The 10 Hidden Gem Half Marathons You Should Discover!

The Bijlmer Run : Netherlands 🇳🇱

Next edition: May 17 2025 ✅

This half-marathon will have you spinning like a windmill! 🪽 Created by running enthusiasts Charita Zandgrond and Yoshi Groen, the Bijlmer Run aims to highlight the Bijlmermeer district in Amsterdam, while offering a unique running experience 😍. If the race logo forms a windmill, it’s for a reason! The route consists of 4 loops of 5 km, forming 4 blades (a nod to the region 😉). You'll pass places like Nelson Mandela Park, urban areas, and cultural sites. The good news is, a on-fire audience 🔥 will be there to cheer you on throughout this local race! 🎉 A party is even planned at Anton de Komplein with a music stage 🎶 and many food trucks to refuel you 😋.

After the race, treat yourself to the classics of Dutch cuisine: a stroopwafel 🧇 (you know, that caramel-filled waffle that makes you say “just one more” after every bite) or a good old haring 🐟 (if you fancy raw herring). In between bites, take a tour of the Rijksmuseum or visit the Anne Frank House, must-sees in Amsterdam 😮.

Photo Credit: Bijlmerrun.nl

The Bridge Run : Denmark 🇩🇰

Next edition: June 15 2025 ✅

How about running from Copenhagen 🇩🇰 to Malmö in Sweden 🇸🇪 across the iconic Øresund Bridge 🌉? The Bridge Run offers you this unique experience 😁. With its 8 km of bridge over the Baltic Sea, you'll brave the wind while enjoying breathtaking views between these two Nordic countries that celebrate their friendship 🔗. The 2025 half-marathon edition will mark the 25th anniversary of the bridge and the first race since 2010, a highly anticipated return! 🎂 Practical point: no passport needed 🤪.

For food lovers, after crossing the finish line (or before 🙃), try the smørrebrød 🥪 or opt for the famous frikadeller, those Danish meat or fish balls 🧆. For a must-see visit, don't forget to check out The Little Mermaid 🧜‍♀️ in Copenhagen or visit the National Museum 📸.

Photo Credit: bridgerun2025.com

The FILA Lake Garda42 : Italy 🇮🇹

Next edition: April 6 2025 ✅

If running a half-marathon around the largest lake in Italy 🚤 wasn't on your wishlist, now is the time to add it ✅. The FILA Lake Garda42 is a spectacular route where every turn reveals stunning views between lake and mountains ⛰️. Starting from Torbole, you'll journey along the East shore towards Malcesine, all while marveling at the beauty of a landscape made in Italy 🤌. With only 50 mD+, it is a relatively flat course, perfect for setting your personal best 💥.

After completing this beautiful race, enjoy a risotto al pesce di lago (lake fish, yes, just that 😋) or homemade tortellini 🧑‍🍳. For sightseeing, take the time to explore the charming town of Sirmione with its thermal baths and medieval castle 🏰.

Photo Credit: Lakegarda42.com

The Hamburg Half-Marathon (PSD Bank) : Germany 🇩🇪

Next edition: September 21 2025 ✅

The Hamburg Half-Marathon is the perfect race to explore this historical city in northern Germany. You'll pass by the Elbphilharmonie 🎶, an architectural masterpiece, and run along the famous docks of the Port of Hamburg 🎣 in an electrifying atmosphere ✌️. This race is also known for its fast and flat course 💨, making it the ideal chance to break your personal record 🧨.

After crossing the finish line, indulge in a spicy currywurst 🍟 or a franzbrötchen 🥐, a cinnamon-spiced brioche. To top off your stay 👑, don't hesitate to visit the historical district of Speicherstadt or take a boat tour on the Elbe ⛵️, one of the 200 largest rivers in the world 🗺️.

Photo Credit: PSD Bank Half Marathon Hamburg

The Rome Half-Marathon : Italy 🇮🇹

Next edition: mid-October 2025

Rome is the city of gladiators 🛡️, but also of runners! 🏃 The Rome Half-Marathon lets you discover the "Eternal City" while running 21 km of streets steeped in millennia of history 🏛️. The route starts strong at the Colosseum and takes you past the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and History, and it's hard not to be amazed with every step 😮‍💨. 

All roads lead to Rome… And to its cuisine! 🍴 While admiring all these monuments 🤩, you can also savor the city's specialty: gnocchi alla romana, little semolina discs with parmesan that will make you salivate 🤤. If you have a sweet tooth, stop at the first artisan gelato shop for the famous Italian gelato 🍦. As the capital of Italy, a visit to the Vatican is a must, as is a stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere 🎨.

