Europe has an exceptional choice of half marathons, from huge mass participation events to fast city races where personal bests and world class performances are part of the attraction. For runners planning a race in 2027, the possibilities stretch from the Mediterranean coast to Scandinavia and from historic capitals to some of Europe's biggest running events. You could cross the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle, race through the centre of Berlin, experience the crowds of Göteborgsvarvet or build your travels around the six races that make up the SuperHalfs series. The races in this guide are presented in calendar order rather than ranked. They have been selected because they offer something worth travelling for, whether that is the course, atmosphere, scale of the event, potential for a fast time or the opportunity to explore a great European city. Napoli City Half Marathon: 21 February 2027 The Napoli City Half Marathon combines serious racing credentials with one of the most distinctive destinations in this guide. Naples gives runners Mediterranean scenery, historic streets and views of Mount Vesuvius. Its February date also means the race takes place well before most of Europe's major spring half marathons, making it an interesting early season target or part of a build towards a spring marathon. It is also a genuinely fast race. Yeman Crippa ran 59:01 in 2026 to set an Italian half marathon record, while the women's Italian record was set here by Sofiia Yaremchuk in 2024. The course combines sea views, historic monuments and views towards Vesuvius. Read our guide to the Napoli City Half Marathon here. Lisbon Half Marathon: 7 March 2027 Few European half marathons can match Lisbon for the spectacle of its famous crossing of the 25 de Abril Bridge. From there, runners head towards the Portuguese capital with the River Tagus providing the backdrop to much of the race. Lisbon has established itself as a destination for fast half marathon running, but the overall experience is equally important. The waterfront setting, spring date and opportunity to explore Lisbon make it particularly attractive to runners travelling from elsewhere in Europe. Lisbon is also the opening race on the 2027 SuperHalfs calendar. For runners beginning the six race challenge, it can provide the first stamp in a journey that eventually takes them through Portugal, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Wales and Spain. Read our guide to the Lisbon Half Marathon here. Paris Half Marathon: 7 March 2027 The Semi de Paris is one of Europe's largest half marathons and offers a very different running experience from the full Paris Marathon. The race focuses on the eastern side of the French capital, with the Bois de Vincennes forming an important part of the event. More than 40,000 runners take part each year, filling the streets of Paris for one of Europe’s largest half marathons. Paris is also particularly easy to turn into a race weekend. Transport connections from across Europe are excellent, while the city provides almost unlimited options for sightseeing once the running is finished. Read our guide to the Paris Half Marathon here. Prague's historic centre makes the Czech capital one of Europe's most appealing destinations for a spring half marathon. Prague Half Marathon: 3 April 2027 Prague provides one of the most attractive settings in the SuperHalfs series, combining an established international road race with the historic surroundings of the Czech capital. The city is compact enough to work particularly well for a short race trip, while Prague's running credentials mean the event appeals to runners interested in performance as well as those primarily looking for a destination race. Prague is the second event on the 2027 SuperHalfs calendar, with the series continuing in Berlin the following day. That unusual scheduling is important for anyone planning to complete all six races. Read our guide to the Prague Half Marathon here. Berlin Half Marathon: 4 April 2027 Berlin's reputation for fast road racing extends well beyond its marathon. The Berlin Half Marathon has become one of Europe's major spring half marathons and attracts a substantial international field. The race offers the wide roads and big city surroundings associated with running in Berlin, while the Brandenburg Gate provides one of the defining landmarks towards the end of the course. Berlin is also one of the six SuperHalfs, combining a major city race with another opportunity to add a stamp to the SuperPassport. With Berlin taking place the day after Prague in 2027, runners working towards the SuperMedal will need to tackle the two races in different years. Read our guide to the Berlin Half Marathon here. London Landmarks Half Marathon: 4 April 2027 The London Landmarks Half Marathon has established its own identity in a city already packed with major running events. Its closed road course runs through Westminster and the City of London, creating a sightseeing focused half marathon through the capital. Famous buildings and landmarks form an important part of the experience, while entertainment around the course contributes to the atmosphere. Charity fundraising is central to the event. The race is organised by Tommy's and provides runners with opportunities to support a wide range of charities. The 2027 event will also be the tenth edition of the London Landmarks Half Marathon. Read our guide to the London Landmarks Half Marathon here. Madrid combines a challenging half marathon with the architecture, culture and atmosphere of one of Europe's great capitals. Madrid Half Marathon: 4 April 2027 Madrid offers a different proposition from Europe's flattest half marathons. The Spanish capital has an undulating profile, so runners should expect a different challenge from the flatter courses found in cities such as Berlin and Valencia. The attraction is the opportunity to race through one of Europe's great capitals as part of a large and established running event. Madrid's broad avenues, architecture and big city atmosphere make the race particularly appealing to runners who value the destination as much as the stopwatch. The city also has excellent transport connections and enough food, culture and sightseeing to make the half marathon one part of a longer weekend away. The race starts on Paseo de Recoletos, with the 21.097km course officially certified by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation. Read our guide to the Madrid Half Marathon here. Helsinki City Half: 8 May 2027 The Helsinki City Half is Finland's largest half marathon and forms part of Helsinki City Run, a major running weekend that attracts thousands of runners to the Finnish capital. The race offers an opportunity to experience Helsinki's combination of waterfront scenery, green spaces and distinctive Nordic architecture. The wider event attracts runners from more than 100 countries, giving the weekend a strong international feel. Helsinki also provides something different from the more familiar European race destinations in this guide. Its compact centre makes it well suited to a short running trip, while the historic Helsinki Olympic Stadium provides an impressive setting for the event. Read our guide to the Helsinki City Half Marathon here. Riga Half Marathon: 16 May 2027 The Riga Half Marathon forms part of the Riga Marathon weekend, one of the biggest mass participation sporting events in the Baltic region. The wider weekend attracted a record 46,313 participants from 116 countries in 2026, while the half marathon also attracts a high quality elite field. In 2026, Kenya's Charles Mbatha Matata won the men's race in 59:15 and Ethiopia's Ejgayehu Taye set a women's course record of 1:04:22. Riga, the capital of Latvia, adds another distinctive destination to the European calendar, combining Art Nouveau architecture, a UNESCO listed historic centre and the Daugava River. New courses are being developed for 2027, so runners should check the final route when it is announced. Read our guide to the Riga Half Marathon here. Riga's historic centre and distinctive Art Nouveau architecture make the Latvian capital an excellent destination for a race weekend. Göteborgsvarvet: 22 May 2027 Göteborgsvarvet turns Gothenburg into a running city for one of the biggest half marathon weekends anywhere in the world. The event describes itself as the world's largest half marathon, and 55,000 runners signed up for the 2026 edition. The combination of a huge field, music, spectators and a route through Gothenburg creates a very different experience from many of Europe's capital city races. Demand for 2027 has been extraordinary. Entries opened on 23 May 2026 and the race sold out just three days later. Runners who missed out can join the official waiting list for the opportunity to secure a place that becomes available. Read our guide to the Göteborgsvarvet here. Great North Run: 12 September 2027 The Great North Run is one of Europe's defining mass participation races and is described by the organiser as the world's biggest half marathon. The point to point course begins in Newcastle upon Tyne before runners cross the Tyne Bridge and head through Gateshead towards South Shields. It is not a flat route, with climbing through the middle and later stages before the course eventually drops towards the North Sea and the seafront finish. Atmosphere is one of the biggest attractions. The 2026 event had 63,000 participants, while huge crowds and the famous sight of the Tyne Bridge packed with runners help make this a race where the experience can matter every bit as much as the finishing time. The September ballot for 2027 has already been drawn, but unsuccessful runners will have another opportunity in the January ballot. Charity places provide another important route onto the start line. Read our guide to the Great North Run here. Copenhagen Half Marathon: 19 September 2027 Copenhagen has become one of Europe's biggest destination half marathons as well as one of its fastest. The course runs through Copenhagen and Frederiksberg and is designed for fast racing, while large crowds give the event an atmosphere to match its scale. For 2027, the race is expanding to 45,000 runners, making this an exceptionally large European half marathon. Copenhagen is also one of the six SuperHalfs, adding another reason for international runners to target the race. Entry for 2027 is being allocated through a lottery, reflecting the level of demand for places. Read our guide to the Copenhagen Half Marathon here. Cardiff Half Marathon: 3 October 2027 Cardiff brings the SuperHalfs series to Wales and has grown into one of the UK's leading half marathons. The course combines the city centre with some of Cardiff's best known landmarks and waterfront areas. Large crowds, extensive charity participation and a compact city centre help create a major race atmosphere without many of the logistical challenges associated with larger capitals. Demand led the organisers to introduce separate UK and international ballots for general entry. The 2027 ballot has now closed, with results due by email on Thursday 22 October 2026. Charity places, approved tour operator packages and SuperVoucher entries are scheduled to open on the same day, giving unsuccessful applicants alternative ways to secure a place. Read our guide to the Cardiff Half Marathon here. Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences provides a striking modern backdrop in a city famous for fast road running. Valencia Half Marathon: 24 October 2027 Valencia has become one of the world's great road running cities, and its half marathon is a major reason for that reputation. The flat course, elite fields and emphasis on fast racing make Valencia particularly attractive to runners targeting a personal best. The event has been the setting for exceptional performances at the front of the field, while recreational runners benefit from the same fast course. Valencia also provides an appealing late season target. Months of summer training can lead into an October race, while the city's climate and Mediterranean location add to its attraction for travelling runners. Valencia is the final SuperHalfs race of the 2027 calendar year, giving runners another opportunity to complete the six race challenge before the season ends. Read our guide to the Valencia Half Marathon here. Amsterdam Half Marathon: 31 October 2027 The Amsterdam Half Marathon gives runners the opportunity to take on 13.1 miles as part of the Amsterdam Marathon weekend. The race benefits from the atmosphere and organisation surrounding one of Europe's established marathon weekends, while Amsterdam itself is particularly convenient for an international running trip. Good transport connections and a compact centre make it straightforward to combine the race with a few days exploring the city. The relatively flat terrain is another attraction for runners who prefer a course where they can settle into a consistent rhythm. For anyone who wants to experience the Amsterdam Marathon weekend without committing to 26.2 miles, the half marathon provides an obvious alternative. Its position at the end of October also makes Amsterdam one of the final major European half marathons of the year. Read our guide to the Amsterdam Half Marathon here The SuperHalfs Six races in this guide form the SuperHalfs series: Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia. Runners create a free SuperPassport and complete all six races in any order. Each completed event counts towards the challenge, with the SuperMedal awarded at the finish of the sixth race. There is no longer a time limit for completing the series, making it possible to build the challenge around your own running, travel and financial commitments. Entry to each race is handled separately, however, and securing places can be a significant part of the challenge. The 2027 calendar begins with Lisbon on 7 March, followed by Prague on 3 April, Berlin on 4 April, Copenhagen on 19 September, Cardiff on 3 October and Valencia on 24 October. Read our guide to the SuperHalfs here. Which European Half Marathon Should You Choose? The right race depends on what you want from your 13.1 miles. Runners chasing fast times are likely to be drawn towards Valencia, Copenhagen, Berlin and Napoli, while the Great North Run, Göteborgsvarvet and Paris stand out for the scale and atmosphere of the occasion. Lisbon, Prague, Amsterdam, Helsinki, Riga and Madrid are particularly appealing if exploring the destination is an important part of the trip. London Landmarks offers a sightseeing focused route through the British capital, while Napoli combines a fast race with a distinctive Mediterranean setting. Entry can be just as important as the course when making your choice. Göteborgsvarvet is already sold out for 2027, Copenhagen is using a lottery and several other races use ballots or attract significant demand. If one particular event matters to you, investigate its entry arrangements well before your training plan begins.

