Running a half marathon, a 13.1-mile (21.1km) race, has become one of the most popular goals for runners seeking a manageable yet highly rewarding challenge. It strikes the perfect balance between shorter distances such as 5km races and the full marathon, offering a substantial test of endurance without requiring the extensive time commitment demanded by marathon training.
For many, the half marathon represents an achievable step into the world of long-distance running, providing both the thrill of competition and the satisfaction of reaching a meaningful milestone. Training for a half marathon typically spans eight to 12 weeks and follows a structured plan designed to build endurance, strength, and confidence. Weekly schedules usually include a combination of long runs, speed or tempo workouts, and essential rest days to support recovery.
Half marathons have also emerged as a major force in global sports tourism. Well-known events such as the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series in the US or the Great North Run in England attract tens of thousands of participants, combining scenic courses with vibrant, festival-like atmospheres.
Many iconic cities now host half-marathons that double as travel adventures, inspiring runners to integrate racing into their holidays. This growing trend of “racecations” blends fitness, exploration, and culture – offering unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most captivating destinations.
There’s hundreds of great events to choose from in 2026 – here we pick out some of the best half marathons in the world. All events and dates subject to change.
Travel agencies
A number of travel agencies offer packages to various marathons and running events around the world, including:
- Marathon Travel & Tours
- Sports Tours International
- Destination Sport Experiences
- 2:09 Events
- RunFun Travel
- Marathon World Travel
- Tri Travel
Other sports calendars
Half marathons in 2026
Rock ’n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
When: 21-22 February 2026
Where: Las Vegas, Nevada, US
Website: runrocknroll.com
Half-marathon: HOKA Semi de Paris
When: 8 March 2026
Where: Paris, France
Website: hokasemideparis.fr
Bath Half Marathon 2026
When: 15 March 2026
Where: Bath, England
Website: bathhalf.co.uk
United Airlines NYC Half
When: 15 March 2026
Where: New York City, US
Website: events.nyrr.org
Surrey Half Marathon
When: 22 March 2026
Where: Woking, Surrey
Website: surreyhalf.com
Kilimanjaro Half Marathon
When: 22 March 2026
Where: Moshi, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Website: kilimanjaromarathon.com
Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon
When: 28 March 2026
Where: Burgundy, France
Events: marathon, half marathon, 10km, and MARA3 (race with three runners – the first runner on the 42km, the second for the 21km and third on 10km. All three runners will then finish together)
Website: marathondesvinsdelacotechalonnaise.fr
London Landmarks Half Marathon 2026
When: 12 April 2026
Where: London, England
Website: llhm.co.uk
ABP Newport Marathon Festival
When: 19 April 2026
Where: Newport, Wales, UK
Events: marathon, half marathon, 10K, mile
Website: newportwalesmarathon.co.uk
Nashville Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
When: 25-26 April 2026
Where: Nashville, Tennessee, US
What: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1 Mile, Kids Rock, Doggie Dash
Website: runrocknroll.com
Great Bristol Run Half Marathon
When: 10 May 2026
Where: Bristol, England
Website: greatrun.org
Great Ocean Road Running Festival
When: 16-17 May 2026
Where: Victoria, Australia
Events: ultra marathon; marathon; half marathon; 14km run; 6km run; 1.5km kids’ gallop; 12km trail run; 5km/10km walk
Website: greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
When: 23-24 May 2026
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
Events: marathon; half marathon; team relay; 10km; 5km
Website: edinburghmarathon.com
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
When: 31 May 2026
Where: Manchester, England
Distances: 10km and half marathon
Website: greatrun.org
KLM Aruba Marathon
When: 6-7 June 2026
Where: Aruba
What: marathon, half-marathon, 10km, 5km
Website: klmarubamarathon.com
Skye Half Marathon
When: 13 June 2026
Where: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Website: skyehalfmarathon.com
Midnight Sun Marathon
When: 20 June 2026
Where: Tromsø, Norway
Events: Marathon; Mizuno Half Marathon; Coop Mila (10km); Mini-marathon (4.2km); Children’s race (800m)
Website: msm.no
Zagori Mountain Running
When: 17-19 July 2026
Where: Zagori, Greece
Events: 93km Challenge; 60km TeRA; 33km Classic; Half Marathon; Forest 10km; Fun 5km
Website: zagorirace.gr
San Francisco Marathon
When: 25-26 July 2026
Where: San Francisco, California, US
Events: marathon; half marathon (bridge half/city half); ultramarathon; 10km; 5km; family 1km
Website: thesfmarathon.com
Antrim Coast Half Marathon
When: 23 August 2026
Where: Antrim Coast Road, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
Website: antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com
The Big Half London
Organisers: London Marathon Events
When: 6 September 2026
Where: Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lewisham, and Greenwich, London, England
Races: half marathon, New Balance Big Relay, Big Mile
Website: thebighalf.co.uk
Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon
When: 6 September 2026
Where: Kauai island, Hawaii, US
Website: thekauaimarathon.com
AJ Bell Great North Run Weekend
When: 11-13 September 2026
Where: Newcastle, England
Distances: 5km, half marathon, junior and mini runs
Website: greatrun.org
Tallinn Marathon
When: 11-13 September 2026
Where: Tallinn, Estonia
Events: marathon; half marathon; 10km; 5km
Website: jooks.ee
Run Cheltenham
When: 20 September 2026
Where: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England
Events: half marathon, 10k, move more mile
Website: runcheltenham.com
Royal Parks Half Marathon
When: 11 October 2026
Where: London, England
Website: royalparkshalf.com
Toronto Waterfront Marathon
When: 17-18 October 2026
Where: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Events: marathon; half marathon; 5k
Website: torontowaterfrontmarathon.com
Palma Marathon Mallorca
When: 18 October 2026
Where: Palma, Mallorca, Spain
Events: marathon; half marathon; 10km
Website: palmademallorcamarathon.com
The Sierra Leone Marathon and Cycle Challenge
Organisers: Street Child UK (registered charity)
When: 21 October 2026
Where: Northern Sierra Leone
Events: full marathon, half marathon, 10km or 5km runs; 10km and 75km cycles
Website: street-child.co.uk
Venice Marathon
When: 25 October 2026
Where: Venice, Italy
Events: marathon; half marathon; 10k; family run
Website: venicemarathon.it
Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
When: 20-22 November 2026
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US
Events: marathon; half marathon; 8k; kids fun run
Website: philadelphiamarathon.com
Reggae Marathon
When: 6 December 2026
Where: Kingston Waterfront, Jamaica
Events: half-marathon; 10k; 5km
Website: reggaemarathon.com
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