SuperHalfs Challenge Guide: How To Complete Europe's Six Iconic Half Marathons

For many runners, completing one memorable half marathon is enough. For others, one race simply leads to another. That's the thinking behind the SuperHalfs challenge, a series that brings together six of Europe's finest half marathons and rewards runners who complete them all within a five-year period. Combining world-class races with some of Europe's most beautiful cities, the challenge has become hugely popular with runners who enjoy travelling as much as they enjoy racing. Whether you're chasing a personal best in Valencia, running across the famous 25 de Abril Bridge in Lisbon or finishing in front of thousands of spectators in Cardiff, every event offers something completely different while still contributing towards one impressive achievement.

What Is The SuperHalfs?

Launched in 2019, the SuperHalfs challenge was created to encourage runners to experience some of Europe's leading half marathons rather than focusing on just one destination. Unlike the Abbott World Marathon Majors, where runners complete six marathons around the globe, SuperHalfs concentrates entirely on the half marathon distance and is far more achievable for many runners.

Once you've registered on the SuperHalfs website, you'll receive a free digital passport. Every time you complete one of the six qualifying races your passport is automatically stamped, and once you've finished all six within five years of your first race you'll receive the coveted SuperMedal at the finish line of your final event. There is no additional cost to join the series, making it one of the most accessible running challenges available. The half marathon is also the perfect distance for combining racing with sightseeing. Training requires commitment but doesn't dominate your life in the same way as marathon preparation, leaving plenty of time to explore each destination before and after race day.

The Six SuperHalfs Events

Each race has been selected because of its reputation, organisation and international appeal. Together they showcase six very different cities and six very different running experiences.

Lisbon Half Marathon

Few races can rival the Lisbon Half Marathon for scenery. The event begins by taking runners across the spectacular 25 de Abril Bridge, a section normally closed to pedestrians, before continuing through the Portuguese capital towards the historic Jerónimos Monastery. The course has become famous for producing fast times and has hosted several world-record performances, making it one of Europe's quickest half marathons as well as one of its most scenic.

Prague Half Marathon

The Prague Half Marathon is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful road races in Europe. The flat route follows both banks of the Vltava River, passing landmarks including Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, the National Theatre and the magnificent Old Town. Organised by RunCzech, the race has built an outstanding international reputation thanks to its organisation, fast course and stunning backdrop.

Berlin Half Marathon

Berlin hardly needs an introduction when it comes to road running. While the marathon attracts most of the headlines, the Generali Berlin Half Marathon has become one of Europe's premier half marathon events in its own right. The course passes many of the German capital's best-known landmarks, including Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Cathedral, Potsdamer Platz and the Victory Column, with huge crowds creating an electric atmosphere throughout race day.

Copenhagen Half Marathon

Although relatively young compared with some of the other races in the series, the Copenhagen Half Marathon has quickly established itself as one of the fastest courses in the world. Elite athletes regularly produce exceptional performances here, while recreational runners enjoy a flat, well-organised route that winds through Denmark's vibrant capital. Excellent crowd support and outstanding organisation have helped make it one of the highlights of the SuperHalfs calendar.

Cardiff Half Marathon

Cardiff provides the UK's contribution to the series and has grown into one of Europe's leading half marathons. The course showcases many of the Welsh capital's best-known landmarks, including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, the Civic Centre and Cardiff Bay. Fast roads, enthusiastic local support and a welcoming atmosphere make it one of Britain's favourite races and a worthy member of the SuperHalfs family.

Valencia Half Marathon

If you're chasing a personal best, Valencia is hard to beat. Frequently regarded as one of the fastest half marathons in the world, the race has produced numerous world-leading performances and attracts an exceptionally strong elite field every year. The flat streets, cool autumn conditions and superb organisation make it an ideal race for runners looking to improve their time while enjoying one of Spain's most vibrant cities.

Here's our post on Berlin 

How Does The Challenge Work?

Taking part couldn't be much simpler. Register for a free account on the SuperHalfs website before entering any of the six races and you'll receive your digital passport. When entering each event, simply include your passport number during registration. After completing the race your passport will automatically receive its stamp. If you forget to include your passport number, you can usually claim your result afterwards through your online account.

You don't need to complete the races in any particular order, allowing you to plan your running adventures around your travel plans or race calendar. The only requirement is that all six events are completed within 60 months of finishing your first SuperHalfs race.

Once you've completed five races and entered your sixth, the organisers prepare your SuperMedal so it's waiting for you at the finish line of your final event. Your achievement is also recognised in the SuperHalfs Hall of Fame.

Why Has SuperHalfs Become So Popular?

The appeal is about much more than collecting another medal. SuperHalfs encourages runners to experience six incredible cities while gradually building a collection of unforgettable race weekends. Instead of repeatedly running local events, participants have the opportunity to combine holidays with running, discovering new cultures, cuisines and destinations along the way. The five-year time limit also removes unnecessary pressure. Unlike some running challenges that demand significant travel within a short period, SuperHalfs allows runners to spread the races across several seasons, making it both affordable and achievable. Perhaps most importantly, the challenge provides ongoing motivation. Finishing one race naturally leads to planning the next, giving runners a reason to stay fit, keep training and continue exploring Europe through running.

Is The SuperHalfs Challenge Worth It?

If you enjoy travelling, the answer is almost certainly yes. Each race is outstanding in its own right, but together they create an adventure that is far greater than the sum of its parts. The digital passport works well, the SuperMedal is something genuinely worth earning and the flexibility to complete the races in any order makes the challenge accessible to runners of all abilities. Whether you're aiming for six personal bests or simply looking for an excuse to visit six fantastic European cities, SuperHalfs provides plenty of motivation to keep your running calendar full for years to come.

Our Verdict

Not every runner wants to complete six marathons, but six half marathons spread across Europe's greatest cities is an entirely different proposition. The SuperHalfs Challenge combines outstanding races, unforgettable destinations and a long-term goal that keeps you motivated without becoming overwhelming. If you love travelling, enjoy racing over the half marathon distance and want a challenge that's every bit as rewarding as it is achievable, SuperHalfs deserves a place on your running bucket list.

Series website

https://www.superhalfs.com/en/

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