The Amsterdam Half Marathon is one of the largest half marathons in the Netherlands, attracting thousands of runners to the Dutch capital each autumn. Part of the Amsterdam Marathon weekend, the 21.1 kilometre race combines broad city streets, residential neighbourhoods and famous landmarks, culminating in a memorable finish inside the historic Olympic Stadium. The event attracts an international field of experienced competitors, recreational runners and first time half marathon participants. Its predominantly flat course, established organisation and distinctive surroundings make Amsterdam an appealing destination for runners looking to combine a major sporting event with a European city break. The Destination Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and one of Europe's most recognisable cities. Famous for its canals, historic architecture, museums and cycling culture, it offers visitors a wide range of attractions within a relatively compact area. The city's seventeenth century canal district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with waterways lined by traditional merchant houses, bridges and narrow streets. The Jordaan neighbourhood is particularly popular for its independent shops, cafés and restaurants, while the nearby Nine Streets district offers a mixture of boutiques and historic buildings. Amsterdam is also home to several internationally renowned museums. The Rijksmuseum contains an extensive collection of Dutch art and history, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, while the nearby Van Gogh Museum explores the life and work of one of the Netherlands' most famous artists. Vondelpark provides a large green space close to the museum district, with tree lined paths, open lawns and attractive surroundings. Visitors can also explore the city's waterfront, take a canal cruise or discover neighbourhoods beyond the main tourist areas. Late October generally brings cool autumn conditions, with daytime temperatures often around 10–14°C. Rain and wind are common possibilities, although clear, crisp autumn days can also provide pleasant conditions for exploring the city. History Of The Amsterdam Half Marathon The Amsterdam Half Marathon forms part of the wider Amsterdam Marathon, an event first held in 1975. Organised by Le Champion, the race weekend has developed into one of the Netherlands' largest running occasions, attracting participants from around the world. The half marathon has grown alongside the full marathon, establishing itself as a major event in its own right. The 2026 edition had an allocation of 15,000 places, with demand strong enough for entries to sell out before race weekend. When Is The Amsterdam Half Marathon 2027? The Amsterdam Marathon weekend takes place on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 October 2027, with the half marathon expected to take place on Sunday 31 October. The organiser has confirmed the weekend dates, although the final 2027 programme for each distance has not yet been published. In 2026, the half marathon started at 1:20pm, with runners departing in several waves during the early afternoon. The event operated a three hour completion limit, but the start times and cut off arrangements for 2027 remain subject to confirmation. The weekend also includes the full marathon and shorter running events, with activities taking place across both days. Participants should check the official programme for the final schedule as race weekend approaches. Read about the Amsterdam Marathon here. Amsterdam Half Marathon 2027 Expo And Race Bib Collection The Amsterdam Marathon Expo is an established part of the event weekend, bringing together running brands, equipment suppliers and other exhibitors. It also serves as the main location for participants to collect their race materials before taking part. For the 2026 edition, the expo was held at RAI Amsterdam, a major exhibition and conference centre in the southern part of the city. The organiser has not yet confirmed the venue for 2027, so runners should check the official event website before making travel arrangements. Race bib collection has traditionally taken place during the days leading up to the event, with international participants collecting their materials in person. The organiser will publish the relevant collection arrangements, identification requirements and any provisions for collection by another person. Read more about race expos here. Race Morning The Amsterdam Half Marathon traditionally starts on Stadionweg, immediately outside the Olympic Stadium in the southern part of the city. Half marathon participants begin on the surrounding roads before heading into Amsterdam, returning to the stadium for the finish. The start is accessible using the city's public transport network, with Metro stations at Amstelveenseweg and Zuid providing connections to the surrounding area. Road closures and temporary changes to transport services can affect journeys, so participants should follow the organiser's race morning guidance. Runners are assigned starting waves based on their anticipated finishing times, with their race bib identifying their allocated group. In 2026, six waves were used to manage the field, allowing participants with similar expected finishing times to start together. The organiser has previously provided a free clothing drop off service near Sporthallen Zuid, along with facilities around the start and finish areas. Runners should review the final instructions to confirm the arrangements and allow sufficient time to reach their allocated starting wave. Read more about race day strategy here. Amsterdam Half Marathon Course The Amsterdam Half Marathon follows a predominantly flat route through the southern and eastern parts of the city before joining the closing section of the full marathon course. The route combines residential streets, river crossings and some of Amsterdam's best known cultural landmarks. The following description reflects the course published by the organiser for the previous edition. Runners should check the final 2027 half marathon course map for any changes before race weekend. Stadionweg And Churchilllaan The race begins on Stadionweg, close to the Olympic Stadium, before heading into Amsterdam's southern residential districts. Runners continue along Churchilllaan, a broad avenue lined with apartment buildings, trees and established neighbourhood streets. The course then follows Rijnstraat towards the River Amstel, moving through an area characterised by a mixture of residential buildings and local businesses. These opening kilometres offer a view of everyday Amsterdam beyond the more familiar tourist districts. Utrechtsebrug And Watergraafsmeer Runners cross the Amstel using Utrechtsebrug, a major bridge connecting the southern and eastern parts of the city. The crossing provides views along the river before the course continues into Watergraafsmeer. This eastern district contains residential neighbourhoods, parks and broad streets, offering a relatively open environment compared with the historic centre. The route continues towards Zeeburg, passing through another part of eastern Amsterdam before joining the later stages of the full marathon course. Eastern Amsterdam And The Museum District After passing through the eastern districts, the half marathon follows the closing portion of the marathon route towards central Amsterdam. The surroundings gradually change as runners leave the more modern residential areas and approach the city's established cultural districts. The course passes through streets that connect eastern Amsterdam with the area around the Rijksmuseum. This section introduces some of the city's most recognisable architecture, with larger historic buildings and increasingly familiar surroundings. The Rijksmuseum, an exciting part of the course, towards the finish Rijksmuseum And Vondelpark One of the course's most distinctive features is the passage beneath the Rijksmuseum, where runners travel through the public passageway separating sections of the historic museum building. This unusual setting provides a memorable highlight during the closing kilometres. The route also passes through Vondelpark, Amsterdam's best known public park. Its tree lined paths and landscaped surroundings provide a contrast to the surrounding streets, with autumn colours often adding to the atmosphere at this time of year. Olympic Stadium Finish The final section returns towards the Olympic Stadium, which was originally built for the 1928 Summer Olympic Games. Runners enter the historic venue and complete the race on the stadium track, finishing in front of the grandstand. The stadium provides an impressive setting for the closing metres, with spectators able to watch participants complete their race. Finishers receive their medals before moving through the designated finish area and leaving the venue. How Difficult Is The Amsterdam Half Marathon Course? The Amsterdam Half Marathon is generally regarded as a relatively fast course because of the city's flat terrain. There are no sustained climbs, and much of the route follows broad roads that allow runners to maintain a consistent rhythm. Some minor elevation changes occur around bridges and road crossings, but these are modest compared with the hills encountered at many other European half marathons. The course can therefore appeal to runners targeting a personal best, particularly when weather conditions are favourable. Wind and rain are potentially more significant challenges than elevation. Late October weather in Amsterdam can be changeable, and exposed sections around the river and wider roads may be affected by stronger winds. The large field can also influence the early stages, especially for runners starting in the busier waves. However, the organiser's staggered start arrangements help distribute participants across the course and reduce congestion. What Makes The Amsterdam Half Marathon Special? The Amsterdam Half Marathon combines a large international field with several features that distinguish it from other major European races. Its route takes participants through different sides of the city, from established residential neighbourhoods to internationally recognised cultural landmarks. The passage beneath the Rijksmuseum is particularly memorable, offering an unusual opportunity to run through part of one of Europe's most famous museum buildings. The finish inside the Olympic Stadium provides another distinctive feature, connecting the modern event with Amsterdam's Olympic history. The wider marathon weekend contributes to the atmosphere, with spectators, organised entertainment and participants from numerous countries gathering across the city. The event has also offered official pacemakers in previous editions, helping runners target a range of finishing times. Is The Amsterdam Half Marathon Good For First Time Half Marathon Runners? The Amsterdam Half Marathon is a good option for runners tackling the distance for the first time, particularly those who enjoy the atmosphere of large organised events. Its relatively flat course removes the challenge of sustained hills, while the established organisation provides support throughout the race. The previous edition's three hour completion limit allowed a reasonable amount of time for many recreational runners, although participants should ensure they can meet the applicable requirements. The final 2027 regulations will confirm the time limit and any additional course restrictions. The size of the event is another consideration for beginners, as the start and surrounding areas can be busy. Runners who are comfortable participating alongside thousands of others are likely to find the atmosphere encouraging, while those preferring a quieter introduction to the distance may favour a smaller event. The historic Olympic Stadium, where half marathon runners complete their race. Credit: Bureau Monumenten & Archeologie, Gemeente Amsterdam / Wikimedia Commons. How To Enter The Amsterdam Half Marathon 2027 Registration for the Amsterdam Half Marathon 2027 is scheduled to open on Saturday 19 December 2026 through the official Amsterdam Marathon website. The event uses a direct entry system rather than a general ballot, with places available until the allocated capacity is reached. The 2026 half marathon had 15,000 places, all of which sold out before race weekend. The individual entry fee was €43.50, although the organiser has not yet announced the price or participant limit for 2027. The organiser has previously operated an official ticket resale system through Atleta, allowing runners to transfer entries securely when they can no longer participate. In 2026, this included a waiting list that notified interested runners when places became available, providing an alternative once general registration had closed. International runners can also explore packages through the event's official travel partners, which may include guaranteed race entry and accommodation. Participants should check the 2027 entry conditions and resale arrangements before making travel commitments. Running The Amsterdam Half Marathon For Charity The Amsterdam Half Marathon has an established fundraising connection with KWF Dutch Cancer Society through the Run Against Cancer programme. This allows participants to support cancer research while taking part in one of the Netherlands' largest running events. For the 2026 edition, runners who registered through KWF and raised at least €750 received a complimentary race entry and a dedicated Run Against Cancer shirt. The programme also allowed participants with their own entry to create fundraising pages, with a fundraising shirt available to those raising at least €500. The organiser reported that €1,645,957 was raised for KWF during the 2026 event weekend, demonstrating the scale of the fundraising activity associated with Amsterdam. The specific charity entry conditions and fundraising thresholds for 2027 have not yet been confirmed. Runners can also use their own race place to support a charity of their choice, independently of the official fundraising programme. Those considering a guaranteed charity entry should contact the relevant organisation to establish availability, fundraising commitments and any additional support provided. Read more about fundraising with your own race place here. Where To Stay Amsterdam has a wide range of hotels, apartments and smaller independent accommodation, although prices can be relatively high during major events. For half marathon participants, staying in the southern part of the city or close to a convenient public transport connection can make travelling to the start easier. Amsterdam Zuid is one of the most practical locations, with hotels around Station Zuid providing access to Metro, tram and railway services. The area is more modern than the historic centre but offers convenient connections to the Olympic Stadium and surrounding districts. The Museum Quarter is another attractive choice, particularly for visitors planning to explore Amsterdam's cultural attractions. Accommodation around Museumplein and the southern end of Vondelpark provides access to museums, restaurants and green spaces while remaining relatively close to the race venue. De Pijp offers a lively neighbourhood atmosphere, with independent cafés, restaurants and shops alongside useful public transport connections. It is a good option for runners who prefer a more residential setting without being too far from the city's main attractions. Visitors wanting to experience Amsterdam's famous canals may prefer the Canal Belt or Jordaan, where historic buildings and waterways create a distinctive setting. These neighbourhoods are further from the Olympic Stadium, so participants should consider their journey to the start before booking. Accommodation demand can be substantial during marathon weekend, particularly in areas with convenient access to the start and finish. Booking early provides a wider choice of locations and prices, especially for runners planning to stay for several nights. Compare Amsterdam Half Marathon accommodation and current prices. Our Verdict The Amsterdam Half Marathon 2027 is an excellent option for runners seeking a major European half marathon with a relatively flat course and a distinctive finish. Its established organisation, international field and varied route make it suitable for experienced runners and those tackling the distance for the first time. The passage beneath the Rijksmuseum and finish inside the Olympic Stadium are particularly memorable features, while Amsterdam itself offers plenty to explore during a longer visit. For runners looking to combine a fast course with the atmosphere of a major destination event, Amsterdam deserves a place on the shortlist. Read more about other top European Half Marathons here. Race Website https://www.tcsamsterdammarathon.eu/ Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

The Madrid Half Marathon is one of Spain's largest running events, attracting thousands of participants to the capital each spring. The 21.1 kilometre race takes runners through a mixture of modern districts, historic streets and impressive city squares, offering an opportunity to experience Madrid during a major sporting occasion. Madrid hosts two major half marathons each spring, but they are separate events. This guide covers the larger standalone Madrid Half Marathon, while the other takes place during the Rock 'n' Roll Madrid Marathon weekend on 25 April 2027. The races have different organisers, courses and entry arrangements. The Destination Madrid is Spain's capital and largest city, situated near the geographical centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Its historic architecture, internationally renowned museums, extensive parks and lively neighbourhoods make it an attractive destination for visitors looking to explore beyond the race itself. The Prado Museum is one of the city's principal cultural attractions, housing an important collection of European art. Nearby, Retiro Park offers landscaped gardens, walking paths and the famous Crystal Palace, providing a peaceful contrast to the surrounding streets. The Royal Palace of Madrid stands close to the historic centre, where Plaza Mayor, traditional markets and narrow streets reflect the city's long history. Gran Vía provides a different experience, with impressive early twentieth century buildings, theatres, shops and restaurants. Football is another important part of Madrid's identity. Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and Atlético de Madrid's Metropolitano Stadium attract tens of thousands of visitors throughout the year, while the city's restaurants and neighbourhood markets offer plenty of opportunities to discover Spanish food and culture. April generally brings mild spring weather, although conditions can change considerably during the day. Cool mornings, afternoon sunshine and occasional rain are all possible, making it worth checking the forecast when planning a visit. History Of The Madrid Half Marathon The Madrid Half Marathon has developed from a local road running event into one of Spain's leading mass participation races. Organised by Agrupación Deportiva Marathon and its event partners, it attracts both recreational runners and elite athletes. The race celebrated its 25th edition in March 2026, when approximately 28,000 participants registered. The organiser subsequently increased the planned capacity to 30,000 places for 2027, reflecting the event's continued growth. The course is officially certified by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation, and the race is included in the calendar of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races. Its competitive field and established organisation have helped secure its position on the international road running calendar. When Is The Madrid Half Marathon 2027? The Madrid Half Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday 4 April, with the main race scheduled to start at 9:15am local time. The event will be the 26th edition, beginning and finishing on Paseo de Recoletos, directly in front of the National Library of Spain. The wheelchair race is scheduled to begin at 9:10am, five minutes before the main field. The accompanying Madrid 5K starts at 8:45am, with its own route beginning and finishing on Paseo de Recoletos near Plaza de Colón. The published regulations specify a three hour completion limit measured from the race start. Participants expecting to take close to this time should review the organiser's final instructions for any additional course control arrangements. Madrid Half Marathon 2027 Expo And Race Bib Collection The Madrid Half Marathon Expo provides an opportunity to collect race materials and visit exhibitors associated with running, fitness and sports equipment. It also forms part of the event weekend for participants travelling to the Spanish capital. Race bib and official T-shirt collection is scheduled for 1, 2 and 3 April 2027. The organiser has not yet confirmed the expo venue for this edition, so runners should check the official website before making travel arrangements. Participants must collect their race materials before race day, as no bib collection is available on Sunday morning. Runners should review the organiser's identification requirements and arrangements for anyone collecting materials on their behalf. Read more about race expos here. Race Morning The Madrid Half Marathon starts on Paseo de Recoletos, close to Plaza de Colón and the National Library of Spain. This central location is accessible from several popular accommodation districts, although road closures may affect journeys to the starting area. Colón and Serrano Metro stations are nearby, while Madrid Recoletos railway station provides another transport option. Participants should review the organiser's race morning transport guidance, particularly if travelling from outside the city centre. Runners are allocated starting groups according to their anticipated finishing times. Those seeking access to a starting group faster than 1 hour 30 minutes must provide evidence of a qualifying performance in an officially certified race within the previous two years, with documentation due by 14 March 2027. The organiser provides an official bag drop service and facilities around the start and finish. Runners should allow sufficient time to reach their starting group and follow the published arrangements for personal belongings. Read more about race day strategy here. The National Library of Spain is the start and finish area of the Madrid Half Marathon. Madrid Half Marathon Course Beginning and finishing on Paseo de Recoletos, the route combines major avenues, residential districts and some of Madrid's most recognisable historic locations. The following description reflects the course published by the organiser. Participants should review the final route map before race weekend in case any changes are required. Paseo de Recoletos And Plaza de Castilla The race begins outside the National Library of Spain, with runners heading north along Paseo de la Castellana. This broad avenue passes through some of Madrid's principal business and residential districts, with substantial buildings and open intersections characterising the early kilometres. The course continues towards Plaza de Castilla, one of the city's major transport and commercial centres. From here, participants turn onto Calle Bravo Murillo, leaving the broad central avenue and entering a different urban environment. Cuatro Caminos And Joaquín Costa Runners follow Calle Bravo Murillo towards Cuatro Caminos before continuing along Raimundo Fernández Villaverde. The route crosses above Paseo de la Castellana and moves towards Calle de Joaquín Costa, passing through established residential and commercial areas. The course then reaches Plaza de la República Argentina before heading along Francisco Silvela. These sections introduce several changes in direction and elevation as the route moves towards eastern Madrid. Doctor Esquerdo And Puerta de Alcalá The race continues through the Avenida de América tunnel and Plaza de Manuel Becerra before following Doctor Esquerdo and Calle de O'Donnell. The surroundings gradually change as runners approach the historic central districts. Calle de Alcalá leads participants towards the Puerta de Alcalá, one of Madrid's most recognisable monuments. The course passes around Plaza de la Independencia before turning onto Calle Serrano, known for its elegant buildings and shopping streets. Serrano And Alonso Martínez From Calle Serrano, runners turn onto Juan Bravo and continue towards Paseo de Eduardo Dato, crossing above Paseo de la Castellana. The route then reaches Rubén Darío and follows Calle Almagro towards Alonso Martínez. This part of the race passes through established central neighbourhoods, with a mixture of traditional architecture and busy city streets. Participants continue along Sagasta and Carranza before reaching the final central section. Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol And The Finish The closing stages take runners onto Gran Vía, one of Madrid's most famous streets, before continuing along Calle Montera towards Puerta del Sol. This section brings participants into the historic heart of the capital, surrounded by prominent buildings and public squares. From Puerta del Sol, the course follows Carrera de San Jerónimo towards Plaza de Cánovas del Castillo and the Neptune Fountain. Runners then pass Plaza de la Lealtad, continue along Paseo del Prado and reach Plaza de Cibeles before returning to Paseo de Recoletos for the finish outside the National Library. How Difficult Is The Madrid Half Marathon Course? The Madrid Half Marathon is a moderately challenging road race because of its varied elevation profile. Although the route includes long stretches along broad avenues, several climbs and descents make it less suitable for runners expecting a consistently flat course. The opening kilometres towards Plaza de Castilla involve a gradual rise, while subsequent sections introduce further changes in elevation. The course rewards runners who are comfortable with undulating terrain rather than those whose preparation has been entirely on flat roads. Madrid sits approximately 650 metres above sea level, although this moderate altitude is unlikely to be a major concern for most recreational runners. The more significant challenges are the course's gradients and the possibility of warmer conditions developing during the morning. April weather is often favourable for distance running, but conditions are not guaranteed. Participants should review the final elevation profile and prepare for the possibility of sunshine, rain or changing temperatures during the race. What Makes The Madrid Half Marathon Special? The Madrid Half Marathon offers an opportunity to explore different sides of the Spanish capital within a single race. The route moves from modern commercial districts through established neighbourhoods before reaching the monumental streets and squares of central Madrid. Music and organised entertainment have featured along the course in recent editions, adding to the atmosphere created by spectators. The combination of community involvement and a large international field gives the event a lively character. Another useful feature is the organiser's range of official pacemakers, covering finishing times from 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes. The event also provides an official app with live participant tracking, allowing supporters to follow runners' progress. The accompanying Madrid 5K provides an opportunity for friends and family members to participate over a shorter distance. With a separate entry and its own course, it broadens the weekend's appeal without requiring everyone to complete the half marathon. Is The Madrid Half Marathon Good For First Time Half Marathon Runners? The Madrid Half Marathon can be a rewarding choice for runners tackling the distance for the first time, particularly those who enjoy the excitement of large events. Its established organisation, central location and spectator support help create an encouraging environment for beginners. However, the course is not completely flat, and runners should prepare for the demands of Madrid's varied terrain. Those accustomed to smaller races should also be comfortable participating alongside thousands of other runners. For beginners who have completed an appropriate training programme and are confident of meeting the event's requirements, Madrid offers an enjoyable introduction to international half marathon running. Gran Via, at the end of the race, is one of the highlights of the course How To Enter The Madrid Half Marathon 2027 Registration for the Madrid Half Marathon 2027 is open through the official event website. The race operates a direct entry system rather than a general ballot, with a maximum allocation of 30,000 places. Entry fees increase according to registration thresholds and published deadlines. The organiser's schedule includes prices of €59, €69, €80 and €95 for successive registration stages, with places potentially selling out before the stated deadlines. Runners should check the live registration page for the applicable price. An additional €4 athletics day licence charge is added to registrations. Runners holding an eligible athletics federation licence can have this amount refunded at race bib collection upon presenting the appropriate documentation. Participants must be at least 18 years old on race day. The organiser offers an optional €5 cancellation and entry transfer guarantee, which must be purchased when registering. Specific refund and transfer deadlines apply, and runners should review the conditions carefully before committing to their entry. Running The Madrid Half Marathon For Charity The Madrid Half Marathon offers runners an opportunity to support charitable causes while participating in one of Spain's major road races. Those who secure their own entry can independently raise funds for a charity that is important to them. The organiser does not currently advertise a general guaranteed charity entry programme on its main registration pages. Runners hoping to obtain a place through a charity should therefore contact their chosen organisation directly to establish whether any arrangements are available. Read more about fundraising with your own race place here. Where To Stay Madrid has an extensive range of hotels, apartments and smaller independent accommodation. For half marathon participants, staying within walking distance of Paseo de Recoletos or near a convenient Metro connection can make race morning arrangements easier. The Salamanca district is one of the most convenient locations, offering hotels, restaurants and shops close to the starting area. Its attractive residential streets also provide a quieter alternative to some of the busier tourist neighbourhoods. Chamberí is another good option, particularly around Alonso Martínez and the streets north of Colón. The district combines local restaurants and established residential areas with convenient access to central Madrid. Visitors wanting to explore the city's main attractions may prefer accommodation around Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol or the Prado Museum. These areas provide extensive dining and sightseeing opportunities, although participants should account for road closures when travelling to the start. Booking early is advisable for those seeking accommodation close to the start and finish. Madrid is a popular destination throughout the spring, and centrally located hotels can become more expensive as availability decreases. Compare Madrid Half Marathon accommodation and current prices. Our Verdict The Madrid Half Marathon 2027 is an excellent option for runners who enjoy major city events and want a race weekend that combines sport with sightseeing. Its varied course and distinctive central sections provide a memorable experience, while the established organisation makes it suitable for a broad range of abilities. Runners whose main priority is a fast personal best may prefer a flatter European half marathon. However, for those who value an interesting route, a substantial field and the opportunity to explore one of Europe's great capitals, Madrid is well worth considering. Read more about other top European Half Marathons here. Race Website https://www.mediomaratonmadrid.es/en/ Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Running a marathon for charity is about much more than completing 26.2 miles. For thousands of runners, the encouragement they receive from charity supporters along the course becomes one of the most memorable parts of the experience. Seeing a familiar charity banner, hearing volunteers shout their name or reaching a dedicated cheering station can provide an enormous lift when the miles become difficult. If you're planning to run for charity in 2027, choosing the right marathon can make a significant difference. Some events have dedicated charity cheering areas, while others benefit from individual organisations arranging their own supporter stations and celebrations. These arrangements can transform the experience for runners who have spent months training and raising money for a cause. We've selected 15 marathons where charity involvement extends beyond simply offering fundraising entries. Presented in calendar order, our selection focuses on organised cheering, charity team support and opportunities for runners to share their achievement with the organisations they represent. Arrangements can vary between charities and editions of each event, so runners should confirm the support available for 2027. Tower Bridge, a highly memorable part of the London Marathon course, is one of the most famous charity cheer points in any marathon. It is packed with charities who have to pre-book their space. Houston Marathon, USA 17 January 2027 Houston's Run for a Reason programme brings charity fundraising into the heart of the marathon weekend. Participating organisations can benefit from opportunities to support their runners on the course and provide a welcoming environment after the finish. One of its most distinctive features is the network of Hoopla Cheer Stations, which can include stations sponsored by participating charities. These give volunteers and supporters an opportunity to gather at designated locations, creating pockets of encouragement that fundraising runners can look forward to reaching. The post race Charity Village provides another important element of the experience, bringing together runners, charity representatives and volunteers. Houston is a particularly strong choice for those who value an established fundraising programme with dedicated facilities rather than simply an opportunity to obtain a charity entry. Read more in our Houston Marathon guide. Los Angeles Marathon, USA 7 March 2027 Los Angeles offers charity runners the opportunity to experience organised support at several stages of the marathon, with some organisations coordinating cheering teams at different points along the route. This approach allows runners to encounter familiar charity colours more than once during their 26.2-mile journey. Team World Vision provides a particularly good example. For the 2026 marathon, the charity organised cheer stations on Sunset Boulevard and Sepulveda Boulevard, giving supporters two designated locations to encourage their runners. A celebration tent near the finish provided a meeting place for participants and their supporters after the race. These arrangements demonstrate how individual charities can create their own support network within a major marathon. Although provision varies between organisations, Los Angeles offers a good example of how carefully positioned cheering stations and a shared finish celebration can bring a fundraising team together. Read more in our Los Angeles Marathon guide. Brighton Marathon, UK 4 April 2027 Brighton is particularly interesting because its organiser has made specific provision for charity cheer points. The Charity Cheer Avenue on Madeira Drive gives participating organisations a dedicated location where volunteers and supporters can gather to encourage runners. Charities have also been offered opportunities to establish cheer points and marquees in the event village. This allows organisations to coordinate their supporters, display charity colours and provide a recognisable meeting place for fundraising teams. For runners supporting a cause with a personal connection, reaching an area filled with charity banners and volunteers can be an emotional moment. Brighton's organised approach helps make charity support a visible part of the event rather than leaving individual organisations to arrange everything independently. Read more in our Brighton Marathon guide. Paris Marathon, France 4 April 2027 Paris has an international charity running community, with participants representing organisations from France, the UK and further afield. Its charity arrangements have included facilities designed to bring these fundraising teams together during race weekend. The event's Charity Fan Zone provides a dedicated location for organised encouragement along the course, while a Charity Zone at the event village has offered opportunities for runners to connect with participating organisations. These facilities are particularly useful for international charity teams whose supporters may be unfamiliar with the city. Individual charities can also provide additional assistance. Many charities, such as Action Against Hunger, have operated a cheer point and support after the finish, demonstrating how organisations can build on the event's wider charity arrangements. Read more in our Paris Marathon guide. Manchester Marathon, UK 18 April 2027 Manchester stands out for the involvement of charities with strong connections to the city and its surrounding communities. The Christie Charity, which supports Manchester's specialist cancer centre, is one of the event's official charity partners, giving runners an opportunity to raise money for an organisation closely associated with the area. The Christie Charity provides organised cheer squads along the route and post-race hospitality in its marquee. Alzheimer's Society also offers race day cheering and a post race gathering for its runners, demonstrating the level of support available through some of the marathon's established charity teams. For participants fundraising for a local hospital or an organisation that has supported someone close to them, Manchester offers a particularly meaningful connection between the event and the cause. Its combination of local charity involvement, organised cheering and post race hospitality makes it a strong option for runners who want their fundraising to remain central to their marathon experience. Read more in our Manchester Marathon guide. Boston Marathon, USA 19 April 2027 Boston has an extensive official charity programme, with 215 charity organisations announced for 2027. These organisations represent causes ranging from medical research and children's healthcare to education and community services. The level of organised support is particularly impressive among some of its established charity teams. Boston Children's Hospital has identified cheering locations in Wellesley and Brookline, while the Alzheimer's Association has operated a dedicated Team End ALZ station. Other charities arrange volunteers at selected points along the course and celebrations following the finish. For runners participating through a charity programme, this support can be a defining part of their Boston experience. Rather than being isolated fundraising participants within a large field, they can become members of established teams with their own supporters and race weekend activities. Read more in our Boston Marathon guide. London Marathon, UK 25 April 2027 The London Marathon is arguably the ultimate marathon for charity runners, with fundraising woven into the identity of the event. Thousands of participants represent hundreds of charities, from major national organisations to small local causes, creating an extraordinary concentration of fundraising teams and supporters. Few marathons can match the scale and visibility of charity involvement throughout the race. Dedicated charity cheer points are one of London's defining features. Many organisations position volunteers at several locations along the course, with Tower Bridge and the surrounding streets providing some of the most memorable scenes. Charity banners, flags, music and volunteers calling out runners' names create an atmosphere that can be particularly emotional for those running in memory of someone or supporting a cause close to their heart. The experience often extends well beyond the course itself. Larger charities may offer training support, fundraising guidance, team gatherings and post-race receptions, giving runners a sense of belonging throughout their marathon journey. Although smaller charities cannot always provide the same facilities, the sheer number of organisations involved makes London an exceptional celebration of charity running and fundraising. Read more in our London Marathon guide. This Irish Heart Foundation cheer point at the Dublin Marathon shows that a charity doesn't need huge numbers of staff or volunteers to be effective. Flying Pig Marathon, USA 2 May 2027 Cincinnati's Flying Pig Marathon has a substantial charity community, with more than 300 charities associated with its wider programme of running events. The number covers the broader event weekend rather than marathon participants alone, but it illustrates the scale of local fundraising involvement. The event publishes information about organised cheer stations, including locations involving nonprofit organisations. Its 2026 supporter guide identified an Alzheimer's Association station around mile five, providing a specific example of charity volunteers becoming part of the marathon course. Participating teams may also benefit from facilities connected to the post race celebrations. Flying Pig is an interesting choice for runners who want a charity experience rooted in local community involvement, with opportunities for smaller organisations to contribute to the encouragement along the route. Read more in our Flying Pig Marathon guide. Edinburgh Marathon, UK 30 May 2027 Edinburgh provides an opportunity for Scottish charities and national organisations to bring their fundraising communities together during one of Scotland's major running weekends. The involvement of charity volunteers along the course is particularly valuable, allowing organisations to support runners beyond their initial fundraising and training preparations. Macmillan Cancer Support provides a strong example of this approach. The charity has previously organised four cheer points for runners taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival's half marathon and marathon, alongside a hospitality area near the finish. Its 2027 marathon offering also includes cheering support and post race hospitality, giving runners opportunities to celebrate with their charity team. Edinburgh's appeal lies in the combination of organised volunteer involvement and facilities that allow fundraising teams to reconnect after the race. While the arrangements depend on the individual charity, the event demonstrates how coordinated support can extend from the marathon course through to the finish celebrations. Read more in our Edinburgh Marathon Festival guide. Grandma's Marathon, USA 19 June 2027 Grandma's Marathon in Minnesota demonstrates that a strong charity experience is not restricted to the world's largest city marathons. Its fundraising programme has involved more than 1,900 runners supporting approximately 50 organisations, showing the importance of charitable participation within the event. The organiser has also provided a Charity Cheer Zone, allowing participating organisations to establish a visible presence along the route. This gives charity volunteers a designated opportunity to encourage their runners rather than relying entirely on the wider spectator arrangements. For runners travelling the point-to-point course from near Two Harbors towards Duluth, dedicated charity support offers a welcome connection with their fundraising cause. Grandma's combines an established community fundraising programme with practical opportunities for organised encouragement. Read more in our Grandma's Marathon guide. Berlin Marathon, Germany 26 September 2027 Berlin has a substantial international charity running community, with numerous UK charities joining German and overseas organisations at the marathon. The event's official charity programme works with a network representing more than 100 charitable organisations, giving fundraising runners opportunities to support causes both at home and internationally. Several UK charities provide dedicated race day support in Berlin. WellChild, for example, organised cheering points along the course for its 2026 runners, alongside a pre-race gathering that brought its fundraising team together. German charity Stiftung KinderHerz has also arranged a dedicated supporter point, demonstrating how charities from different countries contribute to the atmosphere along the route. This combination of UK and German charity involvement makes Berlin particularly appealing for runners seeking an international marathon with an established fundraising community. With charities organising their own cheering stations and team activities, runners can enjoy the experience of a major international event while often receiving encouragement from the organisations they represent. Read more in our Berlin Marathon guide. Chicago