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Capital's picturesque streets, historic landmarks and cafe-lined avenues make this race an absolute must – plus, being pancake flat means it gives runners a better chance at setting personal best times!
Clean Atlantic air, breathtaking mountain vistas and friendly locals make up this run that spans three countries and three borders – plus it is well organized!
Lisbon Half Marathon
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon is one of the best European half marathons and an ideal chance for runners to set personal bests. Starting on the Vasco da Gama bridge and proceeding through picturesque Lisbon streets and riverbank views, runners will enjoy seeing some historical landmarks while taking in river views along their journey. Plus, its flat course makes this event suitable for beginner as well as experienced runners!
SuperHalfs series races such as Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia Half Marathons make up this series. Each one was chosen due to being World Athletics Gold Label Road Races where world distance records have been broken or set. Today marked the 31st edition of this race which offered runners a chance at setting new personal best times on a course which hosted men's half marathon world record in 2021.
Kenyan runners are expected to dominate this year's marathon, led by Leonard Komon and Sammy Kitwara as former race winners, alongside Kenneth Kipkemoi (who ran sub one hour in 2023) and Paul Lonyangata who were among 2015 Shanghai Marathon winner's top runners.
A large portion of the course runs through Belem district of Lisbon, known for its historical attractions such as 25 de Abril bridge and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos monument. It makes a pleasant place for strolling post-race as well as sampling some of Belem's famed Pasteis de Nata desserts available at cafes and pastry shops throughout Belem district.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TRAINING PLANSPrague Half Marathon
The Czech Republic's capital city hosts numerous half marathons every year; seven are IAAF Gold Label races. One such popular race is the Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon – taking place along a course which offers both moderately hilly stretches and plenty of flat sections with fantastic city views from Memorial Park near New Prague Golf Club.
runners will also appreciate the breathtaking city scenery along the course, including many historic landmarks such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Rudolfinum Concert Hall and National Theatre – among them!
This year's race features an outstanding field, with Kenyan runners dominating both male and female standings. Violah Jepchumba won this race three years ago; she's back this time around to defend her crown; however she will face strong competition from Kenyan runners Joyciline Jepkosgei (career best time: 1:06:08) and Gladys Cherono (1.16.57 course record setter when winning it three years earlier).
Eritrea's Zersenay Tadese boasts a personal best time of 59:25 and will also compete, while Uganda's Daniel Chebii and Ethiopia's Worknesh Debele both possess sub-60-minute personal bests as well.
Peter Kirui of Kenya holds a personal best time of 58:47 and faces stiff competition from 2011 Prague Half Marathon winner Philemon Limo, who boasts a time of 59:50 – both athletes could potentially earn big rewards if their races go smoothly.
Cardiff Half Marathon
Cardiff Half Marathon's fast and flat course makes it the ideal race for novice runners looking to set new personal bests, as well as experienced runners looking for new challenges. Along its route are many breathtaking landmarks and buildings which provide runners with an opportunity to run through Wales' capital city in style.
Barnardo's inaugural race began as a mass participation and charity fundraising event back in 2003 and since then it has grown into one of the UK's premier mass participation and charity fundraisers. Each year runners from all walks of life from first-timers and community fundraisers to world-class athletes compete in three fiercely contested men's, women's and wheelchair elite races.
Cardiff will join Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen and Valencia as members of the Super Halfs global series and is anticipated to feature one of its strongest fields ever with runners coming from around the globe competing. Kenyan athlete Viola Chepngeno won Ghent Half Marathon earlier this year while Mercyline Chelangat of Uganda and Alemitu Tariku from Ethiopia are expected to compete as well.
Attracting top athletes, this 20th edition of the event offers an outstanding prize fund to attract top runners. The top three finishers in each category will receive cash prizes; runners finishing in the top 10 will earn special commemorative medals. Brecon Carreg water and Lucozade will be provided at each drink station on course with High 5 energy gel provided at mile 9. Additionally, Sustrans Cymru offers free bus transport from Gorsedd Gardens outside the National Museum of Wales; cyclists may park their bike park located nearby for duration of event.
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Danish Capital Race may only be relatively young, yet already it is revered for its lightning fast times – Geoffrey Kamworor set the world record here in 2019 with an astounding time of 58:01. This course provides stunning views of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg landmarks and is always well organized, creating an amazing hygge atmosphere thanks to crowd participation along the route.
Copenhagen Half Marathon is an essential race for runners who love running in beautiful scenery, featuring parks, cafe-lined boulevards and several bridge crossings along its course.
RW deputy editor Joe Mackie lauded this event for its excellent atmosphere, pancake-flat course and breathtaking water views. This stunning city run – taking in 25 de Abril Bridge and riverbanks as well as a spectacular finish line in front of Royal Palace – creates an unforgettable event experience.
Though only half the distance of a full marathon, don't underestimate its difficulty; even running half-marathon requires hard work and commitment in preparation, plus an exciting mixture of tempo running and endurance training to finish in under two hours.
Are you feeling challenged and ready for more ambitious runs? Join the SuperHalfs series. It consists of five fantastic European half marathons across Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia that provide you with the chance to explore each city while running. Click here for more details and enter now; the 2023 series starts later this year and entries are currently open.
London City Half Marathon
The London City Half Marathon is an idyllic race through some of London's most beloved landmarks and landmarks. Starting at Trafalgar Square and making its way east towards Chinatown and St Paul's Cathedral before turning back north-west across Tower Bridge before crossing at Wapping.
After running through the streets of London, runners venture into one of London's Royal Parks for the final few miles before returning to The Mall near Buckingham Palace to finish at The Mall near Buckingham Palace. Along the route are dance acts and musicians providing entertainment; it is also one of UK's greenest major half marathons by banning plastic bottles while encouraging participants to plant trees instead of receiving medals as participation prizes.
This course can be more challenging for personal best chasers due to its numerous twists and turns than some of the other options on this list, making PB pursuit more difficult; but still provides plenty of things to see and do in London. Starting on Pall Mall and ending near Downing Street, runners get spectacular views of Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, Nelson's Column, the Gherkin and Shard.
The London Landmarks Half Marathon offers first-time runners an ideal opportunity to experience running in an unfamiliar location while exploring a new city with friends or family members supporting you along your run. I hope this post on the best European half marathons has been helpful.
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