Great North Run (The Most Iconic Half Marathon in the UK)
The Great North Run is the event most runners think of when they look for the best half marathons in the UK. It holds the Guinness World Record for the largest half marathon ever, with 41,615 finishers recorded in 2014. Today, the race attracts around 60,000 runners each year, making it one of the most well-known running events in the world.
The route starts in Newcastle, crosses the Tyne Bridge, and finishes along the coastline in South Shields. The course isn’t flat. You’ll find long, steady inclines and a few sections that test your pacing. But the atmosphere makes these challenges feel manageable. Crowds line almost every mile, offering support that helps carry you forward.
If you’re a newer runner, this race is a strong option when searching for the best half marathons in the UK for beginners. The huge number of participants means you’re never running alone. Clear signage, organised start waves, and consistent crowd support all help you settle into your rhythm. Even if nerves are high on the start line, the energy around you makes it easier to stay calm.
For more experienced runners, the appeal is different. You may not choose this event for outright speed. It’s not as fast as some of the flatter courses in the UK. But you might choose it because it offers something harder to measure: momentum, excitement, and the feeling of being part of a historic running tradition.
One runner I coach chose this event specifically for that reason. They weren’t aiming for a PB. They wanted a race that felt big and motivating. After finishing, they told me the support felt like “running through one long stadium.” That description fits the Great North Run perfectly.
This race is ideal if you want atmosphere, community spirit, and a memorable start to your half-marathon journey.
If you’re new to longer races and want a clearer idea of possible finishing times, our Half Marathon Time Chart for Beginners can help you set realistic goals before choosing your event.
Whether you're chasing a personal best or gearing up for one of the best half marathons in the UK, our Running Coaching gives you a personalised program built around your goals, schedule, and current fitness.
Your coach reviews every session in TrainingPeaks, adjusts training based on your progress, and helps you manage pacing, fatigue, and race-day preparation with confidence.
With expert guidance and structured support, you can build the consistency, strength, and race-ready fitness needed to enjoy your next half marathon from start to finish.
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The Big Half (London’s Fast and Competitive City Course)
The Big Half has become a key fixture for runners looking at the best half marathons in the UK. Organised by the same team behind the London Marathon, it offers a professional, well-structured event set on closed roads in the heart of the capital. For many runners, it feels like a smaller, more focused version of marathon weekend.
The route starts near Tower Bridge and finishes by the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. The course is mostly flat with some gentle changes in elevation, so you can hold a steady rhythm once you settle into your pace. Because of this, many athletes see it as a good option when they search for the fastest half marathons in the UK, especially in the lead-up to spring marathons.
One of the strengths of The Big Half is the mix of runners it attracts. You’ll see elite athletes at the front, strong club runners throughout, and plenty of recreational runners further back. This variety helps create a focused but friendly atmosphere. Start waves and pens are organised, which helps many runners find others moving at a similar speed, even if it doesn’t completely remove early bunching.
The atmosphere along the course feels distinctly “London.” You pass through several boroughs, with local supporters, community groups, and music in certain sections. It’s not wall-to-wall noise from start to finish, but there are many pockets of support that give you a lift when you need it. The finish by the Cutty Sark also adds a memorable visual ending to your race.
If you want a city race that is modern, well-managed, and built to give you a fair shot at strong pacing, The Big Half is a smart choice. It suits runners who enjoy urban courses, clear route marking, and the motivation that comes from sharing the road with thousands of other athletes working towards similar goals.
Royal Parks Half (One of the Most Scenic City Races in the UK)
The Royal Parks Half Marathon is widely recognised as one of the most scenic half marathons in the uk. It blends London’s iconic city landmarks with peaceful stretches through several Royal Parks, giving runners a varied and memorable experience on closed roads.
The race starts and finishes in Hyde Park. From there, the route heads past well-known central London areas and through The Green Park, St James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. You see a mix of historic buildings, tree-lined paths, and busy city sections. This balance makes the event feel different from a typical urban half marathon, where concrete and traffic noise dominate.