Marathon, USA 10 October 2027 With more than 200 charity organisations involved, the Chicago Marathon has a substantial fundraising community. Many of these charities provide organised race day support, with dedicated cheer points creating a particularly memorable experience for runners representing their chosen causes. The Charity Block Party, traditionally located around mile 15, brings together supporters from participating organisations in a designated cheer point. This creates a concentrated display of charity colours and encouragement at a stage where runners are moving into the more demanding second half of the marathon. Individual charities may arrange further team activities and post-race celebrations. The Charity Block Party gives Chicago a distinctive feature that directly benefits fundraising runners, making charity involvement visible to participants and spectators alike. Read more in our Chicago Marathon guide. Twin Cities Marathon, USA 17 October 2027 The Twin Cities Marathon has developed a fundraising programme involving more than 60 nonprofit organisations, with many supporting causes connected to communities in Minnesota. Its most distinctive charity feature is Mission Mile, a dedicated section around mile 20 where charity partners can establish cheering zones. The location is significant because it places organised support at a stage when fatigue can become increasingly difficult for marathon runners to manage. Mission Mile also provides charities with an opportunity to bring volunteers together around a shared purpose. Rather than being represented only by runners wearing charity vests, participating organisations can create a visible presence at one of the most challenging points of the race. Read more in our Twin Cities Marathon guide. New York City Marathon, USA November 2027: Exact date to be confirmed New York has an extensive official charity programme, bringing together hundreds of organisations representing local, national and international causes. Many fundraising runners participate as members of established charity teams, with opportunities to connect with their organisations before race day. A particularly important feature is the dedicated Charity Cheer Zone on First Avenue near 120th Street, around miles 19 to 20. This provides a recognised location where charity supporters can gather and encourage runners during the later stages of the marathon. Qualifying charity partners can also benefit from Charity Village facilities, while individual organisations may coordinate additional support. New York's dedicated cheering arrangements make it one of the strongest choices for runners who want to experience the encouragement of an organised charity community within a major international marathon. Read more in our New York City Marathon guide. Charity support isn't limited to major marathons. Shelter Cymru, which supports people experiencing homelessness and housing difficulties in Wales, demonstrates how charities can get behind their runners at smaller events, such as the Wrexham 10K. Philadelphia Marathon, USA November 2027: Exact date to be confirmed Philadelphia provides participating charities with opportunities to become actively involved in race weekend, rather than limiting their role to recruiting fundraising runners. Depending on their partnership arrangements, organisations can access designated cheering locations or take part in a Charity Mile. These opportunities allow volunteers to gather along the route and provide encouragement linked directly to the causes their runners are supporting. Eligible charity partners can also benefit from charity village facilities, including heated tents that offer meeting spaces around the event. Philadelphia's structured approach is particularly appealing to runners who value practical charity support and opportunities to celebrate with their fundraising team after finishing. Read more in our Philadelphia Marathon guide. Why Charity Cheer Points Matter For many runners, the decision to run for charity is driven by a personal experience, a connection to someone affected by an illness or a desire to support an organisation making a difference. That motivation can become especially important during the final miles of a marathon, when physical and mental fatigue make continuing increasingly difficult. Dedicated charity cheer points provide a reminder of the purpose behind the challenge. Seeing volunteers wearing familiar colours, recognising supporters or hearing the name of a chosen charity can provide encouragement that feels more personal than general applause from spectators. These locations also benefit the charities themselves. They bring staff, volunteers, donors and supporters together, creating opportunities to celebrate the commitment of their fundraising runners and strengthen the sense of community surrounding the cause. What Support Should You Expect From Your Charity? The level of support provided to charity runners varies considerably between organisations, and it is important to have realistic expectations. Organising cheer stations, transporting equipment, providing hospitality and coordinating volunteers all involve costs. Smaller charities may simply not have the staff, volunteers or financial resources to establish a presence at major running events, particularly those taking place far from their usual area of operation. This does not mean they value their runners any less, and many understandably prioritise directing as much money as possible towards their charitable work. Support in the months leading up to the marathon can also differ significantly. Some charities offer structured training plans, fundraising advice, regular communications, online communities and opportunities to meet fellow runners. Others may provide a fundraising pack, a running vest and occasional updates, leaving participants to organise much of their own preparation. The amount of contact and individual assistance available will often depend on the charity's resources and the size of its fundraising team. Before committing to a charity place, find out exactly what support is included, both during your preparation and on race day. Ask about training and fundraising guidance, opportunities to connect with other runners, dedicated cheering points and any arrangements after the finish. Choosing a smaller charity can be every bit as rewarding as supporting a major organisation, but understanding what to expect will help you make an informed decision and avoid disappointment. Read more here about choosing the right charity for you. Behind The Cheer Points: Listen To Our Podcast For a fascinating insight into what happens behind the scenes at major running events, we spoke to Kara Hopgood from Southern Hospice Group on the Sapphire Running Zone podcast. Kara explains what goes into supporting charity runners on race day, from organising the charity's presence to making sure runners feel encouraged and appreciated throughout their experience. It's a conversation that highlights the hard work taking place behind the scenes to make running for charity such a special experience. Listen to our conversation with Kara Hopgood and discover what goes on behind the charity cheer points.

The Athens Marathon begins in the town that gave the distance its name and ends inside the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games. Few races can offer a start and finish with such a strong connection to the history of marathon running. This is a demanding course rather than an obvious choice for a personal best. Runners face a long stretch of climbing before descending towards central Athens, where the stadium finish makes the effort worthwhile. The 2027 date and detailed race arrangements have not yet been announced. If you are thinking about running Athens, here is what to expect and what to check as plans for the next edition become available. The Destination Athens is a city where a marathon weekend can easily become a longer trip. Ancient landmarks sit alongside busy neighbourhoods, restaurants and markets, giving runners and supporters plenty to explore before or after the race. The Acropolis is the city’s best known landmark, but there is much more to see, including the National Archaeological Museum, the streets around Plaka and views across the city from Mount Lycabettus. If you are hoping to sightsee before the marathon, leave enough time off your feet for race day. The town of Marathon lies northeast of Athens and is the starting point for the race. It has its own connections to the ancient battle and to the development of the modern marathon, including the Marathon Run Museum. Most visiting runners will spend race weekend in Athens and travel to Marathon on race morning. History Of The Athens Marathon The race draws its name and identity from the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. According to a famous legend, a messenger ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a Greek victory over the Persians. The story has become central to marathon folklore, although its familiar details are not established historical fact. When the first modern Olympic Games took place in Athens in 1896, organisers included a marathon inspired by that history. Greek runner Spyros Louis won the race, finishing in the Panathenaic Stadium and becoming one of the best known figures in Olympic history. The modern Athens race follows the tradition of running from Marathon into the capital. It became known as the Athens Classic Marathon before adopting the name Athens Marathon. The Authentic, which reflects its connection to the place where the marathon story began. Who Organises The Athens Marathon? The event is organised by SEGAS, the Hellenic Athletics Federation. Its official name is Athens Marathon. The Authentic, although runners will often refer to it simply as the Athens Marathon. The weekend has included shorter road races and children’s events as well as the marathon. Check the 2027 programme when it is published, as the schedule and entry arrangements for each distance may change. When Is The Athens Marathon 2027? The Athens Marathon is normally held in November, but the organisers have not yet confirmed the 2027 date. Runners travelling to Greece should wait for that announcement before making travel arrangements that cannot be changed. November can bring pleasant conditions for distance running, but weather is never guaranteed. Check the forecast close to race day and prepare for the possibility of sunshine, rain or changing temperatures during several hours on the course. There is no marathon with a history like this one! Athens Marathon Expo Runners collect their race number and materials before race day at the event’s marathon expo. The exact venue, opening times and collection requirements for 2027 have not yet been announced. Leave enough time in your travel plans to complete collection without rushing. Once the 2027 runner instructions are available, check what identification you need, whether anyone else can collect on your behalf and how bag drop will work. Read more about race expos here. Race Morning Unlike a city centre marathon where you can walk from your hotel to the start, Athens begins in the town of Marathon. The journey there is an important part of race morning planning. The organiser has provided transport to the start for registered marathon runners in previous editions. When the 2027 instructions are released, check the departure locations and times, how long the journey is expected to take and when you need to be at your assigned starting area. Plan for an early start and organise your kit the night before. Keep the clothing you will wear while waiting in Marathon separate from anything you need at the finish, and follow the organiser’s current bag instructions rather than assuming they will be the same as in an earlier year. Read more about race day planning here. Athens Marathon Course The 42.195km route runs from Marathon into Athens, finishing inside the Panathenaic Stadium. Its history may draw runners to the event, but its elevation profile should shape how they train and pace the race. The 2027 course map has not yet been published. The established route gives a useful picture of the experience, although runners should check the final map, aid stations and race instructions for their own edition. The start of the Marathon...at Marathon The Start In Marathon The start brings runners together in the town of Marathon before they head towards Athens. It is an exciting place to begin, especially if you have spent months thinking about the history behind the event. That atmosphere can make the opening kilometres feel easier than they should. Settle into a controlled effort and resist the temptation to bank time early, because the most demanding part of the course is still ahead. The Opening Kilometres The route initially takes runners away from Marathon and through the surrounding area. There are easier sections here, but Athens should never be treated as a flat race with one isolated hill. Use these kilometres to find a comfortable rhythm, take on fluids according to your plan and prepare for the sustained work to come. An even effort will serve you better than trying to hold exactly the same pace over every change in elevation. The Climb Towards Athens The middle part of the marathon is its main challenge. Runners encounter a long series of rises and undulations as the course heads through areas including Pikermi and Pallini towards Athens. This is where preparation on hills matters. Training for Athens should include running uphill when your legs are already tired, as well as practising how to recover your rhythm after a climb. On race day, let your pace ease when the road rises rather than forcing an effort that may cost you later. Into The City After the hardest climbing, the route becomes more favourable as runners move towards central Athens. The opportunity to run downhill can be welcome, although descending after many kilometres of effort can also be hard on tired legs. Crowd support builds as the race approaches the city. Stay focused on your fuelling and form rather than assuming that reaching the downhill section means the difficult work is over. The Finish At The Panathenaic Stadium The final approach brings runners to one of the most distinctive finishes in marathon running. Entering the Panathenaic Stadium and completing the race on its track is the moment many people have travelled to Athens to experience. The stadium hosted the finish of the marathon at the 1896 Olympic Games. Whatever time appears on the clock, crossing that finish line gives runners a direct connection to a defining moment in the history of the sport. How Difficult Is The Athens Marathon Course? Athens is a challenging road marathon because of its sustained climbing through the middle kilometres. The later descent helps, but it does not erase the effort spent reaching it. Runners who train on hills, start conservatively and fuel consistently can still have an excellent race. If your main goal is a personal best, however, it is sensible to recognise that the course asks something different of you than a flatter marathon would. What Makes The Athens Marathon Special? The journey from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium is what sets this race apart. Many marathons pass famous landmarks, but Athens connects its start and finish to the origins of the modern event itself. The contrast between the two locations adds to the experience. You begin outside the capital, work your way towards the city and finish inside a stadium that most runners will already recognise long before they enter it. That sense of occasion can make Athens rewarding even when the course is tough. It is a race to choose for the journey and the finish as much as for the result. Is The Athens Marathon A Fast Course? Athens is not generally the first marathon runners choose when they want the fastest possible time. Its long period of climbing makes even pacing difficult, while the later downhill section can feel demanding if you have pushed too hard earlier. That does not mean you cannot run well here. A strong race is more likely to come from pacing by effort, preparing for hills and keeping enough energy for the final kilometres than from trying to match a target pace throughout. Is The Athens Marathon Good For First Time Runners? A first time marathon runner can complete Athens with appropriate training, but should go in knowing that the course is demanding. The hills, early journey to the start and point to point route all need more planning than some flatter city marathons. If this is your first marathon, include hills in your training and practise your race day fuelling on long runs. Once the 2027 regulations are available, check the time limit and any intermediate cutoffs to make sure the event suits your expected pace. Athens could be a memorable first marathon if the history is what motivates you. Treat finishing well as the main goal and give yourself the chance to enjoy the stadium rather than arriving there exhausted by an overly ambitious start. How To Enter The Athens Marathon 2027 The 2027 registration process, entry fees and opening date have not yet been announced. Recent editions have used online registration, and demand has been strong enough for places to sell out. If Athens is a priority race, watch for the organiser’s announcement rather than waiting until you are ready to book flights. Read the entry conditions carefully, particularly if you are considering a package that combines accommodation, travel and a race place. Entry arrangements for shorter distances may differ from those for the marathon. Check the specific race you want to run before making plans. The finish at the packed Panathenaic Stadium Running The Athens Marathon For Charity Running from Marathon to Athens can give supporters a compelling story to follow. You can use your training, the history of the route and the stadium finish to explain why you have chosen this challenge and what the cause means to you. If you secure your own place, you can approach a charity you care about and ask how it can support your fundraising. Start sharing your story during training so that supporters can follow the full journey rather than hearing about the race for the first time in November. Any charity entry arrangements for 2027 should be checked when registration opens. Confirm directly who provides the place and whether a fundraising commitment applies before relying on a charity entry as your route into the race. Read more about how to choose a charity entry here. Where To Stay Accommodation can become expensive around major race weekends, particularly for events that attract large numbers of international runners. Booking early gives you a wider choice of locations and prices, and it is worth checking how easily you can reach both the start area and your hotel after the race. If your travel plans are not yet fixed, check the cancellation conditions carefully before booking. Compare Athens Marathon accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The Athens Marathon deserves a place on the list of races that offer something beyond 42.195 kilometres. Starting in Marathon and finishing in the Panathenaic Stadium creates an experience that is difficult to match elsewhere. It is not the easiest course, and runners chasing a fast time may be better served by a flatter event. Prepare for the hills and handle the race morning journey properly, though, and Athens can be an exceptionally satisfying marathon. For runners drawn to the history of the distance, the final turn into the stadium may be reason enough to enter. Race website https://www.athensauthenticmarathon.gr/en Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

