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15 Of The World's Biggest And Most Memorable Half Marathons
Updated: 1 day ago
The half marathon has become one of the world's most popular running distances, attracting everyone from first time runners to experienced athletes chasing personal bests. Covering 21.1 kilometres, it offers a substantial endurance challenge while remaining more accessible than the full marathon, making it an appealing goal for runners of different abilities.
Some half marathons attract tens of thousands of participants, transforming city streets into enormous sporting occasions. From the bridges of Sweden and the historic avenues of Paris to the beaches of Brazil and the mountains of South Africa, these events combine the excitement of mass participation with the opportunity to experience extraordinary destinations.
Here are 15 of the world's biggest and most memorable half marathons, featuring established international events and races that have grown rapidly in recent years. The selection is not a strict numerical ranking, but a collection of major races from around the globe, each offering its own combination of scale, scenery and atmosphere.
Mumbai Marathon Half Marathon, India
17 January 2027
The Mumbai Marathon Half Marathon forms part of one of Asia's largest running festivals, with the wider event attracting more than 65,000 participants across its different distances in recent years. The half marathon itself draws a substantial field, reflecting the growing popularity of organised distance running in India's financial capital.
The course takes runners through Mumbai's streets, with its coastal setting and distinctive architecture contributing to the experience. The contrast between historic buildings, modern towers and densely populated neighbourhoods provides a setting quite different from most major European or American road races.
Held in January, the event generally benefits from more manageable temperatures than those experienced during Mumbai's hottest months, although humidity can still be a factor. Its enormous urban setting and enthusiastic local running community make this one of India's standout sporting occasions.
Marrakech Half Marathon, Morocco
31 January 2027
The Marrakech Half Marathon forms part of the Marrakech International Marathon, one of North Africa's established international running events. The wider festival attracts more than 12,000 participants across its distances, bringing together Moroccan runners and international visitors in one of the country's most recognisable destinations.
The route showcases the city's distinctive surroundings, with palm lined avenues, historic ramparts and landscaped gardens contributing to the scenery. The Atlas Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, while Marrakech's blend of traditional architecture and modern neighbourhoods gives the event a character quite different from the major European city races.
January generally offers more comfortable running temperatures than the intense summer heat experienced in Morocco. The combination of historic surroundings, a substantial international running festival and the opportunity to explore Marrakech makes this an appealing addition to the global half marathon calendar.
Paris Half Marathon, France
7 March 2027
The Paris Half Marathon has developed into one of Europe's largest road races, attracting close to 50,000 runners in recent editions. Held in early spring, it brings a substantial international field to the French capital for an event that has become an important fixture in the city's sporting calendar.
The route explores eastern Paris, including streets around the Bastille and the Bois de Vincennes. Wide avenues, historic buildings and tree lined sections provide a varied setting, with the atmosphere changing between lively urban districts and the quieter surroundings of the park.
The race offers a different perspective on Paris from the city's full marathon, concentrating on a distinctive part of the capital. Its combination of historic scenery, enthusiastic spectators and a vast field has helped establish it as a major international half marathon.
New York City Half Marathon, USA
21 March 2027
The New York City Half Marathon attracts more than 28,000 finishers, making it one of North America's largest half marathons. Organised by New York Road Runners, the event brings together an international field for a course that showcases some of the city's most recognisable locations.
The race begins in Brooklyn before crossing into Manhattan, where participants experience the skyscrapers and busy streets of Midtown. Running through Times Square, which is closed to normal traffic for the occasion, is a particular highlight before the route continues towards Central Park.
The contrast between Brooklyn's neighbourhoods, Manhattan's towering buildings and the green surroundings of Central Park makes this an unusually varied city race. Few other half marathons offer such an opportunity to experience the landmarks of a major international city.
Yangzhou Half Marathon, China
March 2027 (date to be confirmed)
The Yangzhou Half Marathon is one of China's prominent mass participation road races, with approximately 23,000 half marathon places allocated for 2026. The event attracts considerable interest from runners across China, reflecting the growing popularity of organised distance running in the country.
Held in the historic city of Yangzhou, the course provides a setting quite different from the modern skylines associated with many major Chinese cities. Traditional architecture, landscaped areas and the city's waterways contribute to its character, while the surrounding cultural attractions make it an appealing destination.
