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Top UK Half Marathons 2027: 20 Races Definitely Worth Running
Updated: Nov 3
From Brighton’s seafront in February to the huge autumn crowds in Cardiff and Manchester, the UK half marathon calendar offers plenty of reasons to take on 13.1 miles. You might choose a race for its course, its atmosphere or the chance to raise money for a charity that really matters to you.
There are coastal courses, historic cities, beautiful parks and finishes packed with supporters that make the final stretch especially memorable. Which Top UK Half Marathon will you take on in 2027? This guide will help you decide.
Brighton Half Marathon 2027: 28 February
Brighton offers an early race goal and plenty of sea air. The established route takes runners along the seafront, past city landmarks and out towards the cliffs before returning to the finish.
It is a good choice if you want a winter training target and a weekend by the coast. Prepare for the possibility of wind, which can make a noticeable difference on an exposed route.
Bath Half 2027: 14 March
The Bath Half takes runners through traffic free streets surrounded by the city’s Georgian architecture. Its relatively flat course appeals to people chasing a personal best, while the support makes it welcoming for a first half marathon.
Bath is also easy to turn into a weekend away. You can explore the city before the race, then enjoy it at a slower pace after you have finished.
Cambridge Half Marathon 2027: 14 March
Cambridge combines historic streets and university surroundings with a course that attracts both new and experienced half marathon runners. The setting gives you plenty to take in, even if you are concentrating on your pace.
Cambridge and Bath take place on the same day in 2027. If both interest you, the city you would most like to visit may help you decide.
Liverpool Half Marathon 2027: 14 March
Combining city streets, parkland and a memorable waterfront finish, the new route takes runners through the city centre and past landmarks including Sefton Park before returning towards the River Mersey and the finish beside the docks.
The varied surroundings give the race plenty of character, with enthusiastic support adding to the occasion. The course includes some gradual climbs, so it is not completely flat, but faster sections still give runners opportunities to settle into a steady rhythm.
Wilmslow Half Marathon 2027: 21 March
The Wilmslow Half Marathon takes runners from the town centre into the surrounding Cheshire countryside. The course follows closed rural roads through villages and farmland before bringing runners back towards Wilmslow for the finish.
The route is scenic but undulating, with climbs that make it more challenging than a completely flat half marathon. Its established organisation, enthusiastic local support and countryside setting make Wilmslow a strong spring choice for runners who want a substantial race without the scale of a major city event.
London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027: 4 April
London Landmarks takes runners through Westminster and the City of London. Famous sights share the route with stories about less familiar parts of the capital, giving you plenty to notice as the miles pass.
The event is organised by Tommy’s, and fundraising is central to its character. It is a strong choice if supporting a cause is as important to you as completing the distance.
Great Birmingham Run Half Marathon 2027: 2 May
The Great Birmingham Run includes both a half marathon and a 10K. Friends and family can share the event even if they want to run different distances.
The half marathon heads through the city and into south Birmingham, taking in green spaces around Cannon Hill Park and Selly Park before returning for the finish. That variety helps make the route feel like a tour of the city.
Great Bristol Run Half Marathon 2027: 9 May
Bristol’s half marathon combines city streets and the harbourside with a longer stretch along the Portway. The riverside section gives you time to settle into a rhythm before heading back towards the finish.
A 10K takes place on the same day, so Bristol works well for a group with different goals. There is plenty to explore if you stay for the weekend.
Hackney Half 2027: 16 May
Hackney Half fills the streets of east London with runners, music and supporters. The wider Hackney Moves festival adds to the occasion, making it feel like more than a morning race.
Choose Hackney if you want a large London half marathon with a lively local character. Check the entry arrangements early if it is high on your list, as places are popular.
Great Manchester Run Half Marathon 2027: 23 May
The Great Manchester Run gives you a late spring half marathon as part of a major city event. A 10K is also on the programme, making it possible to share race day with someone running a shorter distance.