The course is considered relatively flat with gentle undulations, so many runners find it comfortable to maintain a steady pace. While it’s not the fastest course in the country, it sits in a sweet spot: quick enough for runners building confidence, but scenic enough to keep you engaged throughout. The October race date also tends to offer mild temperatures, which is a bonus for pacing and comfort.
One thing that makes the Royal Parks Half stand out is how much you can see in a short period. In just over an hour for faster runners, or a couple of hours for most, you move between quiet green sections and high-energy city stretches. It’s a good choice if you want a race that shows off London without feeling overwhelming.
Key reasons runners choose the Royal Parks Half:
- Closed-road route through four Royal Parks in central London.
- Views of historic and cultural landmarks along the way.
- Relatively flat profile with mild undulations, suitable for many ability levels.
- Strong charity involvement, raising millions since its launch in 2008.
- Autumn date that often brings cool, runner-friendly weather.
If you want a half marathon that blends nature, heritage, and lively city energy, the Royal Parks Half is a strong contender for your race calendar.
If you’re inspired to take on the Royal Parks Half Marathon and want a structured way to prepare, check out our 11 Weeks to Train for a Half Marathon plan. Perfect for building consistency, stamina, and confidence before race day.
Manchester Half Marathon (One of the Best PB Courses in the UK)
The Manchester Half Marathon is often mentioned when runners talk about the best uk half marathons for pb. The course is known for being one of the flattest major road races in the country, and the wide roads make pacing easier than in many busy city events. Because of this, thousands of runners target Manchester each year as their main attempt at a fast time.
The race takes place in October and starts near Old Trafford. From the beginning, the route spreads out smoothly, giving runners enough room to settle into a steady rhythm. The early miles are flat and straight, which makes it easier to avoid the common mistake of starting too fast or weaving through crowds. Even mid-pack runners often comment on how consistent the pacing feels throughout the event.
Unlike more scenic or tourist-focused half marathons, Manchester’s appeal lies in its efficiency. The course runs through several local neighbourhoods rather than city landmarks. This keeps the roads wide, simple, and predictable. Many runners say this focus on clean racing lines is what helps them achieve their best times. If your goal is speed rather than sightseeing, Manchester is a strong fit.
The crowd support is steady but not overwhelming. Supporters gather in key areas along the course, offering encouragement without creating bottlenecks. Volunteers and marshals also play a big part in keeping the event organised, especially at busy turning points and aid stations.
Other reasons runners choose Manchester as their PB attempt include:
- One of the flattest major half marathon courses in the UK.
- Predictable road surfaces that make pacing easier.
- Cool October temperatures ideal for long-distance running.
- Efficient event management by experienced organisers.
- A start and finish area with good transport links.
If you want a race built for speed and consistency, the Manchester Half Marathon is one of the strongest choices in the UK.
Reading Half Marathon (A Fast Course With Strong Community Support)
The Reading Half Marathon is a popular spring event and often considered one of the fastest half marathons in the uk. Many runners choose it as an early-season test because the course is designed to support smooth pacing on closed roads. While it isn’t completely flat, the gentle rolling sections still allow for a steady rhythm, and many runners achieve strong times here.
The race begins at Green Park and moves through several parts of Reading before finishing inside the Select Car Leasing Stadium. This stadium finish is one of the race’s defining features. Running down the final stretch and entering the venue gives a boost that many athletes find memorable, especially with supporters in the stands.
The course layout includes a mix of wide roads and long straights. These features help limit the amount of weaving that sometimes affects large city events. A structured wave start system also helps runners settle into their pace early, although crowding can still happen in the first mile depending on your wave.
Crowd support varies along the route. Some neighbourhoods set up music and cheering zones, which create strong pockets of energy. Other sections are quieter, especially as you move away from the town centre. Still, most runners describe the overall atmosphere as encouraging without being overwhelming.
Runners often choose the Reading Half Marathon because:
- It offers a mostly steady route suitable for pacing, despite some gentle hills.