Yangzhou is particularly celebrated for its gardens and longstanding cultural heritage, offering visiting runners plenty to explore beyond the race. Its substantial field and distinctive surroundings have helped establish the event as an important part of China's running calendar.
Two Oceans Half Marathon, South Africa
3 April 2027
The Two Oceans Half Marathon in Cape Town is one of Africa's best known half marathon events, attracting around 20,000 participants. Held alongside the famous Two Oceans Ultramarathon, it forms part of a major running weekend that draws athletes from across South Africa and overseas.
The half marathon follows a separate route from the ultramarathon, passing through Cape Town's southern suburbs with the surrounding mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. The course includes significant climbing, particularly around Southern Cross Drive, giving it a more demanding profile than many large city half marathons.
Mountain scenery, leafy neighbourhoods and enthusiastic local support give the event a distinctive identity. Its association with the wider Two Oceans running festival also connects participants with one of South Africa's most celebrated distance running traditions.
Berlin Half Marathon, Germany
4 April 2027
The Berlin Half Marathon attracts more than 40,000 runners and has become one of Europe's leading spring road races. Its popularity reflects both the German capital's international sporting reputation and a relatively flat course that appeals to runners pursuing fast times.
The route follows broad streets through central Berlin, passing important landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate. Monumental architecture, historic buildings and modern districts provide a changing backdrop, while large crowds gather along many of the central sections.
Berlin has a longstanding reputation for outstanding distance running performances, and its half marathon shares much of the appeal of the city's famous marathon. It is also part of the SuperHalfs series, which brings together six of Europe's leading half marathons.
Göteborgsvarvet, Sweden
22 May 2027
Göteborgsvarvet, held in Gothenburg, is one of Europe's largest half marathons, with approximately 55,000 runners registered for its 2026 edition. Established in 1980, it has become a major occasion in Sweden's sporting calendar, bringing together local communities, international visitors and runners of widely differing abilities.
The course is particularly memorable for its two major bridge crossings, including the Älvsborg Bridge, which provides sweeping views across Gothenburg's harbour. Participants also pass through residential neighbourhoods and busy city streets, where spectators gather in large numbers to support the field.
Waterfront scenery, enthusiastic crowds and a strong community identity give Göteborgsvarvet a character of its own. Its connection with the city is central to its enduring popularity, with large sections of Gothenburg turning out to support the runners.
Rio de Janeiro International Half Marathon, Brazil
15 August 2027
The Rio de Janeiro International Half Marathon offers a spectacular coastal setting, attracting thousands of runners to one of Brazil's most recognisable cities. The event includes shorter races alongside the half marathon, creating a running weekend that appeals to participants of different abilities.
The course showcases Rio's extraordinary natural surroundings, with Atlantic Ocean views, beaches and mountains contributing to the scenery. The combination of a dramatic coastline and densely populated urban neighbourhoods gives the event a character quite unlike traditional European city races.
Rio's sporting culture adds to the atmosphere, while the destination itself is a major attraction for international runners. The event provides an opportunity to experience the city during the Southern Hemisphere winter, when temperatures are generally milder than in the summer months.
Buenos Aires Half Marathon, Argentina
August 2027 (date to be confirmed)
The Buenos Aires Half Marathon is one of South America's largest road races, attracting approximately 31,500 participants in 2026. The event brings together runners from across Argentina and overseas, transforming some of the capital's most famous streets into an enormous running course.
The route passes through central Buenos Aires, where broad avenues and grand architecture reflect the city's distinctive character. Landmarks such as the Obelisk provide a memorable backdrop, while the contrast between historic buildings and modern districts gives the race considerable visual appeal.
Buenos Aires has also established a reputation for attracting leading international distance runners, contributing to its growing profile beyond South America. For visiting participants, the race offers an opportunity to explore a city celebrated for its culture, architecture and energetic atmosphere.
Great North Run, United Kingdom
12 September 2027
The Great North Run is widely recognised as the world's largest half marathon, with its organiser reporting 63,000 participants in 2026. First held in 1981, it has grown into one of the most recognisable mass participation sporting occasions anywhere in the world, bringing together runners from across the United Kingdom and overseas.
The course begins in Newcastle upon Tyne, crosses the Tyne Bridge and heads towards South Shields, where participants finish beside the North Sea. The sight of thousands of runners crossing the bridge has become one of the most famous images in road running, while enormous crowds and roadside entertainment contribute to the atmosphere along the route.