Photo Credit: Wizz Air Rome Half Marathon

The Milano21 : Italy 🇮🇹

Next edition: November 24 2024 ✅

The Milano21 invites you to experience the capital of Lombardy beyond fashion 👞 or football ⚽️. With its fast route through the heart of Milan, you'll pass iconic sites like the Duomo di Milano, the majestic cathedral ⛪️, and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. The course is fast and flat, perfect for both competitive runners and weekend warriors ☀️. We can already see you falling in love 🙃. 

When you're not running, you'll be chasing after Italian cuisine 😂. Once seated at the table, enjoy an ossobuco 🥘, the classic risotto alla milanese or the famous cotoletta 🥩. For a cultural pause, visit the Cenacolo Museum to admire The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci, an artistic masterpiece 🧑‍🎨. Don't miss a performance at the La Scala theater 🎭, known for its majestic hall. We guarantee you'll get goosebumps 🫣.

Photo Credit: Milano21

The Alicante Half-Marathon : Spain 🇪🇸

Next edition: February 16 2025 ✅

Prefer running in the sun? ☀️ The Half of Alicante is a race that lets you run along the Mediterranean in an idyllic setting 🏖️. Located on the Costa Blanca, this race offers breathtaking views of the blue horizon, perfect for keeping your spirits high throughout the 21 km 😄. The course is mostly flat, ideal for speed enthusiasts and those who want to enjoy the scenery 🤝.

Once your medal is around your neck, don't miss the chance to enjoy local specialties 🫔. We know, in February all you want is to indulge in raclette, fondue, and tartiflette 🧀. However, a completely different vibe awaits you, with an authentic paella 🥘 or typical tapas 🌮 by the sea 🌊. While strolling through the streets of Alicante, take the time to visit the Santa Barbara Castle for a panoramic view of the city 🏰.

Photo Credit: Media Marathon de Alicante

The Naples Half-Marathon : Italy 🇮🇹

Next edition: February 23 2025 ✅

Naples is famous not only for its iconic pizza 🍕 but also for running, which truly shines during its half-marathon. The course starts from Piazza Tecchio and follows the stunning Naples coastline with splendid views of Mount Vesuvius 🌋. At the 5th kilometer, you can admire the Castel dell’Ovo 🏰, one of the oldest structures in Naples. While running through the historic district, you'll discover picturesque and lively streets, perfect for a quick photo 📸 at the refreshment station 🍌.

Of course, no trip is complete without dining at a local restaurant: the legendary Neapolitan pizza 🤌 awaits you, along with a delicious sfogliatella (a puff pastry filled with ricotta and vanilla) for dessert 🥧. If you're craving new flavors, try the casatiello, a savory cake with cheese and cracklings 🥮. Beyond the race, don't miss the ruins of Pompeii or take a ferry ⛴️ to the paradisiac island of Capri 😎.

Photo Credit: RunAgain

The Budapest Spring Half-Marathon : Hungary 🇭🇺

Next edition: April 20 2025 ✅

Running the Budapest Half-Marathon is like traveling through time over 21 km. If you choose to run in the capital of Hungary, prepare to be moved by the stunning beauty of one of the most beautiful cities in Europe 😍. This course runs along the banks of the Danube 💦, offering stunning views of the Hungarian Parliament 🤵 and the Buda Castle. The atmosphere is lively 🎉, especially as you cross the Chain Bridge ⛓️, one of the city's symbols. 😍

On the culinary side, Hungary is famous for its comforting goulash and its kürtőskalács 🥯, a sweet chimney-shaped pastry baked on a spit 🔥. If you want to relax after the race, head to the famous Szechenyi thermal baths 🧖, one of the largest thermal complexes in Europe 📍.

Photo Credit: Run In Budapest

The Istanbul Half-Marathon : Turkey 🇹🇷

Next edition: April 27 2025 ✅

Running the Istanbul Half-Marathon means you’ll be running across two continents! 🌍 You'll start on the Asian side and finish on the European side, with an unforgettable view of the Bosphorus, the maritime passage connecting the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea 💧. The route showcases both the fascinating history of Istanbul and its modern dynamism 💪.

After the race, dive into Turkish culture with a juicy kebab 🥙 or a sweet baklava to end on a high note 😝. If you love spicy flavors, try the lahmacun, dubbed the "Turkish pizza" 🫓. To explore the city post-race, take a detour to the iconic Hagia Sophia 🕌 or wander through the Grand Bazaar, a must-see for shopping lovers and foodies 🌶️.

Photo Credit: Anadolu Ajansi

Now, you're equipped with all the keys 🔑 to run half-marathons that are truly sensational 😍. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a novice looking to explore the world 🌎, we promise unforgettable memories 💭 and breathtaking landscapes 😲. So, will your next half be in Denmark, in Italy, or perhaps in Turkey? 🤔 We’ll let you decide, we've already made our pick...🤭