The Dublin Marathon takes runners from the city centre through Phoenix Park, past historic landmarks and into neighbourhoods where local support is a large part of the experience. The route has plenty of character, along with enough hills to make sensible pacing important. Getting a place takes planning. General entries are allocated through a ballot, while charity places and other entry routes offer alternatives. The 2027 date and entry details have been announced by the organiser. Read on for all the information you need. The Destination Dublin is a rewarding city for a marathon weekend. Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle are all within reach of the centre, while its pubs, restaurants and live music give runners plenty to enjoy after the race. Temple Bar is one of the best known places to visit, although its cobbled streets and busy evenings may be more appealing once you have finished the marathon. The Guinness Storehouse is another popular stop if you are staying longer. There is no need to squeeze a full sightseeing itinerary into the day before running 26.2 miles. Choose accommodation with race morning in mind. For 2026, the start is on Leeson Street Lower and the finish is on Mount Street Upper, close to Pepper Canister Church. Check the 2027 start and finish locations when they are confirmed, then look at the journey to the start rather than judging a hotel by its distance from the city centre alone. History Of The Dublin Marathon The first Dublin Marathon took place in 1980. Since then, it has grown into one of Europe’s major city marathons, attracting runners who want both a substantial event and a race that feels closely connected to its host city. The marathon was traditionally held on the October bank holiday Monday before moving to Sunday in 2016. The physical race was not held in 2020 or 2021, so the organiser describes the 2026 event as the marathon’s 45th running. Who Organises The Dublin Marathon? The Irish Life Dublin Marathon is organised by Marathon Events DAC. Its Race Series also includes the Irish Life Fingal 10K, Irish Life Frank Duffy 10 Mile and Irish Life Dublin Half Marathon. Those shorter races take place in the months leading up to the marathon and give runners other opportunities to race in Dublin. The organiser has said the 2026 Race Series is sold out, with details of the 2027 events to follow. When Is The Dublin Marathon 2027? The race will be held on Sunday 24 October. Late October in Dublin can bring cool temperatures, rain and wind. Conditions may also feel different across the course, especially in more open parts of Phoenix Park. Prepare for a range of weather and make your final clothing choice from the race day forecast. Dublin Marathon Expo For 2026, runners must collect their race number and pack in person at the expo at RDS Simmonscourt on the Friday or Saturday before the race. Photo ID is required. The venue, opening hours and collection rules should be checked again when the 2027 race instructions are published. If you are travelling to Dublin, give yourself enough time to reach the expo before collection closes. Once you have your pack, check your wave allocation, baggage instructions and route to the start so that race morning is straightforward. Read more about race day expos here. Race Morning The 2026 marathon starts on Leeson Street Lower, near St Stephen’s Green. Runners are assigned a wave using a previous race time or an estimated finishing time if they have not run a marathon before. The 2027 start location, wave times and access arrangements still need to be confirmed. Allow plenty of time to travel, find the correct entrance, use the toilets and reach your wave. The city centre will be busy, and the distance from a transport stop to your assigned start area may take longer to cover than it appears on a map. Ireland’s clocks move back by an hour on the final Sunday of October. If the 2027 marathon falls on that weekend, check that your phone, watch and alarm have adjusted before you leave for the start. Dublin Marathon Course The published 2026 route begins on Leeson Street Lower and finishes on Mount Street Upper. It travels through central Dublin, Phoenix Park and a series of residential neighbourhoods before returning towards the city centre. The route mixes downhill and flatter stretches with climbs, including a particularly demanding section late in the race. The 2027 course has not yet been released. Use the official map when it appears to confirm the exact route, refreshment stations and suitable places for supporters to watch. Leeson Street And The Liberties The race begins with a downhill stretch from Leeson Street towards St Stephen’s Green. It is an exciting opening, but the slope can encourage runners to begin faster than they intended. The route then heads through the Liberties and past St Patrick’s Cathedral. Patrick Street brings the first noticeable climb towards Christ Church before runners descend towards the River Liffey and cross to Dublin’s Northside. Let your effort guide you over these changing gradients rather than trying to hold the same pace on every street. Phoenix Park And Castleknock At around 6K on the 2026 route, runners enter Phoenix Park. The course passes Dublin Zoo and continues along Chesterfield Avenue, giving the marathon one of its most memorable early sections. The route leaves the park near Castleknock, where there is a short climb, before returning through Knockmaroon Gate. Runners then descend towards Chapelizod. You may feel settled by this point, but it is still early in the marathon and there is little to gain from pushing the pace. Inchicore, Crumlin And Halfway After Chapelizod, the course continues towards Inchicore and passes Kilmainham Gaol. The roads become more undulating as runners approach Dolphin’s Barn and Crumlin Road, where the 2026 route reaches halfway. These kilometres can reveal whether the opening pace was comfortable or merely felt comfortable because of the early descents. Keep to the fuelling plan you practised in training and resist the temptation to force the pace whenever the road rises. Templeogue And Terenure Beyond halfway, the 2026 course offers flatter running through Cromwellsfort Road and Fortfield Road before descending along Templeogue Road into Terenure. Here, support from people along the route helps give the marathon its neighbourhood atmosphere. This is a useful point to assess how you feel. Even if you are running well, the hardest sustained climbing is still ahead. Staying controlled through this section gives you a better chance of managing the final 10K. Dartry And Heartbreak Hill The route descends along Dartry Road before climbing on Milltown Road. A longer uphill section follows along Clonskeagh and Roebuck Roads, leading to the climb known as Irish Heartbreak Hill at around 35K. The hill arrives when many runners are already feeling the distance. Shorten your stride if necessary and concentrate on maintaining a manageable effort. Reaching the top with something left for the closing kilometres matters more than trying to preserve an exact split on the climb. Merrion Road And The Finish After the late climbs, runners descend along Fosters Avenue, continue towards Stillorgan Road and turn onto Nutley Lane near RTÉ. At around 38K, the route heads onto Merrion Road, passes the RDS and approaches the finish on Mount Street Upper. The return towards central Dublin brings growing support and a welcome sense that the finish is close. It is a rewarding conclusion to a course that asks runners to work for their medal. Irish Heart Foundation supporters cheer on their runners at the Dublin Marathon. Runners interested in a charity place can contact the charity to ask about its entry and fundraising requirements. How Difficult Is The Dublin Marathon Course? Dublin is not a flat marathon. Its early downhill sections, rolling middle miles and late climbs make it harder to judge by looking at any single part of the route. Good preparation makes those changes easier to manage. Include hills in training, practise fuelling while running and start at a pace that leaves you able to handle Roebuck Road late in the race. The organiser’s current entry waiver says runners must be able to complete the marathon in under seven hours of net time. Check the 2027 rules for the time limit and when the course will reopen to traffic. What Makes The Dublin Marathon Special? Phoenix Park is a highlight, but the marathon’s appeal extends well beyond its best known landmarks. The route moves through different parts of Dublin, and support from local communities helps carry runners through the sections away from the city centre. The race also makes a good reason to visit Dublin. You can focus on the marathon before enjoying more of the city afterwards, whether that means exploring its history, finding somewhere for a meal or finally having that Guinness. Is The Dublin Marathon A Fast Course? Dublin can produce a fast result for a runner who prepares well and judges the course sensibly. It is less forgiving of an ambitious start than a consistently flat marathon, because some of its most demanding climbing comes after 30K. If you are targeting a personal best, aim to manage your effort rather than chase identical splits over every hill. A controlled first half gives you a much better opportunity to run strongly once the course turns back towards the finish. Is The Dublin Marathon Good For First Time Runners? Dublin can be a good first marathon for someone who is comfortable training for its hills. It offers the atmosphere of a major city race and support along much of the route, while the varied course gives runners plenty to focus on as the kilometres pass. First time runners should pay particular attention to pacing. Practise your nutrition during long runs, prepare for the later climbs and work through the expo and start arrangements before race weekend. Check the confirmed 2027 time limit when entry details are released. How To Enter The Dublin Marathon 2027 The general entry ballot for the 2027 Dublin Marathon opens on 12 November 2026 and closes on 17 November. It costs €4 to enter. If you are unsuccessful, the €4 will be refunded; if you secure a place, it will be deducted from the €130 race entry fee. Apply through the official Dublin Marathon website and check there for the closing date and results timetable when they are published. Other entry routes have included Good For Age applications, charity places and packages through international tour operators. Meeting a Good For Age standard did not automatically guarantee a place in 2026, so check the 2027 criteria carefully if that is your intended route. The race has also operated an official transfer process for runners who can no longer take part. If you seek a transferred place, use only the organiser’s authorised system. An informal exchange of race numbers does not give you a valid entry. Running The Dublin Marathon 2027 For Charity A charity place offers another way to run Dublin while supporting a cause. The event’s official charity programme has worked with charities in Ireland and internationally, with places available to runners who are accepted onto a charity team and agree to its fundraising requirements. Each charity sets its own terms. Before applying, ask about the fundraising target, any registration payment, when your entry will be confirmed and the support you will receive. Applying to a charity does not itself guarantee a place. You can also fundraise if you secure your own marathon entry. In that case, you have obtained your place independently and can choose a cause to support without using one of the charity’s allocated entries. Read more about choosing the right charity for your marathon here. Where To Stay For The Dublin Marathon Dublin has a wide range of accommodation, from city centre hotels to guesthouses and apartments in quieter neighbourhoods. Staying centrally makes it easier to reach the marathon start area, explore the city and enjoy the atmosphere over race weekend. Hotels around St Stephen's Green, Merrion Square and the southern city centre are particularly convenient for runners. Accommodation around Temple Bar, Trinity College and the Docklands provides further options, although some locations involve a longer walk to the start. Dublin is a popular destination throughout the year, so booking early is advisable, particularly over marathon weekend. Compare Dublin Marathon accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The Dublin Marathon offers an engaging route, strong local support and a city that is easy to enjoy beyond race day. Phoenix Park and the closing return towards the centre are highlights, but the neighbourhoods between them are just as important to the experience. Respect the hills, particularly those late in the race, and Dublin can be a memorable choice for a first marathon or another addition to a growing collection of medals. It rewards runners who arrive prepared, begin patiently and take time to enjoy where they are running. Race website https://irishlifedublinmarathon.ie/ Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Social media can be one of the most effective tools available when you are raising money for charity through a running event. It gives you a way to tell people why you are taking part, share the highs and lows of your training and, most importantly, remind people that there is a fundraising page waiting for their donation. Good social media fundraising is not about repeatedly posting the same donation link or trying to be active on every platform. It is about giving people a reason to follow your journey and then making it easy for them to support you. Whether you are running a 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon or another challenge, a well planned social media fundraising campaign can help you reach people beyond those you would normally ask for sponsorship. This guide explains how to use social media to raise more money for your charity run, what to post during your campaign, how often to ask for donations and which social media platforms may work best for you. How Social Media Can Help You Raise Money For Charity One of the biggest challenges in fundraising is simply getting enough people to know that you are doing it. You may have a great reason for supporting a charity and an ambitious fundraising target, but people cannot donate if they do not know about your challenge. Social media allows you to keep your fundraising visible over the weeks and months leading up to your event. Instead of making one announcement and hoping people remember it, you can gradually tell the story of your training, the charity you are supporting and the progress you are making towards your target. It also allows your fundraising to travel beyond your immediate network. Friends, relatives, colleagues and existing donors can share your posts with their own contacts, potentially introducing your campaign to people you would never have been able to approach directly. The important point, however, is that social media should not simply become a stream of requests for money. The strongest fundraising campaigns give people something worth following. Social Media Fundraising Tips for Charity Runners Tell People Why You Are Running Your reason for taking part is usually far more powerful than the event itself. Instead of simply saying that you are running a marathon and asking for sponsorship, explain why you chose the charity and why its work matters to you. You do not need an intensely personal story to fundraise successfully. You may have been affected directly by the cause, know someone who has, admire the work of the charity or simply want to use your running to help others. Whatever your motivation, explaining it gives people a reason to care about your fundraising. Start Early Do not wait until race week to start talking about your fundraising. Beginning early gives you much more time to tell your story and means you do not have to cram repeated donation requests into the final few days. Your first post can simply announce the challenge, explain which charity you are supporting and introduce your fundraising target. From there, your training provides a natural stream of things to talk about as the event gets closer. Share Regular Updates Regular posts keep your fundraising visible without requiring you to ask directly for money every time. Training milestones, difficult runs, new distances, fundraising progress and preparations for the event can all become part of the story. There is no perfect posting frequency that works for everybody. The important thing is to remain visible without making every interaction with your followers about donating. If people become interested in your journey, the fundraising request becomes a natural part of the story rather than the only reason you are communicating with them. Use Photos and Videos Running gives you plenty of opportunities for visual content. Training photographs, short videos, pictures in your charity running vest, race preparation and updates from fundraising activities can make your campaign much more engaging than repeatedly posting a fundraising page link. You do not need professionally produced content. In many cases, an authentic photograph taken after a difficult training run can tell your story more effectively than something highly polished. Explain What Donations Can Achieve A fundraising target tells people how much you want to raise. Explaining the impact of the money tells them why they should help you raise it. Your charity may be able to provide examples of what different donation amounts could help fund. Where those figures are available, using them can make a donation feel much more tangible. Always use impact information supplied or approved by the charity rather than inventing your own estimates. Celebrate Your Progress Fundraising milestones give you another reason to post. Reaching 25%, 50% or 75% of your target can become an update and an opportunity to thank the people who have already supported you. Training milestones work in much the same way. Your first 10 mile run, longest training run or completion of a difficult week all provide opportunities to remind people why you are putting yourself through the challenge. Thank Your Supporters Social media should not only be used to ask for donations. It is also an excellent way to recognise the people who have supported you. Thanking donors, sharing fundraising milestones and acknowledging people who have helped with your training or fundraising creates a sense that supporters are part of the journey. Be mindful that some people prefer their donations to remain anonymous, so do not publicly identify individual donors unless you know they are comfortable with it. Encourage People to Share Not everybody who sees your fundraising campaign will be able to donate, but they may still be able to help. Asking supporters to share a post or fundraising page can introduce your campaign to completely new audiences. This can be particularly useful when you have a strong personal story, an unusual running challenge or a connection to a cause that other people may identify with. What Should You Post When Fundraising on Social Media? One reason fundraising campaigns can go quiet is that runners run out of things to say. In reality, your journey towards the event should provide plenty of content. At the beginning, introduce the challenge, your charity and your reason for taking part. As training develops, share progress such as increasing your distance, completing difficult sessions or overcoming setbacks. You can also explain more about the charity and the work your fundraising will support. Fundraising milestones provide another opportunity to post, as do activities away from running. If you organise a fundraising event, receive support from your employer or secure matched giving, tell people about it. As race day approaches, your final long run, receiving your race number, collecting your charity vest and attending the event expo can all provide natural updates. Race day itself can generate photographs and videos, while your finish line picture is one of the strongest opportunities to remind anyone who has been following the journey that they can still donate. Do not stop immediately after the race either. A final update explaining how the event went, thanking everybody who supported you and sharing the total raised gives your campaign a proper conclusion. Your fundraising page may also remain open after the event, giving people who followed your race another opportunity to contribute. How Often Should You Ask for Donations? There is no need to include a direct request for money in every social media post. If every update says little more than "please sponsor me", people can quickly stop paying attention. Instead, combine direct fundraising asks with posts that tell the story of your challenge. A training update might primarily be about completing your longest run, with your fundraising link included at the end for anyone who wants to support you. There are also moments when a stronger donation request feels completely natural. Launching your fundraising page, reaching a significant training or fundraising milestone, entering the final weeks before the event, completing your last long run, race weekend and finishing the event are all good opportunities. You can also give people a genuine reason to act now. If your employer is matching donations for a limited period, for example, explain that clearly. Avoid creating false urgency or repeatedly telling people that it is their "last chance" when the fundraising page will remain open. Make It Easy for People to Donate Someone who decides to support you should be able to reach your fundraising page as quickly as possible. Wherever the platform allows it, provide a direct link rather than expecting people to search for your page. You can also place your fundraising link in appropriate profile or bio sections and direct followers towards it when a clickable link cannot easily be included in the post itself. Before promoting your campaign heavily, check the fundraising page on your own phone. Make sure the link works, the page clearly explains what you are doing and your story is up to date. Removing even a small amount of friction can make the journey from seeing your post to completing a donation much easier. A great post-race photo can be really effective on your social media pages. Andrea Watt and daughter Rebecca pose with their medals after raising funds for the Stroke Association and WellChild at the London Marathon Which Social Media Platforms Are Best for Fundraising? You do not need to use every social media platform. In most cases, concentrating on the platforms where you already have relationships will be more effective than creating accounts simply because you are fundraising. Facebook can be particularly useful for reaching friends, relatives and community networks, as well as sharing updates in appropriate groups. Read our guide to using Facebook for running event fundraising. Instagram works well for visual storytelling and allows you to document your training through photographs, Stories, Reels and race day content. Read our guide to using Instagram for fundraising. TikTok is built around short video content and can be useful if you are already comfortable creating videos and engaging with its communities. Read our guide to using TikTok for fundraising. X can be used for short updates, conversations, reposts and engagement with communities connected to your event or cause. Read our guide to using X for fundraising. Bluesky offers another way to build conversations and connect with communities around running, fundraising and particular causes. Read our guide to using Bluesky for charity fundraising. Snapchat may be useful for sharing informal and immediate updates with an audience you already communicate with on the platform. Read our guide to using Snapchat for charity fundraising. LinkedIn can be particularly valuable for reaching colleagues and professional contacts, discussing workplace fundraising and highlighting employer matched giving or corporate support. Read our guide to fundraising on LinkedIn. YouTube provides more space for longer videos about your training, your reason for supporting the charity and the story of your challenge. Read our guide to using YouTube for running event fundraising. WhatsApp is different because it allows you to communicate directly with people you already know. Used thoughtfully, personal messages can be much more effective than simply broadcasting the same fundraising request to everyone. Read our guide to using WhatsApp for fundraising. The best combination depends on where your own network is. Someone with a large professional network may find LinkedIn particularly useful, while another runner may receive most of their support through Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Focus your effort where you already have genuine connections rather than trying to build an audience everywhere at once. Final Thoughts on Social Media Fundraising Social media fundraising works best when people become interested in the journey rather than simply seeing a succession of requests for sponsorship. Tell them why you are running, show them the work involved in preparing for the event, explain what their donations can achieve and give them plenty of opportunities to follow your progress. Most importantly, make donating easy. Keep your fundraising page visible, include clear calls to action when appropriate and continue talking about your campaign through race day and afterwards. You do not need thousands of followers or accounts on every platform. A smaller group of people who understand why your charity run matters can be far more valuable than a large audience that has little connection to your story. Used well, social media can turn your training journey into an ongoing fundraising campaign and help you reach supporters who might otherwise never have known you were raising money.

