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Top Ten Half Marathons in the UK

There are hundreds of half marathons throughout the UK. Choosing our top ten races is always a tough job, but we've managed to narrow it down to those listed below. Races were chosen according to our experience and feedback from friends, colleagues and fellow runners.

Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon

Mull of Kintyre Half Marathon

An ever-popular event. Despite typically clashing with the Edinburgh Half Marathon, this race is guaranteed to sell out in a matter of hours. Running through the picturesque town of Campbeltown and along the amazingly scenic coastline it isn't difficult to see why. And of that's not enough, there are post-race celebrations of Danish pastries and ceilidh dancing!
Image provided by mokrun.com/

Great North Run

Great North Run

The world's largest half marathon. Every year, 60,000 athletes and fun runners run from Newcastle to South Shields.
Image provided by greatrun.org

Swansea Half Marathon

Swansea Half Marathon

Views of Swansea Bay and the Gower Peninsula help make this a popular race. Reports also point to great support from spectators and the race team.
Image provided by swanseahalfmarathon.co.uk


London Landmarks Half Marathon

London Landmarks Half Marathon

Well-organised and a lot of fun. This race has a lovely flat route taking in all of London's most iconic landmarks. Regularly attracting celebrity entrants, it is organised by Tommy's to raise money for themselves along with many other good causes. The LLHM is 100% not-for-profit.
Image provided by llhm.co.uk

Richmond RunFest Half Marathon

Richmond RunFest Half Marathon

Part of the popular Richmond RunFest weekend. A start in Kew Gardens as well as a scenic route, plenty of toilets and efficient bag drop all add to positive opinions about this popular race.
Image provided by run-fest.com

Chester Half Marathon

Chester Half Marathon

A flat race, on closed roads, with excellent crowd support and a finishing line outside the impressive Town Hall and Cathedral contribute to a race that is applauded by many. Plenty of drink stations and an excellent goody bag add to an already impressive event.

The Big Half

The Big Half

Organised by the team that gives us the London Marathon, expectations for this race are always high. And, so far, they haven't failed to deliver. This popular race from Tower Bridge to the Cutty Sark in Greenwich remains a definite favourite.
Image provided by thebighalf.co.uk

Run Falmouth Half Marathon

Run Falmouth Half Marathon

An undulating race along the Cornish coast, passing castles, beaches and many picturesque villages. This charity event, raising funds for the local hospice is a favourite with many. Appply while you can! It's sure to reach capacity in no time.
Image provided by cornwallhospicecare.co.uk

Ironbridge Half Marathon

Ironbridge Half Marathon

A scenic route past the historic sights around Telford. And some amazing crowd support is sure to help you along the way.
Image provided by shropshirestar.com

Antrim Coast Half Marathon

Antrim Coast Half Marathon

Organised by the Larne Athletic Club, the Antrim Coast Half Marathon has developed into a very popular race over recent years. It frequently attracts elite UK and international athletes, such as Sir Mo Farah.
Image provided by antrimcoasthalfmarathon.com

Honourable mentions
There were a few races that almost made it into our top 10, and may do so next year. These include the Run the Blades Half Marathon, Bristol Half Marathon, Belfast City Half Marathon, Isle of Harris Half Marathon and the Manchester Half Marathon.