The Best Half Marathons in Europe
Introduction
So, Europe has been chosen as the destination for your next half marathon but there are sooo many to chosse from. That's why I have put together a small list with just a very few of the most interesting half marathons in Europe to look into and consider for your next race.
Why run in Europe
Maybe you live in Europe and it's the shortest travel distance or maybe you live far away but want to combine travel with racing.
Running a half marathon in Europe is a truly exceptional experience where you get the opportunity to explore some of the world's most beautiful and culturally rich cities and landscapes.
Many European half marathons take you past iconic landmarks and through centuries-old cities. You can run past the Colosseum in Rome, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, or along the ancient canals of Venice. It's an opportunity to experience ancient history as you race.
Europe is a melting pot of cultures, and running a half marathon there provides a chance to experience local traditions, cuisines, and hospitality.
The Super Halfs Series
The Super Halfs series in Europe is an exciting and popular running competition that's all about half-marathons.
Six half-marathons are held in different European cities:
Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff, and Valencia.
These races have been carefully chosen based on their quality, popularity, location, and commitment to sustainability.
What's great about the SuperHalfs series is that, apart from the registration fees for each race, there are no extra charges for participating in the Super Halfs series.
This means that once you've registered for one of the races, you can enjoy the benefits of being part of the SuperHalfs series without any extra fees.
These races attract runners from all over Europe and other parts of the globe. One cool thing about the SuperHalfs series is that it's not just about running;
it's also about exploring and experiencing the culture of each host city. Participants get to run through historic streets, beautiful parks, and iconic landmarks, which makes the races even more special.
Anyone can join these races, whether you're just starting out or are an experienced runner. There's a place for everyone!
Each race in the series has its own unique charm and challenges, and participants can earn special medals and rewards for completing multiple races in the series. It's a fantastic way to stay fit, travel, and make new friends from different countries.
So, if you're looking for an exciting way to explore Europe, stay active, and have a great time, consider joining the Super Halfs series – it's a fantastic adventure that combines running and culture in some of Europe's most stunning cities!
https://www.superhalfs.com/en/
The Best Half Marathons in Europe (apart from the ones in the Super Halfs series)
| Race | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Great North Run | England | September |
| 2. Paris Half Marathon | France | March |
| 3. Firenze Half Marathon | Italy | April |
| 4. Barcelona Half Marathon | Spain | February |
Great North Run
The AJ Bell Great North Run, known as the world's biggest half marathon, happens every September in North East England.
With 60,000 runners going from Newcastle to South Shields, it's famous for its welcoming atmosphere, fun entertainment along the way, and the millions raised for charity.
Whether you're running for a personal record, supporting a cause, or just looking forward to a post-run pint, it's an unforgettable experience.
From the thrilling Red Arrows flyover to the lively chants, you'll feel the Great North Run magic when you're part of it.
It's a unique run that leaves you with a finish-line feeling you'll always remember.
https://www.greatrun.org/events/great-north-run/
Paris Half Marathon
The Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris is an exciting half marathon that kicks off the running season with a bang in March each year.
Over 40,000 people join in, all wearing their neon trainers, and it's a challenge that sets the pace for the year ahead.
For Parisians, it's a chance to own their city and represent their neighborhoods. If you're from elsewhere, you can challenge the locals
and join over 7,000 international runners for a fun-filled race with music along the way.
It's a must-do race, so whether you're a beginner or a running enthusiast, consider making it one of your yearly goals.
https://www.harmoniemutuellesemideparis.com/en/races/presentation
Firenze Half Marathon
The Half Marathon in beautiful Florence is one of the most awaited races and is a big deal for athletes. Every year in April, people from all over the world join to run 21.097 km through Florence's streets and squares.
It's a unique race where you get to run through the city's historic center and Oltrarno. Runners will see famous places like Lungarno della Zecca, Piazza della Signoria, Piazza Duomo, and Oltrarno while running. The race finishes at Piazza Santa Croce.
It's not just for serious runners, though, families can join in too with 1.5K, 5K, and 10K races.
More and more people join each year because it's a well-organized event and a great way to enjoy Florence.
https://www.halfmarathonfirenze.it/
Barcelona Half Marathon
Since Barcelona is one of my favorite cities in Europe, I have to include that one.
The Barcelona Half Marathon, or eDreams Mitja Marató, is a fun and exciting race held every year in the heart of Barcelona, Spain.
It's known for a flat and fast route, which is perfect for both beginners and experienced runners. The course takes you through some of the city’s most famous spots, like the Arc de Triomf and Plaça Catalunya, with lots of cheering crowds along the way.
The weather in Barcelona in February is perfect for running a race (10-15 degrees C (50-60 F) and very few rainy days) and the organization of this event is known for being fantastic.
https://edreamsmitjabarcelona.com/en/
More to come...