Every runner has a first run. It's often a few minutes around the block, with plenty of walking in between. If you are thinking about trying Couch to 5K, you do not need to know how far running might take you. You just need a way to begin. Your First 5K is the Sapphire Running Zone’s eight week programme for new runners. You can follow the free training plan at your own pace or join a supported group for podcasts, online sessions and encouragement as you work towards completing 5K. How Our Eight Week Couch to 5K Plan Works The free plan gives you three running sessions each week. It starts with manageable periods of running and walking, then gradually increases the time you spend running as you become more comfortable. Each session gives you something specific to do, so you do not have to guess how long to run. There is room to slow down, take a walking break or repeat a week if you need to. Eight weeks gives the programme its structure, but your progress does not have to follow a strict timetable. Click the button below and then select the beginner 5K. What You Need To Get Started You do not need expensive equipment or previous running experience. Choose a comfortable pair of running shoes, find a route where you feel at ease and decide which three days are likely to work for you. Leaving a day between runs gives you time to rest before the next session. Start slowly enough that the running periods feel manageable. Many beginners set off too quickly because they think running should feel fast. A gentle pace and regular walking breaks can help you settle into the routine and return for your next run. Join Your First 5K With Support You can complete the free plan on your own. If you would like other people alongside you, the supported 5K programme costs £29 and brings a group of beginners together for the eight weeks. It includes eight weekly podcasts, a private WhatsApp group, weekly support and three live online sessions. You can ask questions, share your progress and hear from others who understand what it feels like to be starting out. The next supported group starts on Monday 11 January 2027. What We’ll Cover Over The Eight Weeks Across the eight weeks, we’ll cover the questions that come up as you begin running. We start with run and walk sessions, finding a comfortable pace and choosing shoes, then move on to recovery, motivation and what to do if you miss a run. As your first 5K gets closer, we’ll look at running routes, the wider running community and how to approach the distance with confidence. The final week is about completing your 5K in whatever way works for you, without a target time. What Counts As Your First 5K? Your first 5K does not have to be a race. You could complete it on a route near home, at a local event or at a parkrun where one is available. You can take walking breaks, and there is no finishing time you need to achieve. The distance is the goal, but the smaller moments matter too. Completing a session you were nervous about, running a little longer than you could last week or finding that you look forward to getting outside are all signs of progress. Where Could Running Take You? Your first 5K could become something you enjoy doing every week. You might discover a local running group, enter an event with a friend or decide to run for a charity that matters to you. If longer distances appeal to you later, you can explore those when you are ready. You might also find that 5K is exactly the distance you love. There is no requirement to run further or faster. The point of starting your running journey is to discover what running can become in your life, on your terms. We’ll Be With You Along The Way I’m Tim Rogers, founder of the Sapphire Running Zone. I’ve completed many running challenges, but I know that getting started can be one of the hardest parts. I created Your First 5K to give new runners a clear plan and the option of a supportive group to share it with. Mark White is supporting the programme too. He has helped many beginners train for their first 5K. If you’d like us alongside you for your first 5K, join the supported programme and take that first step with the group. We’ll help you keep going, one run at a time. If you'd like more information head here.

Energy gels are a familiar part of distance running, particularly during half marathons, marathons and longer endurance events. They provide a convenient source of carbohydrates, are easy to carry and can help runners maintain their energy levels as glycogen stores begin to decline. However, energy gels are not suitable for everyone. Some runners dislike their thick texture or intense sweetness, while others experience bloating, nausea, stomach cramps or diarrhoea. Even runners who normally tolerate gels can encounter problems when consuming large quantities during prolonged exercise. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to energy gels for runners, ranging from sports drinks and energy chews to everyday foods such as bananas, dates and jelly babies. Some are particularly useful during road races, while others are better suited to long training runs and ultramarathons. Finding the right alternative involves more than choosing something that tastes good. The ideal fuel needs to provide enough carbohydrates, be practical to carry and agree with your digestive system. Why Do Runners Need Fuel During Long Runs? Carbohydrates are an important source of energy during running, particularly when the intensity increases. The body stores carbohydrates as glycogen in the muscles and liver, but these reserves are limited. During prolonged exercise, glycogen levels gradually decline. When carbohydrate availability becomes insufficient to support the required effort, runners may experience increasing fatigue, a reduction in pace and difficulty maintaining their normal running intensity. This is often associated with hitting the wall during a marathon. Consuming carbohydrates during longer runs helps maintain blood glucose levels and provides additional energy for working muscles. Rather than waiting until fatigue becomes noticeable, runners can benefit from taking on fuel regularly throughout a session. For endurance exercise lasting between one and two and a half hours, approximately 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour is a commonly recommended range, although individual requirements vary with duration and intensity. During events lasting longer than two and a half to three hours, some runners may benefit from consuming up to 90 grams per hour, particularly when using carbohydrate sources containing both glucose and fructose. Higher carbohydrate intakes require practice and are not necessary for every runner. Training intensity, running duration, experience and digestive tolerance should all influence an individual's fuelling strategy. Read more about carbohydrates for runners here. Sports Drinks Sports drinks are among the most convenient alternatives to energy gels because they can provide carbohydrates and fluid at the same time. Many also contain sodium, which helps replace some of the electrolytes lost through sweat. One advantage is that runners can consume carbohydrates gradually by taking regular sips rather than swallowing a concentrated gel in one go. This approach may be more comfortable for runners who struggle with the texture or sweetness of conventional gels. However, carbohydrate content varies considerably between products. Some sports drinks provide relatively small amounts of energy, while concentrated carbohydrate drinks are specifically designed to deliver much larger quantities. Runners should also distinguish carbohydrate sports drinks from electrolyte tablets and drinks containing little or no energy. An electrolyte drink may help with sodium replacement but will not necessarily provide meaningful amounts of carbohydrate. Sports drinks can work particularly well during road races, although carrying enough fluid to meet carbohydrate requirements may become impractical during longer events. Read more about sports drinks here. Energy Chews Energy chews provide carbohydrates in a solid or semi solid format and are designed specifically for use during exercise. They offer many of the same nutritional benefits as energy gels but have a different texture and can be consumed in smaller portions. Most products contain several individual pieces, allowing runners to spread their intake over time. Some also contain sodium or caffeine, although the amounts vary between brands. Chews are generally easy to carry and may appeal to runners who prefer eating something rather than swallowing a gel. Their carbohydrate content is normally clearly stated on the packaging, making it relatively straightforward to plan how much to consume. The main disadvantage is that chewing can become uncomfortable when running hard or breathing heavily. Some products are also sticky, which may make them less appealing during faster races. For runners who dislike gels but still want a specialist sports nutrition product, energy chews are worth considering. Sweets And Jelly Babies You do not necessarily need specialist sports nutrition products to fuel a long run. Ordinary sweets can provide readily available carbohydrates and are often considerably cheaper than commercial energy gels. Jelly babies, jelly beans, wine gums and gummy sweets are popular choices among runners. Their sugar content makes them a practical source of energy, and they can easily be divided into smaller portions for regular consumption. Jelly babies have been used by distance runners for many years, particularly during marathon training. They are widely available, relatively inexpensive and easy to carry in a small bag. However, carbohydrate content varies between products, and some varieties contain sweeteners that may cause digestive discomfort. Ordinary sweets also generally provide little sodium, so runners need to consider their hydration and electrolyte requirements separately. For many runners, a few sweets consumed regularly can be more comfortable than eating a large handful at once. Kendal Mint Cake Kendal Mint Cake has a long association with mountaineering, exploration and outdoor endurance activities. Its high sugar content, portability and long shelf life have made it a familiar source of energy for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Despite its name, Kendal Mint Cake is not a conventional cake. It is a firm, sugar-based confectionery product, usually flavoured with peppermint, that provides a concentrated source of carbohydrates. For runners, its main attraction is simplicity. It can be broken into smaller pieces, carried in a pocket or running vest and eaten during longer sessions. The mint flavour may appeal to runners who become tired of fruit flavoured gels and sweets, although its intense sweetness will not suit everyone. It also contains very little sodium and is best regarded as a carbohydrate source rather than a complete sports nutrition product. Kendal Mint Cake is particularly worth considering for runners who enjoy traditional foods and want something different from commercially manufactured gels. Kendal Mint Cake works really quickly, but don't eat too much! Bananas, Dates And Dried Fruit Everyday foods can provide useful carbohydrates during running, particularly when the pace is comfortable enough to allow runners to eat solid food. Bananas are a familiar choice at running events and aid stations. They provide carbohydrates, are naturally low in fat and contain potassium, a mineral involved in normal muscle and nerve function. Their main disadvantage is portability. Carrying a whole banana during a road race is not particularly convenient, although bananas can work well during supported training runs and ultramarathons. Dates are easier to carry and provide a more concentrated source of carbohydrates. Their natural sugars make them useful during prolonged exercise, and small portions can be packed into a running belt or vest. Raisins and dried apricots offer similar benefits, although dried fruit also contains fibre. This may contribute to digestive discomfort for some runners, particularly when consumed in large quantities during harder efforts. Although these foods contain naturally occurring sugars, they are not automatically better for endurance performance than commercial energy gels. Their usefulness depends on carbohydrate content, practicality and individual tolerance. Read more about potassium for runners here. Savoury Foods For Long Runs And Ultramarathons For runners spending several hours on their feet, the constant sweetness of gels, drinks and confectionery can become increasingly unappealing. This is one reason savoury foods are particularly popular during ultramarathons and long trail events. Boiled potatoes, rice balls, pretzels and simple sandwiches can all provide carbohydrates while offering a change in flavour and texture. Some also contain sodium, depending on how they are prepared. Boiled potatoes are a straightforward option that can be lightly salted and divided into manageable portions. Rice balls are another popular choice because they can be prepared in advance and offer a convenient source of starch. These foods are generally better suited to lower intensity running, walking sections and aid station stops than to faster road racing. Eating substantial quantities of solid food while running hard may be uncomfortable and can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal problems. Food safety is another consideration, particularly when carrying prepared rice, potatoes or sandwiches for several hours. Perishable foods should be stored appropriately, especially in warm conditions, to reduce the risk of food borne illness. Make Your Own Energy Gel Alternatives Making your own running fuel can be an inexpensive alternative to buying commercial energy gels. Simple ingredients such as honey, maple syrup and fruit purées contain carbohydrates that can support endurance exercise. Homemade options allow runners to adjust flavours, textures and portion sizes. However, natural ingredients are not automatically easier to digest, and homemade mixtures do not necessarily provide the same carbohydrate concentration or electrolyte content as specialist sports nutrition products. The most important consideration is understanding how much carbohydrate each recipe provides and dividing it into suitable portions for use during exercise. Honey And Salt Honey contains glucose and fructose, making it a concentrated source of carbohydrates. Its thick consistency is similar to some commercial gels, although runners may prefer to dilute it slightly with water. A simple mixture can be prepared using four tablespoons of honey and enough water to achieve the desired consistency. A small pinch of salt can be added if required, although it is not essential. Mix the ingredients thoroughly before transferring them into a clean, reusable soft flask. Four standard 15ml tablespoons of honey provide approximately 69 grams of carbohydrates, although the exact quantity depends on the weight and composition of the honey. This is considerably more carbohydrate than many individual commercial energy gels, so the mixture should be divided into smaller portions rather than consumed all at once. Maple Syrup Maple syrup offers a thinner consistency than honey and may be easier for some runners to consume during exercise. It provides carbohydrates primarily in the form of sucrose, which the body breaks down into glucose and fructose. Mix four standard tablespoons of pure maple syrup with a little water if a thinner consistency is preferred. The mixture can then be transferred into a reusable flask for use during longer runs. This quantity provides approximately 54 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the product and the amount measured. Runners should divide the mixture into manageable portions rather than treating the entire flask as one serving. Maple syrup has a distinctive flavour, making it an interesting alternative to conventional fruit-flavoured sports nutrition products. Date Based Fuel Dates can be blended into a smooth paste to create a carbohydrate rich alternative to energy gels. They contain naturally occurring sugars, although their fibre content can make them more difficult to digest during exercise. To prepare a simple mixture, blend eight to ten soft, pitted dates with two or three tablespoons of water until smooth. Additional water can be added to produce a thinner consistency. The carbohydrate content will depend on the variety and size of the dates, so weighing the ingredients is more reliable than counting individual fruits. Date mixtures are worth testing during easier training runs before considering them for faster racing, particularly for runners who are sensitive to fibre. Dates are perfect for the long run, either in their natural form or pureed into a gel. Banana And Fruit Purée Fruit purées offer another option for runners who prefer a less concentrated source of carbohydrates. Their softer texture can make them convenient to consume from reusable food pouches. A simple mixture can be prepared by blending one ripe banana with a tablespoon of honey and a little water. Alternatively, unsweetened apple purée can be combined with honey to increase the carbohydrate content. The finished mixture should be smooth enough to consume easily during exercise. Its carbohydrate content will vary depending on the fruit, portion size and quantity of honey used. Unlike commercially packaged energy gels, homemade fruit mixtures are perishable. They should be prepared hygienically, refrigerated promptly and kept cool until use rather than carried for prolonged periods in warm conditions. Practise Your Fuelling During Training Training the digestive system to tolerate carbohydrates during exercise is an important part of endurance preparation. This applies whether runners use commercial energy gels, sports drinks, sweets or homemade alternatives. Long training runs provide opportunities to establish how much carbohydrate can be consumed comfortably and how frequently it should be taken. Runners can gradually adjust their intake while monitoring how their stomach responds. It is also worth considering how different foods behave at different running intensities. A handful of sweets may be easy to eat during a relaxed training run but less comfortable during a hard marathon effort. Hydration should be planned alongside carbohydrate intake. Fluid requirements vary with temperature, sweat rate, exercise intensity and individual circumstances, while sodium replacement may become more relevant during prolonged exercise with substantial sweat losses. Drinking excessive amounts of fluid can also be dangerous, so the objective is not simply to drink as much as possible. Runners who regularly experience gastrointestinal problems despite adjusting their fuelling strategy may benefit from advice from a qualified sports dietitian. Understanding how digestion responds to exercise can also help identify why certain foods cause difficulties. Read more about sodium for runners and how electrolytes affect hydration here. Final Thoughts On Alternatives To Energy Gels Energy gels are convenient, but they are not the only way to fuel endurance running. Sports drinks, energy chews, sweets, Kendal Mint Cake and everyday foods can all provide useful carbohydrates during longer sessions. The best choice depends on the duration and intensity of the run, the amount of carbohydrate required and individual digestive tolerance. A combination of different options may work better than relying on one product throughout a race. Practising with different foods during training will help runners develop a fuelling strategy that is both effective and comfortable when it matters most.