- Closed roads allow for clean running lines through much of the course.
- The stadium finish provides a motivating end to the race.
- Cool spring temperatures support stronger performance for many runners.
- Event organisation is consistent and reliable year after year.
If you want a spring race that blends good race management, a supportive atmosphere, and a realistic chance of running fast, the Reading Half Marathon is a dependable choice.
If you plan to race more often, you might also want to get a clear idea of registering costs. Check out our How Much Is a Half Marathon guide to see typical entry fees across UK events and plan your budget before you commit.
Bath Half Marathon (A Classic, Scenic City Loop With Strong Local Support)
The Bath Half Marathon, often called the “Bath Half,” is one of the UK’s longest-running and best-known road races. Many runners consider it among the most scenic half marathons in the uk thanks to its historic city backdrop, Georgian buildings, and lively atmosphere. It offers a mix of classic architecture and city-centre energy rather than rural scenery, which makes it a unique experience.
The route is designed as a loop through Bath’s central streets, with sections near the River Avon and stretches that highlight the city’s well-known stone-fronted buildings. While not completely flat, the course is generally regarded as relatively flat with gentle undulations. This makes it approachable for newer runners and steady for those aiming for controlled pacing.
One feature runners often comment on is the strong local support. Crowds typically gather in several central areas to cheer, creating pockets of high energy. Some quieter sections exist, as with most city races, but the overall atmosphere is positive and welcoming. The event has a long history in the community, and that relationship shows on race day.
The structure of the route helps with pacing. Because you pass through familiar areas more than once, you gain a sense of predictability that can be helpful late in the race. Runners who like breaking a race into manageable segments often find this layout easier to handle mentally than a long point-to-point design.
Reasons runners choose the Bath Half Marathon include:
- Central city setting featuring historic Georgian streets and key Bath landmarks.
- Relatively flat course with gentle elevation changes.
- Consistent pockets of strong local support.
- A loop-style layout that helps with pacing and mental structure.
- Reliable event organisation built over decades of experience.
If you want a half marathon that blends historic surroundings, supportive crowds, and a predictable route, the Bath Half Marathon is a dependable option for your race calendar.
If you’re inspired by historic cities but also curious about coastal trails or overseas running adventures, check out our list of 8 epic New Zealand half marathons (2025–2026). It shows just how varied half-marathon terrain and scenery can be around the world.
Cardiff Half Marathon (Wales’ Premier Road Race With Big-City Energy)
The Cardiff Half Marathon is one of the largest and most recognisable running events in the UK. Known for its largely flat route, consistent pacing opportunities, and strong community involvement, it attracts runners from across the country each year. Many athletes choose it as a reliable early-autumn race because it balances speed potential with an engaging city atmosphere.
The course begins near Cardiff Castle and moves past several well-known landmarks, including the Principality Stadium and sections of Cardiff Bay. These areas add visual interest without increasing the technical demands of the route. The roads are generally wide, and the long, steady stretches help runners settle into a comfortable rhythm early on.
Another highlight of the Cardiff Half Marathon is the atmosphere. Many central areas are lined with supporters, creating energetic pockets that give runners a lift at key moments. While some quieter sections exist, especially further from the city centre, most runners report a supportive and positive environment throughout the event.
The design of the course also benefits newer runners. With few sharp turns and minimal elevation changes, you won’t need to constantly adjust your stride or effort level. For runners aiming for a smooth and controlled experience, this predictability can make race day feel less stressful.
Reasons runners choose the Cardiff Half include:
- A largely flat course suited to steady pacing.
- Landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay that add character to the route.
- Strong spectator support in popular areas.
- Reliable organisation with clear signage and helpful volunteer teams.
- A balanced mix of scenery, energy, and manageable race-day logistics.
If you want a half marathon that offers a fair blend of speed, atmosphere, and clear urban route design, the Cardiff Half Marathon is an excellent choice for your race calendar.
