10 best half marathons in the UK - make 2024 the year of your 13.1
Sign up before they all sell out (some already have!)
Is running a half marathon one of your 2024 fitness goals? Well, if so and you're serious about conquering 13.1 miles (or 21km), it's time to take the plunge and commit to an actual race, as opposed to just talking about it.
Fortunately for you, the UK is home to some of the most famous – and picturesque – races in the world. Whether you want a dash through royal Windsor, or to wind your way through London's Royal Botanical Gardens, there's a race for you.
Although entries for some some of the 2024 big-ticket marathons have now closed - London Landmarks and Cambridge Half, we're looking at you - there are still some excellent routes to try (and there's always 2025!). We’ve rounded up some of the best half marathons in the UK to ink into your calendar for 2024-keep scrolling for where to head to bag your finisher's medal.
The Big Half
This challenging course winds its way through the capital from Tower Bridge to the Cutty Sark, passing through the boroughs of Southwark, Tower Hamlets, Lewisham and Greenwich, finishing with a ‘festival of food, music, sport and entertainment’ at Greenwich Park – something to look forward to at the end?
When? Sunday, 1 September 2024
How much? £56
Milton Keynes Festival of Running
Starting on the central dual-carriageways of Milton Keynes in the Xscape city-centre venue, the route winds though beautiful scenery.
When: Sunday 17 March
How much? £28 - £30
Leeds Half Marathon
Yorkshire’s biggest, loudest and proudest event of its kind, the Leeds Half sees thousands of runners take on a hilly course that winds from The Headrow, in the heart of the City Centre, to New Briggate, Abbey Road, and back to Millennium Square.
When? 12 May 2024
How much? From £39
AJ Bell Great Manchester Run
The city's original and best-loved running event, this is a run for all abilities and ages. With 15 000 runners on the course alongside you, rock music blaring across the course and thousands of spectators cheering you on, the Great Manchester run is perfectly primed for a PB. They're also staging the VI Runners Half Marathon Challenge for people registered as severely sight impaired.
When? 26 May 2024
How much? From £49
Manchester Half
Starting and finishing by Old Trafford and cruising into the city centre, the Manchester Half is easily the biggest event in the region, with over 16,000 runners. Since its launch in 2016, it's received rave reviews, partly due to its flat route and amazing crowd support.
When? Sunday 13 October 2024
How much? £39.50 early entry price
St Albans Half Marathon
This challenging, scenic race is all about raising money for local charities. There’s even a walking half on offer, if you’d like to take things at your own pace. Plus, you get an ice lolly at the end to sweeten the deal.
When? Sunday 9 June 2024
How much? £36 - £38; walking half: £24
Richmond Runfest Half Marathon
Wind your way through Kew Gardens, Ham House, Richmond Palace, Royal Botanic Gardens and Old Deer Park, where you'll finish with a music festival headlined by BASEMENT JAXX.
When? 15 September 2024
How much? £45
Cheltenham Half Marathon
This flat course begins and ends at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse, with beautiful views of the surrounding Cotswolds.
When? 1 September 2024
How much? £45 + £2.92 booking fee
Windsor Half Marathon
The undulating hills of Windsor Great Park and imposing Windsor Castle make for a beautiful backdrop for a quick half marathon jaunt. Keep an eye out for the king.
When? 29 September 2024
How much? From £40
Kirsti is a health and fitness journalist, a personal trainer and tech junkie. She’s a South African journalist who followed her passion for health and fitness all the way to the UK, where she now spends her days sweating it up and perfecting her form in gyms all over London.
Kate puts together fitness content that covers functional and strength training, cardio, workout challenges, interviews and news. She's often doing gym laundry or listening to music.
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