From wild Scottish islands and Lake District shores to big-city crowds and record-breaking fast courses, the UK has a half marathon for every kind of runner. Whether you're chasing a personal best, a punishing hill challenge, or simply the best views, here are the best UK half marathons, grouped by type, with when they usually take place and what makes each one special.
Race dates and entry fees change every year, so check each official website before you book.
The Best Scenic Half Marathons in the UK
1. Stornoway Half Marathon, Scotland
When: May
On the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, this long-running race starts at Stornoway's harbor before heading into the forested grounds of the 19th-century Lews Castle, on good gravel trails. Expect views across the Minch and a famous post-race ceilidh, with true Hebridean hospitality.
2. Coniston 14, Lake District, England
When: March
Technically 14 miles rather than a half marathon, this road race circles Coniston Water, with views of the Old Man of Coniston and the historic house of Brantwood. It's hilly, but finishers receive a unique slate coaster from a local quarry.
3. Isle of Man Half Marathon
When: August
Starting on the promenade in Ramsey, this race tours the quiet lanes of the island's northern parishes, with sea views and a fast, flat second half. It's a great choice for an off-the-beaten-track runcation.
4. Marlow Half Marathon, England
When: Early November
In the Chiltern Hills, this race climbs through the Hambleden Valley at the height of autumn color. With around 300 meters of elevation gain, it's not a PB course, but the golden woodlands and historic villages are stunning.
The Toughest Half Marathons in the UK
5. Snowdonia (Eryri) Half Marathon, Wales
When: May
Starting and finishing in the market town of Llanrwst, this race climbs into the Gwydir Forest and past the lakes of Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafnant, before a steep descent back into the Conwy Valley. It's widely seen as one of the hardest road half marathons in the UK.
6. Sheffield Half Marathon, England
When: Spring
The first part of this race climbs relentlessly toward the edge of the Peak District, where runners are rewarded with moorland views before a fast run back down to the city.
7. Broadway Half Marathon, Cotswolds, England
When: November
Starting in the pretty village of Broadway, this race begins with a steep climb up to Broadway Tower, one of the highest points in the Cotswolds, then continues on trails and lanes through honey-colored villages such as Snowshill and Stanway. Expect mud.
The Best City Half Marathons in the UK
8. Great North Run, Newcastle
When: September
The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world, with around 60,000 runners. The point-to-point route starts in Newcastle, crosses the Tyne Bridge, where the Red Arrows often fly overhead, and finishes on the coast in South Shields. Places are allocated by ballot, and many runners join through charities.
9. Edinburgh Half Marathon, Scotland
When: May
With a net downhill course from the city center to the sea, Edinburgh is one of the fastest half marathons in the UK. The route passes the Old Town and the Scottish Parliament before following the coast past Portobello to Musselburgh.
10. Ealing Half Marathon, London
When: Late September
Ealing has won awards as one of the UK's best half marathons. The closed-road course starts and finishes in Walpole Park, with huge community support all around this leafy part of west London.
11. Belfast City Half Marathon, Northern Ireland
When: September
Northern Ireland's largest half marathon has a flat, fast course from Ormeau Park, past City Hall and through the Titanic Quarter, with great crowd support.
12. Chester Half Marathon, England
When: May
Starting at the racecourse, this race passes through the historic center and the Roman city walls before heading into the Cheshire countryside and finishing in the city center. It's flat, fast, and well organized.
More UK Half Marathons to Watch
- Four Villages Half Marathon, Cheshire: A popular, fast January race that sells out quickly.
- Hampton Court Half Marathon, Surrey: A flat February race along the Thames, starting near Hampton Court Palace.
- Royal Parks Half Marathon, London: An October race through four of central London's royal parks.
Tips for Planning a UK Half Marathon
- Enter early: Popular races sell out quickly, and some use ballots.
- Prepare for the weather: British weather can change fast, so bring layers and a rain jacket.
- Check transport: Point-to-point races often run special buses or trains. Book them in advance.
- Visiting from abroad? Many visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, so apply before you travel.
Heading across the Irish Sea? See the best half marathons in Ireland, or the best half marathons in Europe.
Stay Connected on Race Day
If you're visiting from abroad, an egoViet UK eSIM gives you data for race-day maps, runner tracking, trains, and sharing your medal photos. Combining your race with a trip around Europe? A Europe eSIM covers the UK and 32 other countries. Coverage can be patchy in remote areas like the Hebrides and Snowdonia, so download offline maps first.
FAQs: Best UK Half Marathons
What is the biggest half marathon in the UK?
The Great North Run in Newcastle is the biggest in the UK and the largest half marathon in the world.
What is the fastest half marathon in the UK?
The Edinburgh Half Marathon is one of the fastest, thanks to its net downhill course.
What are the most scenic half marathons in the UK?
Stornoway, the Coniston 14, Snowdonia, and the Isle of Man half marathons are among the most scenic.
What is the toughest half marathon in the UK?
The Snowdonia Half Marathon, the Broadway Half Marathon, and the Sheffield Half Marathon are among the hardest because of their steep climbs.
What is the best half marathon in Northern Ireland?
The Belfast City Half Marathon is the largest, with a fast, flat route and big crowds.