Half Marathon

What makes the half marathon so popular among runners and race organizers? What's special about this distance that makes it a staple in many competitions? 🤔 To answer these questions, we need to start with the basics: the half marathon is exactly half of a marathon. Symbolically, it already represents a significant milestone in the minds of some runners. But it's not just in runners' minds that this distance matters! 😌 Sportingly, it's also a real challenge. You'll agree that running a 5 km, and even a 10 km, is, to some extent, accessible to everyone. However, covering 21 km is a whole different ball game that requires more intensive training and great determination! For many, reaching this new level is an objective. This distance marks a significant achievement as a runner and often remains the first major milestone before taking on the sacred marathon. For many, several months of preparation are necessary before crossing the finish line 🏁.

For more seasoned and high-level athletes, running a half marathon is a way to maintain a certain level of endurance without burning out before tackling a full marathon. It remains an essential part of their training regimen. There are also athletes for whom completing a 21 km race is an end in itself, training with the singular goal of breaking the existing records ⏱️. Currently, the world records for the half marathon are held by Ethiopian Yomif Kejelcha, who completed the Valencia Half Marathon in 57 minutes and 30 seconds in 2024, and by Ethiopian Letesenbet Gidey with a time of 1 hour, 2 minutes and 52 seconds in 2021 at the Valencia Half Marathon. For the record, it was Kenyan Moses Tanui who was the first to break the mythical hour barrier in the half marathon. Indeed! There are two types of half marathoners in the world: those who run it in under an hour and those who strive to complete it! 😆

Don't worry: we're not here to demotivate you! In fact, running a half is often a highly cherished experience, especially because it allows you to immerse yourself in new landscapes under unique and moving circumstances 🥰. Yes, every kilometer is a personal victory, but also a new discovery. The "half-marathon," as it's also called, is usually held in cities, even in major cities or capitals 🌆. Like marathons, the terrain on which half-marathons are run is often flat and asphalted, with a few exceptions. This detail is important because, otherwise, it would be classified as a trail run. But it's also important to note that this distance is not only organized in mega-cities, as medium-sized towns or villages also host their editions. These events have the advantage of being less crowded, making the racing experience extremely pleasant 👍. Far from the Broloppet (the "bridge race" in Danish), which brought together nearly 80,000 runners in 2000! 🤯 A record that has never been matched since. 

The concept of this race, also known as the Bridge Run, is to allow participants to cross the Danish-Swedish border. It's not the only cross-border event in the world, as there’s also, for example, the Istanbul Half-Marathon, crossing the Bosphorus and connecting Europe and Asia. These races, like many others, offer themes and concepts designed to meet participants' expectations, showcase a certain historical and cultural heritage and promote certain values ⭐️. That's why you can participate in charitable events, those dedicated to the planet or open to parasports athletes. The more indulgent and festive can also take part in gastronomic and costume events, while those who love travel can select races based on very specific geographic criteria: by the seaside, on a volcano, in castles, in stadiums, in parks, in capitals or at altitude...

As you can see, there are as many types of half marathons as there are runners’ demands! 😉 However, be assured that you can find the one that suits you perfectly, but know that none can compare to the SuperHalfs 🏆. The Lisbon Half-Marathon, the Prague Half-Marathon, the Copenhagen Half-Marathon, the Cardiff Half-Marathon, the Valencia Half-Marathon and the Berlin Half-Marathon are the 6 foot races that make up the SuperHalf series. All are renowned sporting events known for their level, speed ⚡️, atmosphere, prestige, and beauty. Together, they form a tough and magnificent challenge that pays tribute to the distance and the discipline. Those who make it to the overall podium, of course, walk away with a significant reward 🤑. Also, professionals can participate in the championship organized since 1992 by the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships. It gathers, each year, almost 300 participants from over 80 different nations. One sees a clear dominance of African record holders, specifically from Kenya (Joyciline Jepkosgei, Kibiwott Kandie, Geoffrey Kamworor, to name a few). Truly remarkable athletic feats are achieved. So, what are you waiting for to start training? 😏 Maybe you'll be the next to take the prize!

Furthermore, the United Kingdom is not short of champions. The men's record is held by Mo Farah, who finished the Lisbon Half Marathon in 59 minutes and 32 seconds. Mo is an English running legend and has been knighted for his contributions, including his 4 Olympic gold medals 🥇! On the women's side, Eilish McColgan claimed this title in 2023 during the Berlin Half Marathon by crossing the finish line in 1 hour, 5 minutes, and 43 seconds. Paula Radcliffe ran a half marathon 3 seconds faster at the Great North Run, but that race was not eligible for the record. Interestingly, Eilish is the daughter of Liz McColgan, a former World Champion in the 10,000m.

And speaking of records, we cannot forget Hariette Thompson, who at 94 years old became the oldest person to complete a half marathon 👵 at the Rock’n’Roll Half-Marathon in New York! 🗽 To mention a few other famous half-marathon runners: the Portuguese António Pinto, the Swede Andreas Almgren, the Italian Yemaneberhan Crippa, the Dutch Sifan Hassan, the South African Elena Meyer, the Germans Irina Mikitenko and Melat Yisak Kejeta, and the Norwegian Ingrid Kristiansen.