Charity fundraising is central to the event's identity, with thousands of participants supporting causes that matter to them. Its extraordinary scale, longstanding traditions and enthusiastic local support have made the Great North Run one of the most celebrated events in international road running.
Copenhagen Half Marathon, Denmark
19 September 2027
The Copenhagen Half Marathon has experienced remarkable growth since its first edition in 2015, with organisers planning for 45,000 runners in 2027. The race has become one of Europe's leading half marathons, attracting both elite athletes and recreational runners from around the world.
The course explores the Danish capital through elegant residential streets, broad boulevards and lively neighbourhoods. Colourful buildings, historic architecture and enthusiastic local support contribute to the atmosphere, while the generally flat route appeals to runners seeking fast times.
Copenhagen has also become an important destination for elite distance running, with Geoffrey Kamworor setting a half marathon world record here in 2019. The race is part of the SuperHalfs series, giving runners the opportunity to work towards completing six major European half marathons.
Rome Half Marathon, Italy
17 October 2027
The Rome Half Marathon has quickly established itself as a major international running event, with organisers expecting close to 40,000 half marathon participants for its 2026 edition. The race has attracted considerable interest from runners looking to experience the Italian capital through a large sporting occasion.
Rome provides an extraordinary setting, with ancient monuments, grand public squares and historic streets appearing throughout the course. The contrast between the city's Roman heritage, Renaissance architecture and everyday neighbourhoods gives participants an experience that few other destinations can match.
The event's rapid growth reflects the appeal of combining a half marathon with a visit to one of the world's great historic cities. Although relatively new compared with some races in this selection, it has already become an important addition to the international running calendar.
Delhi Half Marathon, India
October 2027 (date to be confirmed)
The Delhi Half Marathon is one of India's most prominent road running events, forming part of a race weekend that attracted nearly 40,000 participants across several distances in 2025. It has played an important role in the development of recreational running in India, attracting leading international athletes alongside a substantial domestic field.
The half marathon takes participants through New Delhi, where broad ceremonial avenues, landscaped spaces and monumental architecture provide an impressive setting. The city's mixture of historic landmarks and modern urban life gives the race a distinctive character, particularly around its central government district.
The event has developed a strong international reputation through its elite competition, while its wider programme encourages participation from runners of different abilities. Its continued popularity reflects the growth of major city running events across India.
Singapore Marathon Half Marathon, Singapore
December 2027 (date to be confirmed)
Singapore's half marathon forms part of one of Southeast Asia's largest running festivals, which attracted more than 55,000 participants across its different distances in 2024. The event brings together local runners and international visitors for a major sporting weekend in one of Asia's most recognisable cities.
The course offers the opportunity to experience Singapore's modern urban landscape, with the city's distinctive architecture and waterfront districts contributing to the setting. The tropical climate is another defining feature, with high humidity presenting a challenge even when the race begins early in the morning.
Singapore's reputation for hosting major international sporting events adds to its appeal as a running destination. The combination of a substantial running festival, impressive city scenery and a distinctly Southeast Asian atmosphere makes it a worthwhile addition to this global selection.
Why Are The World's Biggest Half Marathons So Popular?
The half marathon occupies an appealing position between shorter road races and the full marathon. Covering 21.1 kilometres requires preparation and endurance, but the distance remains accessible to a broad range of runners, from those taking on their first major challenge to experienced athletes pursuing faster times.
The world's largest events offer an atmosphere that smaller races cannot always replicate. Running alongside tens of thousands of participants, passing famous landmarks on traffic free streets and receiving encouragement from enormous crowds can make the experience particularly memorable.
Charity fundraising is another important part of many major half marathons, especially events such as the Great North Run. For thousands of participants, completing the distance is an opportunity to support a cause that matters to them, adding another dimension to their achievement.
Choosing Your Next Half Marathon
The biggest half marathons are not necessarily the best choice for every runner, but they offer experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere. Berlin and Copenhagen are particularly attractive to runners seeking fast courses, while Marrakech and Cape Town offer distinctive scenery and surroundings.
Entry arrangements vary considerably, with some events selling out quickly and others using ballots or priority registration periods. Checking the official entry process well in advance is particularly important when planning an overseas race, especially where travel and accommodation are involved.
Whether your ambition is to run through Times Square, cross the bridges of Gothenburg or experience the coastline of Rio de Janeiro, these major half marathons demonstrate how a shared running challenge can bring together people from across the world.
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