The Portland Marathon is one of the Pacific Northwest's longest established running events, attracting participants to Oregon's largest city for a 26.2 mile journey through its streets and neighbourhoods. First held in 1972, the race has developed a strong connection with Portland's running community and continues to welcome runners from across the United States and beyond. Known for its crossings of the Willamette River, the marathon combines downtown landmarks, historic neighbourhoods and some of Portland's most distinctive bridges. With a certified Boston Marathon qualifying course and a history spanning more than five decades, the event offers an appealing autumn challenge for experienced runners and those tackling the distance for the first time. The Destination Portland is Oregon's largest city, located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Known for its independent businesses, creative culture and extensive green spaces, the city sits beside the Willamette River, with the Columbia River forming part of its northern boundary. The Willamette River divides Portland into eastern and western districts, connected by an impressive collection of bridges. Tom McCall Waterfront Park stretches along the western riverbank, providing open spaces, walking routes and views across the water towards the city's eastern neighbourhoods. One of Portland's most popular attractions is Washington Park, home to the International Rose Test Garden and Portland Japanese Garden. Visitors can also explore Powell's City of Books, the historic streets of Old Town and the converted warehouses, galleries and restaurants of the Pearl District. Portland has an established food scene, particularly its independent cafés, food carts and neighbourhood restaurants. Forest Park offers extensive wooded trails close to the city centre, while the Columbia River Gorge provides an opportunity to explore the wider region's natural scenery. October generally brings mild autumn conditions, although rainfall becomes increasingly common as the month progresses. The changing colours of the city's parks and tree lined streets add to Portland's appeal during marathon weekend. History Of The Portland Marathon The Portland Marathon was established in 1972, during a period when organised distance running was becoming increasingly popular in the United States. What began as a relatively small event developed into one of the Pacific Northwest's best known marathons, attracting participants from across the country. Over the following decades, the race became closely associated with Portland's running community. Its route has undergone several changes, reflecting the development of the city and different approaches to showcasing its landmarks and neighbourhoods. The event entered a new chapter in 2019 when a new management team introduced a redesigned marathon following the cancellation of the 2018 race. The revised event placed greater emphasis on Portland's distinctive character, with river crossings and neighbourhood streets forming important parts of the course. Today, the running weekend includes a half marathon, 10K and children's race alongside the full marathon. These additional distances have broadened participation while maintaining the marathon's place in the city's sporting calendar. When Is The Portland Marathon 2027? The Portland Marathon 2027 will take place on Sunday 3 October, continuing its traditional position on the first Sunday in October. The organiser has confirmed the marathon, half marathon and 10K for the same weekend. For the 2026 event, the half marathon was scheduled to start at 7am, followed by the marathon and 10K at 7:15am. The equivalent 2027 starting times have not yet been confirmed, so runners should check the official race information when it becomes available. The published 2026 marathon rules required participants to maintain an average pace of approximately 15 minutes per mile, equivalent to a finishing time of around six hours and 33 minutes. Runners expecting to take longer should review the final 2027 course time limits before entering. Portland Marathon 2027 Expo And Race Bib Collection The Portland Marathon traditionally holds a Health and Lifestyle Expo before race day, providing an opportunity for participants to collect their race bibs and visit exhibitors associated with running, fitness and the event. For the 2026 edition, the expo was held at the Oregon Convention Center, located on the eastern side of the Willamette River. The venue is accessible from downtown Portland using public transport and is within reach of several central neighbourhoods. The organiser has not yet confirmed the 2027 expo venue or collection arrangements. Participants should consult the official event website for the latest information and any identification requirements. Read more about race expos here. Race Morning The Portland Marathon has traditionally started on SW Naito Parkway beside Tom McCall Waterfront Park, close to the Willamette River in downtown Portland. For the 2026 event, the organiser identified the start and finish area as 1000 SW Naito Parkway, placing runners within walking distance of many central hotels. The marathon, half marathon and 10K have shared the same general starting area, with separate start times for the different distances. The organiser provides race morning information covering access, participant facilities and arrangements around the waterfront. Portland's public transport network offers an alternative to driving into the city centre, although services and road access may be affected by race closures. Runners staying outside downtown should check the confirmed transport arrangements before race day. Early October mornings can be cool, particularly beside the river, and rain is possible. Conditions can vary considerably, making the latest weather forecast useful when preparing for the start. Read more about race day strategy here. The Tom McCall Waterfront Park where the race starts and finishes Portland Marathon Course The Portland Marathon follows a 26.2 mile route through the city, combining downtown streets, residential neighbourhoods and several crossings of the Willamette River. The published course features four bridge crossings, including two crossings of the Broadway Bridge, together with the Sellwood and Burnside bridges. The course also includes sections through northwest and southeast Portland, offering a mixture of commercial districts, established communities and riverfront surroundings. Although much of the route is relatively low lying, the bridge approaches and climbs around Reed College introduce noticeable changes in elevation. The following description reflects the published course used for recent editions. The final 2027 route has not yet been released, so individual streets and the sequence of landmarks remain subject to confirmation. Downtown Portland And The Opening Miles The marathon begins beside Tom McCall Waterfront Park, with runners heading through downtown Portland and its surrounding streets. The opening section introduces the city's commercial centre, where historic buildings, modern offices and established shopping districts provide an urban backdrop. The published course includes areas around Old Town and the Pearl District, known for its former industrial buildings, galleries and restaurants. These neighbourhoods provide a lively introduction before the route continues towards other parts of the city. Northwest Portland And The Broadway Bridge Northwest Portland is characterised by traditional houses, independent businesses and established residential streets. This section of the course provides a contrast to the downtown commercial district, with a mixture of broad roads and smaller neighbourhood streets. The Broadway Bridge is one of the marathon's defining landmarks. Its distinctive red steel structure spans the Willamette River, connecting northwest Portland with the eastern side of the city. The published route uses the bridge twice, making it a particularly recognisable feature of the event. South Portland And The Sellwood Bridge The marathon also travels south along the western side of the Willamette River, with the established route incorporating SW Macadam Avenue. This section takes runners away from the central business district towards southern Portland, where the surroundings become more residential. The Sellwood Bridge provides a crossing into southeast Portland. Its elevated approaches introduce a change in gradient, while views across the river and surrounding neighbourhoods create one of the course's more distinctive sections. Southeast Portland And Reed College After crossing into southeast Portland, the marathon continues through residential neighbourhoods and streets associated with the city's eastern districts. This part of the route offers a quieter setting, with traditional houses, local businesses and tree lined roads. One of the most notable features is the climb around Reed College, an established liberal arts college in southeast Portland. The campus surroundings provide a different atmosphere from the downtown streets, while the changes in elevation make this section more demanding than some of the flatter parts of the route. The Return To Downtown And The Finish The closing stages bring runners back towards central Portland, with the established route incorporating the Burnside Bridge. This crossing offers views along the Willamette River and towards the city's downtown buildings. The marathon traditionally finishes beside Tom McCall Waterfront Park, returning participants to the same general area as the start. Spectators gather near the waterfront to welcome runners, with the surrounding bridges and city skyline providing a distinctive backdrop to the finish. How Difficult Is The Portland Marathon Course? The Portland Marathon offers a relatively fast road course, although its bridge crossings and changes in gradient mean it is not completely flat. The organiser reports a maximum course elevation of 178 feet above sea level, with the start and finish approximately 36 feet above sea level. These figures describe the route's elevation rather than its total accumulated climbing. The approaches to the Broadway and Sellwood bridges introduce some climbing, while the section around Reed College provides additional changes in elevation. Much of the remaining course follows relatively level urban streets and riverside roads, offering a balance between faster sections and more demanding terrain. The marathon is USATF certified and recognised as a Boston Marathon qualifying event. Its combination of manageable elevation changes and an established course makes it attractive to runners pursuing particular finishing times. October weather can influence the difficulty, particularly if rain or stronger winds develop. The bridges and exposed riverside sections may feel more challenging in unsettled conditions, while the residential streets generally provide greater shelter. What Makes The Portland Marathon Special? The four crossings of the Willamette River are among the marathon's defining features, but the course offers several other memorable experiences. The section around the Rose Quarter takes runners close to the Moda Center, home of the Portland Trail Blazers, while the southern part of the route passes through the attractive surroundings of Reed College. The Eastbank Esplanade is another distinctive feature, bringing runners alongside the river and past the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. This section includes views of the city's bridges and waterfront before the route returns towards downtown. Portland also has an established tradition of community involvement. The event's Neighbourhood Cheer Challenge encourages local groups to support runners with music, decorations and encouragement, with participating neighbourhood associations competing for charitable donations. These community contributions help give the marathon a local identity beyond its principal landmarks, particularly for visiting runners experiencing Portland for the first time. Is The Portland Marathon Good For First Time Marathon Runners? The Portland Marathon is a good option for first time marathon runners who want an established event with a manageable but varied course. The combination of urban streets, bridge crossings and residential neighbourhoods provides interest throughout the distance without the sustained climbs associated with more mountainous marathons. The published 2026 course included 18 marathon aid stations, with stations approximately every two miles between miles three and 15 and every mile from mile 16 onwards. These facilities provided hydration and basic medical assistance, offering useful support during the later stages. The completion time limit is an important consideration for beginners. The published requirement of approximately 15 minutes per mile means runners need to be confident that their expected finishing time falls within the event's rules. For appropriately prepared participants, Portland offers an enjoyable opportunity to complete a first marathon while discovering one of the Pacific Northwest's most distinctive cities. The famous Stag sign, near the finish How To Enter The Portland Marathon 2027 The Portland Marathon operates a direct registration system rather than a general ballot. The organiser has announced early access arrangements for the 2027 event, giving previous participants and runners joining its priority waiting list opportunities to register before general public entries open. Runners who completed the 2026 event have been offered Super Early Access through personalised registration links. A separate Early Access waiting list provides registration access 48 hours before the general public, with discounted entry fees available to a limited number of participants. The organiser has restricted the Early Access allocation to 799 places. Its promotional information advertises savings on 2027 entries, although the precise discount varies between published offers. Running The Portland Marathon For Charity The Portland Marathon has an established record of supporting charitable organisations, particularly those working with disadvantaged communities, young people and families. The organiser's charity programme focuses on reinvesting resources into local causes and encouraging community involvement. Previous charity partners have included Girls on the Run, which uses running to help young people develop confidence and life skills, and The Launch Team, which introduces young people to distance running and personal development opportunities. The Windermere Foundation has also supported the event, helping provide assistance to families experiencing financial hardship and housing insecurity. Although these organisations appear in the event's published partnership information, the complete list of charity partners for 2027 has not yet been confirmed. The organiser has not announced a dedicated programme of guaranteed charity marathon entries for the new event. Runners who secure their own marathon places can choose to fundraise independently for a cause that matters to them. This provides flexibility to support a local, national or international charity while participating in the event. Read more about fundraising with your own race place here. Where To Stay Portland offers a wide range of accommodation, from large downtown hotels to smaller independent properties in its surrounding neighbourhoods. For marathon participants, staying close to the Willamette River is generally the most convenient option because the traditional start and finish are located beside Tom McCall Waterfront Park. Downtown Portland provides the easiest access to the starting area, particularly around SW Naito Parkway and the central business district. Hotels in these locations are within walking distance of restaurants, shops and public transport connections, making them attractive for visitors wanting to minimise race morning travel. The Pearl District is another appealing choice, with its converted historic buildings, independent restaurants and cafés. Located northwest of downtown, it provides access to the waterfront while offering a different atmosphere from the central commercial streets. Accommodation around the Lloyd District and Oregon Convention Center may suit runners attending the expo. These areas are located on the eastern side of the Willamette River, with public transport connections to downtown, although race morning road closures may affect some journeys. Visitors wanting a quieter location can explore accommodation in Portland's residential neighbourhoods. However, staying further from the centre may require additional travel planning, particularly if public transport services are affected by the marathon. Booking early is advisable for runners wanting to stay within walking distance of the start. Central hotels are likely to be popular during marathon weekend, especially among visitors travelling from outside Oregon. Compare Portland Marathon accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The Portland Marathon 2027 combines more than five decades of running history with a course that showcases some of Portland's most distinctive landmarks. Its river crossings, established neighbourhoods and lively community involvement create an event with a strong sense of local character. The marathon offers an attractive balance between a relatively fast course and varied scenery, making it suitable for runners pursuing personal goals as well as those wanting to enjoy the experience. The Reed College section and bridge approaches add some challenge, but the overall route remains accessible to a broad range of properly prepared participants. For anyone considering an autumn marathon in the United States, Portland is an appealing choice, particularly for runners wanting to combine race weekend with an opportunity to explore the Pacific Northwest. Race Website https://www.portlandmarathon.com/ Read more about other top US marathons here. Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