Wondering how to get started? Luckily, the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 hosts a wealth of half marathons across the country, offering unique and varied experiences. Naturally, the capital has plenty to offer. Did you know you can run 4 half marathons in London? 😱

Begin the year on a high note with the London Christmas Half Marathon, a race through the festively decorated streets of the British capital, full of festive spirit and Christmas lights 🎄. In April, the London Landmarks Half Marathon takes you past the city's most famous sites, immersing you in London's history and culture that you can rediscover in May with the Wizz Air London Half Marathon 🎡. Finally, in October, the Royal Parks Half Marathon, will take you through London's royal parks for a serene running experience amidst the lively city. Discover the Great Birmingham Run, an urban race through the UK's second-largest city, showcasing the iconic landmarks and industrial districts. In Liverpool, in March, discover the Run Aintree Half Marathon, a unique race through the famous Aintree Racecourse, home to the Grand National, a steeplechase horse race since 1839. Also, the Liverpool Half Marathon, a race through the heart of the city. Not far from there, in the northwest of England, join the Manchester Half Marathon, a race offering a deep dive into the dynamic urban culture of Manchester, the world's first industrialized city.

Further north, in the Yorkshire and Humber region, don't miss the Leeds Half Marathon, a race through historic streets, offering an electric atmosphere and panoramic views of the nearby Pennines mountain range ⛰️.

In the southwest of England, you're spoiled for choice with the Great Bristol Run, a port city, birthplace of the famous artist Banksy 🎨. You might even spot one of his works while running. If you're looking for even more unique experiences, the Two Tunnels Half Marathon in Bath is the one for you! An unusual race through two historic railway tunnels, offering a unique experience with nearly 5 miles run underground. Oxford is well known for its prestigious university 🏫, but let's not forget the Oxford Half Marathon, a charity race where you can admire the city's traditional architecture. The Bournemouth Half Marathon will provide views of golden sandy beaches and steep cliffs, with a course along the southern coast of England. Take part in the Edinburgh Winter Half Marathon, a race in the heart of the Scottish capital offering a warm atmosphere and views of the surrounding hills 🏞️. Dive into the dynamic atmosphere of the Glasgow Half Marathon (Great Scottish Run), an iconic race offering a total immersion into vibrant Scottish culture 🏴. Not forgetting the Welsh capital, which hosts the Cardiff Half Marathon, a race with a festive atmosphere throughout the course. In Northern Ireland, the capital city Belfast is notably known as the site of the famous RMS Titanic 🚢. But don't worry, you won't share the same fate as the Titanic; instead, you will triumph at the Belfast Half Marathon as part of the marathon.

Of course, runners who like to turn their sport into a tourist experience will certainly not shy away from crossing borders to join the most radiant competitions internationally 🌎. You can easily enjoy the famous dolce vita and local gastronomy during your stops at the Rome Half Marathon (Roma-Ostia), the famous Milan Half Marathon (or Stramilano for those in the know), the Florence Half Marathon, in Italy 🇮🇹. If you prefer tapas and fiesta, don't miss out on a trip to the Iberian Peninsula. The half marathons in Spain 🇪🇸 and the half marathons in Portugal 🇵🇹 are equally renowned, such as the Porto Half Marathon, the Malaga Half Marathon, the Seville Half Marathon, the Barcelona Half Marathon and the Ibiza Half Marathon or even the Lisbon Half Marathon. In Scandinavia, there's the Helsinki Half Marathon, the Stockholm Half Marathon and the Copenhagen Half Marathon. The Amsterdam Half Marathon and the Bijlmer Run in the Netherlands 🇳🇱. In Germany 🇩🇪, enjoy the electric atmosphere at the Stuttgart Half Marathon, the Berlin Half Marathon, and the Hamburg Half Marathon. Not to mention other outstanding European marathons such as the Budapest Half Marathon, the Krakow Half Marathon, the Istanbul Half Marathon, the Brussels Half Marathon …

If you're reading this page, you know that our beautiful language is also spoken in other countries including the United States, which also host their own half-marathons 🇺🇸. Dive into the excitement of the city that never sleeps with the New York Half Marathon in March. An iconic race offering spectacular views of the skyscrapers and emblematic districts of the Big Apple 🍎. In April, the city also hosts the women’s half-marathon, which as the name suggests is a race exclusively for women. Women have been allowedto run marathons only since 1968, and they certainly deserve races of their own 🏃‍♀️. Right next door, one of the 5 boroughs of New York offers its own 21 km: the Queens Half Marathon, providing a total immersion into the city's cultural diversity, passing through the famous Flushing Meadows, a green space spanning over 5 square kilometers. In San Francisco, two half marathons are offered: in July, the San Francisco Half Marathon as part of the marathon. In November, there's the Golden Gate Half Marathon. In both cases, you'll enjoy a run along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the bay and the city. Don't miss the Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Las Vegas, a nighttime race through the illuminated streets of the Strip, with an unforgettable atmosphere, live music throughout the course, and a festival as an after-party 🥳. In the Windy City, discover the Chicago Half Marathon, along the magnificent Lake Michigan, with panoramic views of the city's skyline and its famous architectural landmarks. Also, check out the Miami Half Marathon, above the Biscayne, where you can enjoy views of the white sandy beach waiting for you after the race in this sunny Florida city 🏖️ along with the Nashville Half Marathon, a race in the country music capital, where you can explore the musical neighborhoods.

In Canada 🇨🇦, we recommend the Vancouver Half Marathons, the Montreal Half Marathon, and the Quebec Half Marathon which offer a variety of landscapes including parks, beaches, bridges, stadiums, and monuments. You won't have time to get bored!

Thus, you can both run and expend energy while taking the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture. That's what running is all about! While awaiting to reach that point, it is important to properly prepare in order to better appreciate the moment. Even though the distance to be covered is shorter than that of a marathon and is less demanding on the muscles, running a half marathon should not be underestimated! So, why not cut your teeth on a 10 km? 🏃‍♂️