Whether it’s your first ever 13.1 miles, or your first half marathon of the year, finding a training plan and a race to sign up to is often the motivation you need to get running. We’ve summed up the best half marathons near you this October:
Oldham Half Marathon, Sunday 28 October, 9.30am
Train for a half marathon running 3 times a week
London:
How to run a sub-2 hour half marathon
A scenic route around the footpaths of Lee Valley, this is more of a countryside half than pounding the pavements in London. There’s one main incline, but apart from this it’s a pretty flat course, raising money for a worthy cause.
Putney and Fulham Half Marathon, Sunday 7 October, 9am
A good race for those looking for a quieter course, the Putney and Fulham half marathon involves two laps of a flat route along the River Thames and Barn Elms Sports Centre.
Royal Parks Half, Sunday 14 October 2018, 9am
An iconic half marathon passing through London’s four Royal Parks – Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, St James’s Park and Green Park. For those who don’t live in the capital, expect to soak up the sights of some of London’s historic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Horse Guards Parade and the Royal Albert Hall. A pretty flat course, good for first timers and those who are PB hunting alike.
Does this workout predict your half-marathon time
Starting and finishing at Old Deer Park in Richmond, this scenic half marathon takes runners on a route along the River Thames. To celebrate 70 years of the NHS, this year race organisers are encouraging runners to support Kingston Hospital Charity.
Thames Meander Half Marathon, Saturday 3 November, 10.30am
A flat, riverside trail half marathon starting and finishing in Kingston, runners will travel along the Thames Path out and back, from Kingston to Kew.
Richmond Park Half, Sunday 25 November, 9.30am
Taking place in the largest of London’s Royal Parks, this half marathon covers four laps of Richmond Park, allowing you to soak up the sights and, hopefully, spot a few deer along the way.
South West:
half marathon tips for a first-timer
A fast, flat course starting and finishing at the BASC Sports Ground in Burnham. All finishers will receive a medal and a goody bag. Headphones are not permitted during the race.
Thames Meander Half Marathon, Saturday 3 November, 10.30am
The 37th Stoud Half Marathon is a fast course starting and finishing on the Cainscross Road. Although it’s not flat, it’s a good race for a PB. All headphones are not permitted at the Stoud Half Marathon.
Great Birmingham Run, Sunday 14 October 2018
A two lap course, with the first lap being shorter than the second, this half marathon is on cycle paths and through Fairlands Valley Parks.
How to run a quick half marathon
As the name suggests, this one is a tough, hilly half marathon. With spectacular views throughout, runners will lap the same off-road, often muddy, route twice. It might not be one for a PB, but a great run nonetheless.
South East:
What is a good time for the half marathon
A flat, scenic run along the beach front, taking in both Boscombe and Bournemouth piers, this is a good race for those looking for a PB. Part of the Bournemouth marathon festival, if you’re up to it and fancy more of a challenge, you can also enter the full 26.2 mile race.
Richmond Park Half, Sunday 25 November, 9.30am
A hilly, rural half marathon that’s as picturesque as it is challenging. Think country roads and valley views. There’s also a 7 mile race for those not feeling up to the 13.1 mile challenge.
The race description claims this is the flattest half marathon course in the UK, so a great choice for PB hunters. Taking place on flat, smooth tarmac roads and paths, this traffic-free course covers 4.5 loops of scenic Dorney Lake.
Birmingham:
Manchester Half Marathon, Sunday 14 October, 9am
A half marathon around Birmingham, this year’s course is a new, flatter route, starting in Broad Street and heading down, instead of up, the infamous hill along Lee Bank Middleway. The new look route is largely downhill, with a few gentle inclines around the half way mark.
North West:
Thames Meander Half Marathon, Saturday 3 November, 10.30am
A multi-terrain run, set in the surroundings of Conningbrook Lakes Country Park. There’s also a marathon and a 10K on the same day.
Manchester:
Rochdale Half Marathon, Sunday 7 October, 10am
A traffic-free, out and back route starting and finishing at the Rochdale Town Hall. There’s also a 10K and fun run taking place on the same morning, so get the whole family out and running. Headphones are not permitted on the route and organisers have warned participants will be disqualified if they ignore this rule.
Lee Valley Race for Life Half Marathon, Sunday 7 October, 10.30am
A fast, flat, closed-road course, perfectly suited for beginners and PB hunters. Finishing at the famous Emirates Old Trafford, this route takes in some of Manchester’s best sights, including the Town Hall, Crossford Bridge and Lancashire Country Cricket Club.
Oldham Half Marathon, Sunday 28 October, 9.30am
A hilly half marathon through Oldham, this scenic route takes in the beautiful Saddleworth countryside. With only 600 places available, sign up as early as possible to guarantee your spot.
Heaton Park Half Marathon, Sunday 25 November, 9.30am
Heaton Park Half Marathon, Sunday 25 November, 9.30am
A relatively new half marathon based in Heaton Park, just north of Manchester and home to a Grade 1 listed neoclassical 18th century house. Based on the paths within the large park, this is a good one for those hunting for a PB.
A muddy run along beautiful heritage trails, this half marathon takes in part of the Irwell Sculpute Trail, the former Outwood colliery in Radcliffe, Philips Park and Prestwich Clough, featuring the listed 13 Arches viaduct at the centre of Philips Park.
Wales:
Great Birmingham Run, Sunday 14 October 2018
Starting and finishing in the city centre, this 13.1 mile race takes you out to the coastline to the Penrhyn Castle Estate, then back along the Garth Pier over the Menai Straights, taking in views of Anglesey and Snowdonia.
Richmond Half Marathon, Sunday 4 November, 9am
A predominately flat and fast course, the route takes in some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks. Starting outside Cardiff Castle, runners will head past Cardiff City Stadium on the way to Penarth, before heading to Cardiff Bay and back to the heart of the city.
Merthyr Trail Half Marathon, Sunday 14 October, 10am
A half marathon along the beautiful Taff Trails, this is a friendly, small, race off the beaten track. Definitely not one for those hunting for an easy PB, there’s over 1000 feet of climbing.
Manchester Half Marathon, Sunday 14 October, 9am
Set against an awe-inspiring backdrop of cliff tops, downland, woodland, sand dunes and world famous beaches, this 14.1 mile trail run is one for your calendar.
Heaton Park Half Marathon, Sunday 25 November, 9.30am
The 10th anniversary of this scenic half marathon, the start and finish is on the quayside in front of the 700+ year old Conwy Castle. The route runs along the road adjacent to the Conwy River, along church walks towards Llandudno Pier, then taking in views of the North Wales coastline back to Conwy and the finish line.
Leeds:
St Aidan’s Trail Half Marathon, Sunday 21 October, 10am
A trail half marathon that takes runners round two nature reserves. Starting and finishing at St Aidan’s RSPB nature reserve, it’s an undulating route. There’s no baggage storage, but 30% of the net profits from this race will be donated to the RSPB.