If you’re thinking about what a strong finish might look like on a flatter course, our guide to What’s a Respectable Time for a Half Marathon can give you a clear breakdown of typical finishing times for different experience levels.
If you’re preparing for an upcoming event and want a clear, structured program to guide your build-up, our Half Marathon Training Plan gives you a step-by-step path from your first week of training right through to race day.
Each session is laid out in a simple format so you know exactly what to do and why it matters. You’ll progress gradually, avoid common training mistakes, and arrive at the start line with confidence.
Whether you’re running your first event or returning after a break, this plan helps you train with purpose and stay consistent week after week.
View the Plan →
Brighton Half Marathon (A Coastal Route With Clear, Open Views)
The Brighton Half Marathon is one of the most recognised seaside races in the UK. Its long stretches along the coast, open views, and steady road layout make it a popular choice for runners looking for a clear, straightforward route. The event attracts a mix of beginners, club runners, and experienced athletes who enjoy the combination of strong organisation and coastal scenery.
The course is set along Brighton’s famous seafront on closed roads. You pass the pier, waterfront paths, and key central areas before moving further along the coast. While the course is often described as flat, it includes gentle undulations and elevation changes that can add variety without disrupting your pacing too much. The exposure to coastal winds is something runners often mention, as conditions can shift depending on weather, especially on the longer outward stretches.
One of the appealing features of the Brighton Half Marathon is the simplicity of the route. The layout is direct, with mostly long, straight sections that let you settle into a steady pace early. This makes the race feel consistent, especially in the middle miles, where many runners prefer fewer directional changes.
Crowd support is typically strongest in central Brighton near the start and finish areas, where supporters often gather to cheer and create a lively atmosphere. As you move further out along the coast, support becomes lighter, which is typical of many seaside races. The views, however, help to balance the quieter moments, offering a sense of space and fresh air that many runners enjoy.
Runners often choose the Brighton Half Marathon because:
- It offers wide coastal views along much of the route.
- The course is generally steady, with manageable elevation changes.
- A simple, predictable layout supports consistent pacing.
- Central Brighton provides strong support and atmosphere.
- Race organisation is reliable, with clear markers and well-planned aid stations.
If you enjoy coastal running and want a half marathon that feels open, direct, and well supported in key areas, the Brighton Half Marathon is a strong option for your race plans.
Oxford Half Marathon (A Flat Urban Route Through a Historic City)
The Oxford Half Marathon has become a popular choice for runners who enjoy a calm, steady road race through a well-known university city. The route highlights some of Oxford’s most recognisable areas, combining its historic centre with quieter residential stretches. It’s a good option for runners who want a course that feels manageable, organised, and grounded in the character of the city.
The race starts in central Oxford and moves through a blend of historic streets and suburban sections. The event uses closed roads, which helps keep the flow predictable and reduces the need for sudden adjustments during pacing. The course is generally considered relatively flat with gentle undulations, allowing most runners to maintain steady rhythm throughout the race without facing major climbs.
One feature runners often mention is the variety across the route. You pass through central streets with a strong sense of Oxford’s identity before moving into quieter neighbourhoods. These shifts create natural changes in atmosphere without making the course technically demanding. The mix helps keep the miles interesting while still supporting consistent pacing.
Crowd support tends to be strongest in the central areas near the start and finish, where supporters gather around popular landmarks. Out in the more residential sections, the environment is calmer, which can help you focus during the tougher stages of the race. Many runners appreciate this balance between lively and quiet areas because it makes the event feel steady and well-structured.
Reasons runners choose the Oxford Half Marathon include:
- A relatively flat course with small, manageable elevation changes.
- A route that showcases central Oxford and surrounding neighbourhoods.
- Closed-road organisation that supports smooth pacing.
- A blend of energetic central sections and quieter stretches for focus.
- A good balance of historic atmosphere and practical race design.
If you want a half marathon with predictable pacing, gentle terrain, and a distinctive city backdrop, the Oxford Half Marathon is a strong choice.
