The Most Famous UK Half Marathons

The Cambridge Half Marathon is a popular running event held each March in Cambridge, England. First established in 2003, the Cambridge Half follows a fast, flat course through the historic city centre and along the River Cam. Over 6,000 runners take part each year, making it one of the UK's biggest half-marathon events. The 2024 event will take place on Sunday 12th March. Entry costs £38 for affiliated runners and £40 for unaffiliated runners. 

The race begins on Midsummer Common next to the River Cam before proceeding through the city centre, passing iconic sites like King's College Chapel, the Round Church, and the Cambridge University colleges. The course then heads south along the river, taking in scenic views of the "Backs" - the green spaces behind the colleges, before returning to Midsummer Common for the finish. Spectators line the streets to cheer on runners, with the biggest crowds on the Backs and the approach to the finish. The Cambridge Half regularly attracts elite British and international runners aiming for quick times on the pancake-flat course. The event has also featured charity race walking groups and runners in costume, adding to the fun, community atmosphere. Runners enjoy first-class organization and facilities, including a running expo with vendors, bag drop, pacers, and a timed 5km event on race day morning. Finishers receive a technical t-shirt and bespoke finisher's medal, while prizes are awarded in various individual and team categories. The Cambridge Half Marathon is organized annually by the leading race director of Human Race. Their expertise delivers a superb runner experience in this historic English city.

The Edinburgh Half Marathon is an iconic race through Scotland's capital city held each September. First run in 2003, the "Edinburgh Half" has cemented itself as a bucket list event for UK runners with its spectacular course taking in Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill and more. The 2024 event will take place on Sunday 24th September.

Entry costs £32 for affiliated runners or £37 for unaffiliated runners. The race starts and finishes in Dynamic Earth, near the Scottish Parliament building. After heading out through the historic Holyrood Park at the foot of Arthur's Seat, runners cross the Meadows Park before climbing up to Edinburgh's Old Town. The iconic Royal Mile section passes by Edinburgh Castle, St Giles' Cathedral and the National Museum of Scotland. After soaking up the atmosphere, runners descend into Stockbridge and the New Town, before returning along the north side of the city's Georgian centre. A long downhill section past Dean Village and the National Gallery of Modern Art delivers runners back to Holyrood Park for a lap of the hills around Arthur's Seat. The route then heads down the Royal Mile again for an unforgettable finish in front of Edinburgh Castle. Around 16,000 runners take part each year, with spectators lining the entire route to offer vocal support. Both elite international athletes and charity runners of all abilities take part side by side.  Runners appreciate the first-class organization, including an expo at the University of Edinburgh. Chip timing, pacers, and a baggage drop help bring a smooth event experience. All finishers receive a unique running top and bespoke finisher's medal as a memento. The Edinburgh Half Marathon is organized by The Great Run Company, known for its expertise in delivering world-class running events. Taking in the Scottish capital's stunning terrain and landmarks, the "Edinburgh Half" provides an unforgettable race experience.

With around 15,000 runners, the London Half Marathon is one of the UK's most popular road races. The iconic course winds through central London each October, passing landmarks like Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, and Buckingham Palace. The 2024 event will take place on Sunday 1st October. Entry costs £46 for UKA-affiliated runners and £48 for unaffiliated runners.

First held in 2005, the London Half starts on Salisbury Crags in Hyde Park, near the Serpentine lake. Runners then head east through the West End and Covent Garden before crossing the River Thames at Tower Bridge. The course loops back north of the river through Wapping and Canary Wharf, the site of many towering skyscrapers. Crossing back over Tower Bridge, runners take in views of the Tower of London and the historic City district before hitting the Embankment along the Thames. The final miles head south past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Runners then sweep into the Horse Guards Parade and follow The Mall to the finish line near Buckingham Palace.  Elite athletes, charity runners, and novices alike soak up the incredible London atmosphere. Spectators line the route, with big crowds at Cutty Sark in Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and Westminster. Runners can enjoy running expos, pacers, chip timing, medals, and finisher's t-shirts. The event is expertly organized by Great Run to provide an unforgettable experience of running past London's most famous sights.