This is a separate race from the Manchester Half Marathon in October. The Great Manchester Run is the May option if you want a spring goal and the atmosphere of its established event weekend.
Edinburgh Half Marathon 2027: 30 May
The Edinburgh Half Marathon begins in the city and heads towards the coast. The scenery changes as the miles pass, giving the race a sense of journey beyond the distance itself.
It is part of the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, which brings several races together over the weekend. Check the latest route and start information before choosing where to stay.
The Big Half 2027: 5 September
The Big Half starts near Tower Bridge and travels through east and south east London before finishing beside the Cutty Sark in Greenwich. Its relatively flat roads appeal to runners with a time goal, while the journey across the city gives everyone plenty to experience.
The Greenwich finish is a particular draw. As the later miles become harder, you have a clear destination to work towards.
Great North Run 2027: 12 September
The Great North Run takes runners from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields. Crossing the Tyne Bridge is an early highlight, while reaching the coast gives the race one of the UK’s most recognisable finishes.
Its size, crowds and charity teams create an atmosphere that stays with you. Prepare for the climbs as well as the downhill stretches, and save some energy for the final approach to the sea.
Richmond Run-Fest Half Marathon 2027: 12 September
Richmond Run-Fest begins inside the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and finishes at a festival in Old Deer Park. Few half marathons offer that combination of start and finish locations.
Greenery and riverside surroundings give it a different feel from a central London race. Richmond and the Great North Run share a date in 2027, leaving you with a choice between two very different experiences.
Robin Hood Half Marathon 2027: 26 September
The Robin Hood Half Marathon starts and finishes at Victoria Embankment beside the River Trent. The Nottingham route combines city landmarks with Wollaton Park.
This is an undulating race rather than a completely flat one. Choose it if you want an established city event with a mix of streets, parkland and a riverside finish.
Cardiff Half Marathon 2027: 3 October
Cardiff combines strong city support with a route past landmarks and the waterfront. It appeals to runners with a personal best in mind while offering plenty to enjoy if your goal is simply to complete the distance.
It is also the UK race in the SuperHalfs series. A Cardiff finish can therefore count towards a larger goal across six European cities.
Manchester Half Marathon 2027: 3 October
The Manchester Half Marathon is an autumn event held separately from May’s Great Manchester Run. Its large field and route through Greater Manchester make it a substantial goal for the end of a summer training block.
It shares its 2027 date with Cardiff. If you are choosing between them, think about which destination and race experience appeal to you most.
Great Scottish Run Half Marathon 2027: 3 October
The Great Scottish Run Half Marathon starts on St Vincent Street in Glasgow city centre before taking runners towards the River Clyde and through the city’s Southside. The established route finishes at Glasgow Green, where the event village brings the race to a lively conclusion.
A 10K takes place on the same morning, making the event suitable for groups whose runners prefer different distances.
Oxford Half 2027: 10 October
The Oxford Half combines historic streets with greener surroundings on a course that attracts first time half marathon runners and those chasing a personal best.
Its October date leaves time for a summer of training. If you are travelling, stay beyond race morning to explore the city after you've crossed the finish line.
Royal Parks Half Marathon 2027: 10 October
The Royal Parks Half Marathon combines central London landmarks with Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. The route also takes runners past Buckingham Palace and along The Mall.
The combination of historic streets, parkland and a finish near the Royal Albert Hall gives the event a character that feels different from London’s larger road races.
Which Top UK Half Marathon Should You Run In 2027?
Brighton offers an early coastal race, while Bath, Cambridge, Wilmslow and Reading give you spring goals. In May, you can choose from Birmingham, Bristol, Hackney, Manchester and Edinburgh. September brings The Big Half, Great North Run, Richmond Run-Fest and Robin Hood.
October includes Cardiff, Manchester and Oxford, the Great Scottish Run and Royal Parks . Think about the course you would enjoy, the place you want to visit and whether you would like to run for charity. Then check the full race guide and the organiser’s latest details before entering.
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