply unforgettable. Cool, fresh air and crisp autumn weather make for great running conditions.

Even though it’s a rural race, the organization is excellent, and the smaller field gives it a friendly, community feel.

13. Manchester Half Marathon (Manchester, England)

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When: Early October
Where: Manchester city centre
Cut-off time: 3 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes, very flat
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: 15,000+
Official website: Manchester Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Manchester Half Marathon training plan

The Manchester Half Marathon is known for its incredibly flat course and lively crowd support. Many runners use it to chase a personal best or to tune up for the full Manchester Marathon in April.

The route takes you through key parts of the city and surrounding suburbs, with plenty of live music and cheering spectators.

With excellent organization and cool autumn weather, this race has everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

14. Cambridge Half Marathon (Cambridge, England)

When: Early March
Where: Cambridge city centre
Cut-off time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £45–£55
Number of participants: Around 10,000
Official website: Cambridge Half Marathon
Training plans: Grab your Cambridge Half Marathon training plan

The Cambridge Half Marathon offers a unique opportunity to run through the historic streets of one of the UK’s most famous university cities. The course passes through several college grounds that are usually closed to the public, making it a special experience.

The route is flat and fast, ideal for both beginners and competitive runners. March weather is generally mild, and the organization is seamless from start to finish.

Running past centuries-old architecture and along the River Cam creates an unforgettable atmosphere, blending history, beauty, and sport.

15. The Big Half (London, England)

When: Early September
Where: Central London to Greenwich
Cut-off time: 3 hours
Beginner-friendly? Yes
Average price: £45–£60
Number of participants: 15,000+
Official website: The Big Half
Training plans: Grab your Big Half training plan

Organized by the same team behind the London Marathon, The Big Half offers a world-class experience with all the energy of the capital. The route takes runners from Tower Bridge through Canary Wharf and finishes near the Cutty Sark in Greenwich.

It’s a vibrant, inclusive race that celebrates diversity and community, with music zones and enthusiastic supporters all along the route.

The course is flat and fast, perfect for setting a new PB, and the September date means you can enjoy mild weather conditions.

Get Ready for Your Next Half Marathon with Runna

Whether you’re looking for a coastal run with sea views, a historic city race through ancient streets, or a peaceful countryside challenge, there’s a half marathon in the UK for everyone. Each of these 15 events offers something unique, from iconic landmarks to small-town charm.

If you’re running your first half marathon, remember that with proper training, anyone can complete 13.1 miles. The key is structure, consistency, and having a plan that adapts to your fitness level and schedule.

That’s exactly what Runna is here to help with. Our app gives you personalized training plans designed around your goals, whether that’s finishing your first half marathon or achieving a new personal best. You can even tailor your plan to your chosen race so that every run prepares you for the course ahead.

Each plan includes a smart mix of easy runs, intervals, long runs, and strength training to build your endurance and keep you injury-free. And with your progress tracked automatically, you can see your improvement week by week.

Download Runna, your number one running coaching app, and start training for your next half marathon today. Your first week is on us.

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