Hackney Half Marathon (A High-Energy Race With Strong Local Culture)
The Hackney Half Marathon is known for its lively atmosphere, community feel, and strong East London identity. Many runners choose it because it combines a steady urban route with a festival-style event that highlights local music and culture. It’s become one of the largest half marathons in London, attracting runners of all experience levels.
The course starts and finishes at Hackney Marshes and follows closed roads through several parts of the borough. The route typically includes areas such as Hackney Wick, London Fields, and neighbourhoods near Hackney Downs, though exact paths can vary depending on the year’s design. The course is generally regarded as relatively flat with gentle variations, which helps runners maintain a steady pace without facing demanding elevation changes.
A defining feature of the event is its atmosphere. Many sections of the course include music points, community groups, and cheering zones that create a strong sense of energy. While some parts of the route are quieter (as is the case with most city races) the overall experience is consistently positive and motivating. Runners often comment on how the local culture adds personality to the event.
Since the race takes place in spring, weather conditions can vary. Some years bring cool temperatures, while others feel warmer and more exposed, especially in open areas of the course. Aid stations are placed at helpful intervals, and tree-lined streets in certain sections offer shade that balances the brighter stretches.
Runners often choose the Hackney Half Marathon because:
- It offers one of the most energetic atmospheres of any UK half marathon.
- The route highlights key areas of East London with a strong community presence.
- The course is relatively flat with manageable terrain variations.
- Music and cheering zones provide motivation throughout key sections.
- Organisation focuses on smooth flow, clear signage, and well-spaced aid stations.
If you enjoy high-energy running events with a strong cultural feel and a steady urban route, the Hackney Half Marathon is a memorable and motivating choice.
Choosing the Right Style of Half Marathon for Your Goals
With so many events included in the list of the best half marathons in the uk, choosing the right one depends on what you want most from race day. Some runners prefer fast, flat city courses. Others want scenic views, crowd support, or routes that offer a calmer experience. Understanding the main course styles across the UK can help you match your choice to your training and expectations.
Every type of course has strengths. Flat city routes help you chase personal bests. Coastal paths give you wide horizons and a sense of space. Scenic countryside events let you focus on rhythm without traffic or crowds. Large urban races bring music, cheering zones, and a festival feel. Knowing what motivates you will make the decision easier and help you enjoy the training process more.
The table below breaks down five common half marathon styles found across the UK. Use it to identify which type best fits your running goals:
👉 Swipe to view full table
| Course Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat City Courses | PB attempts and smooth pacing | Predictable profile, long straights, wide roads | Less scenery; early congestion in large races |
| Scenic Countryside Routes | Relaxed pacing and visual motivation | Quiet paths, natural views, varied terrain | More hills; fewer supporters |
| Coastal Courses | Runners who enjoy sea views and open air | Fresh coastal atmosphere, long clear sightlines | Wind exposure can impact pacing |
| Mass-Participation Urban Races | Energy, atmosphere, and entertainment | Strong support, music zones, lively crowds | Potential bottlenecks in narrow areas |
| Historic City Routes | Runners who love culture and architecture | Landmarks, character, memorable experiences | Some tight turns or uneven surfaces |
Once you know what kind of race experience you enjoy most (speed, scenery, energy, or calm) you’ll find it much easier to choose a half marathon that fits your style and helps you get the most out of your training.
If you want to explore popular races beyond the UK, check out our guide to the best half marathons in the US.
Ready to Choose Your Next Half Marathon?
Choosing the right event from the best half marathons in the uk comes down to what motivates you on race day. Maybe you want a fast, flat course, or maybe scenery and atmosphere matter more. There’s no wrong choice, only the one that fits your pace, personality, and goals.
As you train, think about what kind of experience will keep you excited through those tougher miles. A supportive crowd, a quiet countryside route, or a coastal view can make all the difference when you need it most.
Whichever race you choose, you’re stepping into a community that celebrates progress, effort, and resilience. Enjoy the journey. Your next great half marathon is waiting.