Held each October, the Manchester Half Marathon takes in a quick, atmospheric course around the north of England's biggest city. Established in 2003, Britain's third-largest half marathon attracts over 17,000 runners annually for a superb running experience. The 2024 event will take place on Sunday 8th October. Entry is £34 for affiliated runners and £36 for unaffiliated runners. 

Starting and finishing near Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Manchester United F.C., the event begins with a quick downhill on Chester Road. Runners then turn towards the city centre, tracing along the side of Queen's Park beneath the iconic Mancunian way before hitting the Manchester United Football Stadium. The route then winds south through the university district and affluent suburbs of Fallowfield and Withington. Participants take in the rock 'n' roll vibe of Wilmslow Road before turning north again through Rusholme's "Curry Mile." The race heads back to Old Trafford through gritty Miles Platting and past Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. Spectators offer passionate support throughout with big crowds in the downtown sections. Chip timing, pacers, and a running expo help provide an excellent runner experience. All finishers receive a commemorative tech t-shirt and medal. Prizes are awarded in individual and team categories. The Manchester Half Marathon is expertly organized by the Great Run Company. Perfect for runners seeking a big-city road race experience, it shows off Manchester's dynamic, world-famous culture.

The Bath Half Marathon is a hugely popular fixture in the UK running calendar, attracting Olympic legends, club athletes and charity runners to the beautiful city of Bath each March. Established in 1983, Britain's largest half marathon sees over 12,000 people run through Bath's iconic Georgian streets and parks annually. Situated in southwest England, Bath's combination of history, charm and community spirit make the Bath Half Marathon a must-do. The 2024 event will take place on Sunday 12th March. Entry costs £47 for affiliated runners and £52 for unaffiliated runners. 

Starting on Great Pulteney Street, the race sweeps downhill past the Royal Crescent, a Bath landmark. Runners then climb Bathwick Hill through leafy parks to reach the city centre. Circling the Abbey and Roman Baths, runners soak up the atmosphere before a long downhill past Bath's famous terraced crescents. After following the River Avon, the course crosses Pulteney Bridge for an energy-boosting slog up Belmont Hill and views of the city. The closing miles meander back through Parade Gardens to the finish on Great Pulteney Street where spectators create an electric atmosphere. Elite athletes and novices take part together, supported by thousands of vocal Bath residents who line the entire route. All runners receive a technical t-shirt, medal and finisher's photo in front of the Abbey. Run by Bath A.C., the Bath Half features chip timing, pacers, a race village, and a charity challenge raising millions annually. The stunning course and fantastic organization make this a must-do bucket list race.

With ambitious runners flocking to Brighton and Hove each February, the Brighton Half Marathon has cemented itself as a favourite on the UK race calendar. Established in 2010, the fast, scenic course attracts everyone from elites to charity fundraisers. The 2024 event will take place on Sunday 19th February. Entry costs £38 for affiliated runners and £40 for unaffiliated runners.

Starting outside Brighton Racecourse, the route heads east along the seafront towards the iconic Brighton Pier. Running on the historic Promenade on the English Channel, runners get spectacular views of the chalk cliffs at Beachy Head. The course then loops back through the quirky North Laine area and past the exotic Royal Pavilion. Live bands put on an entertaining show outside pubs in central Brighton's narrow lanes.  Runners then trace back down towards the seafront for the fast, exhilarating finish along Madeira Drive watched by boisterous crowds. Wheelchair athletes also race over the same quick course.  The Brighton Half provides a running festival atmosphere with around 15,000 participants. All finishers receive a t-shirt and medal with prizes awarded in race categories. Pacers, wave starts, and a race village help provide an excellent organisation. Established by London Marathon Events Ltd., the Brighton Half's beautiful seaside course makes this a must-do event for any runner.