The Bath Half Marathon takes runners through the streets of one of England’s most distinctive cities. Its largely flat course has long attracted people chasing a personal best, while the crowds, music and charity teams also make it an appealing race for first time half marathon runners. The Bath Half Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday 14 March. General entry is open, with charity places also available through participating organisations. Here is what to know about the course, entry and race weekend before making your plans. The Destination Bath is known for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture and honey coloured stone buildings. The Royal Crescent and Royal Victoria Park are close to the race start, while the compact city centre makes it easy to turn the half marathon into a weekend away. The city’s hills are worth remembering when planning your visit. The race course is largely flat, but sightseeing routes around Bath may involve more climbing and walking than you want the day before a half marathon. Leave time to explore after you have finished. History Of The Bath Half Marathon The Bath Half was first held in 1982 and has become one of the UK’s established city half marathons. It draws thousands of runners each year, from experienced athletes seeking a fast time to people taking on their first 13.1 miles. Running High Events managed the race from 2000 until the 2024 edition. London Marathon Events then took over and now owns and organises the Bath Half. The company also delivers events including the London Marathon and Brighton Marathon Weekend. Fundraising has long been central to the event. The organiser describes the Bath Half as the largest charity fundraising event in south-west England and says its runners have raised more than £30 million for charity since 2000. When Is The Bath Half Marathon 2027? The Bath Half Marathon 2027 will take place on Sunday 14 March. The supporting Bath Miles event is scheduled for Saturday 13 March. The half marathon starts at Royal Victoria Park. Start times, wave arrangements and the full schedule will be set out in the 2027 participant guide, which the organiser says will be available several weeks before race day. Check your guide for the instructions that apply to your entry. Bath Half Marathon Race Packs And Runners’ Village If you live in the UK, your event pack, containing your bib number and kitbag, will be posted to the address in your entry account. Runners living outside the UK will collect their packs closer to race day. Check that your details are correct, particularly if you move or are travelling from overseas. The event has a free bag drop and toilets, including accessible toilets. The Runners’ Village gives participants and supporters a place to meet after the race. The organiser also lists a sensory calm space, a parent and child space and a multi faith prayer space among the event facilities. Race Morning The start is at Royal Victoria Park. Bath’s road closures and parking restrictions will affect how you reach the area, so plan your journey before race day. The organiser has yet to publish detailed 2027 road closure information; its current page provides the previous year’s arrangements for reference. Leave time to find your start wave, use the toilets and drop off a bag if needed. The organiser allows runners to move back to a later wave to run with a friend, but they cannot move forward to an earlier one. If you intend to drive, check the 2027 travel options when they are announced. A shuttle operated between Bath Racecourse and Royal Victoria Park in 2026, but its availability, booking arrangements and price should not be assumed for 2027. Read more about race day strategy here. Bath Half Marathon Course The Bath Half uses traffic free roads on a largely flat route. The organiser describes a course of two circuits, with a one time section up Pulteney Road and a turn on Great Pulteney Street before the second circuit begins. That repeated layout is useful for pacing: the first circuit lets you learn the course, and the second gives you familiar points to work towards. Use the final 2027 map for exact turns, drinks station locations and spectator plans. The Start And Opening Miles The race starts at Royal Victoria Park before runners head onto Bath’s city roads. A large field can make the opening section feel crowded, even if you have trained at a quicker pace than the people immediately around you. Settle in rather than weaving to recover a few seconds. The largely flat route gives you plenty of time to find your rhythm, and the energy you save early may matter much more in the final miles. Out Along The River Corridor Much of the established Bath Half route follows the flatter roads on either side of the River Avon, taking runners west of the city centre before bringing them back towards Bath. This is a different view of the city from its famous squares and crescents: long road sections give you room to concentrate on your pace and the runners around you. A flat stretch can make an ambitious pace feel comfortable at first. If you have a time target, use these miles to establish a controlled effort rather than trying to build a large advantage early in the race. Pulteney Road And Great Pulteney Street The organiser’s course description identifies an additional section up Pulteney Road, turning on Great Pulteney Street, before the second circuit. It brings the route towards one of Bath’s best known Georgian streets and breaks up the repeated course. Treat it as part of your overall race rather than an invitation to surge. Once you return to the main circuit, you will still have a substantial distance left to run. The Second Circuit On the second circuit, you will recognise stretches you covered earlier. That familiarity can help: you know which sections allow you to settle into a steady pace and can begin to judge how much effort you have left. It can also test your patience if other runners around you are changing speed. Concentrate on your own race and use the crowds, music and familiar landmarks to carry you towards the final miles. The Finish The course returns to the Royal Victoria Park area for the finish. Check the final participant guide for the exact finish approach and the route from the line to the Runners’ Village. If friends or family are coming to watch, agree a meeting point in advance. Road closures and the number of people around the finish can make it difficult to find each other by simply heading towards the line. How Difficult Is The Bath Half Marathon Course? Bath is relatively approachable from an elevation perspective. The organiser describes the course as fast and flat, making it attractive to both newer runners and those targeting a personal best. The greater challenge may be judging your pace. It is easy to start too quickly on a flatter course, particularly with a large field and plenty of support. If you hold back slightly in the opening miles, you give yourself a better chance of running well on the second circuit. What Makes The Bath Half Marathon Special? Bath gives the race a setting that feels different from a typical city half marathon. You start near Royal Victoria Park, pass through the city on traffic free roads and reach Great Pulteney Street during the race. The course also takes you beyond the streets most visitors see, so you experience more of Bath than its historic centre. The two circuit route lets supporters see runners more than once, while music and charity cheer points add to the atmosphere. For many runners, the Bath Half is both a chance to test themselves over 13.1 miles and an opportunity to raise money for a cause they care about. Is Bath Half Marathon A Fast Course? Yes. The largely flat profile and traffic free roads give the Bath Half clear personal best potential. The organiser says pacers cover target finish times from 1:30 to 3:00, with details included in the participant guide. That does not mean every runner will have an uninterrupted run at their chosen pace. The size of the field, race day weather and your approach to the first circuit will all affect the result. Start with a pace you can sustain and leave room to run strongly later. Is Bath Half Marathon Good For First Time Runners? Bath can be a good first half marathon for someone who has prepared for the distance. The largely flat course, regular support and familiar sections on the second circuit can make 13.1 miles feel more manageable. The scale of the event does require some planning. Read your participant guide, check how you will reach the start and decide where you will meet supporters afterwards. Participants must be at least 17 years old on race day. How To Enter The Bath Half Marathon 2027 General entry for the Bath Half Marathon 2027 is open. The organiser’s entry page directs runners to their entry provider, where you can check the current price and any optional extras before paying. Make sure you understand the entry conditions. The organiser’s FAQ says entries cannot be transferred to another person and that it does not offer deferrals or refunds if you are unable to take part. If general entries become unavailable, check the organiser’s current information for any remaining official options. Running The Bath Half Marathon For Charity You can apply directly to a charity for a Bath Half place, or secure your own entry and fundraise for a cause you choose. The organiser lists participating charities with places available and directs runners to apply through each charity’s website. Ask your chosen charity about its registration fee, fundraising pledge and what happens if your circumstances change. These terms are set by the charity and may differ from another organisation’s offer. If you already have an entry, contact the charity to find out how to join its team as an own place runner. Read more about applying for charity entries here. Where To Stay Bath is compact enough that staying centrally can make the Bath Half weekend particularly easy. A city centre hotel puts restaurants, shops and many of Bath's best known attractions within walking distance, while also giving you a convenient base for enjoying the city before and after the race. Accommodation in Bath can become expensive when major events coincide with an already busy visitor weekend. If central prices are high, consider properties further from the centre or accommodation with good public transport connections, but check how you will reach the race area on Sunday morning before booking. Bath is a destination in its own right, so runners travelling from elsewhere may want to stay for more than one night and make a weekend of the race. Booking early should give you a better selection, particularly if location and flexible cancellation are important to you. Compare Bath Half accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The Bath Half combines a fast course with the atmosphere of a major charity running event. The largely flat route makes it a strong option for a first half marathon or a personal best attempt, while Bath gives travelling runners plenty to enjoy around race day. Its two circuit layout will appeal to runners who like knowing what lies ahead. Enter while places are available, then use the 2027 participant guide to confirm the final course, start arrangements and travel plans. Race Website https://www.londonmarathonevents.co.uk/bath-half/event-overview Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

The Hackney Half Marathon has grown into one of the biggest half marathons in the UK, bringing thousands of runners onto the closed roads of East London for a race known for its crowds, music and festival atmosphere. Taking place on Sunday 16 May 2027, the Hackney Half starts and finishes at Hackney Marshes before taking runners through some of the borough's best known neighbourhoods. Its relatively flat course attracts runners chasing personal bests, while the scale and support make it an appealing choice for anyone taking on their first half marathon. Entries for 2027 are not currently open, but runners can pre-register with the organiser to receive information about securing a place when entry details are announced. The Destination Hackney sits in East London and offers runners a very different race weekend from the traditional sightseeing experience associated with central London. Areas including London Fields, Broadway Market, Hackney Central and Hackney Wick give the borough a mixture of green spaces, markets, cafés, independent businesses and busy residential neighbourhoods. Music, street art and food are all part of Hackney's identity, giving runners plenty to explore away from the race. Hackney is well connected to the rest of London by London Overground and bus services, although there is no Underground station at Hackney Marshes itself. If you are staying elsewhere in London, check your journey to the start before choosing accommodation rather than assuming somewhere in central London will automatically be the most convenient option. There is also plenty to do once you have finished running. You can stay around the Hackney Moves festival or use the rest of the weekend to explore East London and the wider capital, making the race easy to combine with a longer London break. History Of The Hackney Half Marathon The first Hackney Half Marathon took place in 2014, following the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The new race became part of the sporting legacy that followed the Games, bringing a major mass participation running event to Hackney. The inaugural course already included locations that would become closely associated with the race, including Broadway Market and Hackney Empire. Its proximity to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park also provided a natural connection with London 2012. Hackney has grown considerably since those early years. What began as a new addition to London's running calendar has developed into one of the country's largest half marathons and an important fixture in the capital's mass participation running calendar. Fundraising has grown alongside the event. Runners at the 2026 Hackney Half raised more than £4 million for over 250 charities, making it an increasingly important event for charity runners as well. Who Organises The Hackney Half Marathon? The Hackney Half forms part of Hackney Moves, a weekend of running, fitness and community activities centred on Hackney Marshes. The event is organised by Motiv Sports, with Hoka as title partner. The half marathon is the headline race, but Hackney Moves extends the weekend beyond the 13.1 miles with other running, fitness and entertainment activities. Hackney Marshes provides the space needed to bring those elements together, with the half marathon start and finish alongside the wider event village. When Is The Hackney Half Marathon 2027? The Hackney Half takes place on Sunday 16 May 2027. The wider Hackney Moves weekend runs from 14 to 16 May, with the half marathon taking place on Sunday. The race starts and finishes at Hackney Marshes. Exact start waves and individual arrival times will be confirmed in the final participant information closer to race weekend. Hackney Half Race Pack Final race-pack arrangements for the 2027 Hackney Half have not yet been announced, so runners should check the information provided by the organiser once details are confirmed. Previous editions have offered race pack collection before the half marathon, but arrangements can change from year to year. Do not rely on previous collection locations, dates or times when making your 2027 plans. Once you have your place, check whether your race pack will be posted or needs to be collected and build any collection into your race weekend schedule. With thousands of runners taking part, leaving essential arrangements until the last possible opportunity can add unnecessary stress. Race Morning Hackney Marshes provides plenty of room for the event village, but getting thousands of runners into the start area inevitably makes race morning busy. There is no Underground station immediately beside the start, so work out your journey in advance. London Overground and local bus services provide several options depending on where you are travelling from, while road closures make public transport the practical choice for most runners. Allow considerably more time than you would for an ordinary journey across London. Services around Hackney will be busy and you will still need time to reach the event village, use the toilets, leave any baggage and get into your allocated start wave. Follow the arrival and transport advice in your final runner information. Getting to Hackney Marshes early will give you a much calmer start to the day. Read more about race day strategy here. Hackney Half Marathon Course The Hackney Half is a closed-road 13.1-mile course through East London, starting and finishing at Hackney Marshes. The final 2027 route has not yet been published. The 2026 course provides a useful indication of the character of the race, taking runners through areas including Hackney Downs, Hackney Central, London Fields and Broadway Market before heading towards Victoria Park and Hackney Wick and eventually returning to Hackney Marshes. The Start At Hackney Marshes Once runners leave the start, the course begins its journey through Hackney. With a large field setting off in waves, the opening section can be busy, so use the first mile to find your rhythm rather than wasting energy weaving between other runners. If you have a target time, starting in the appropriate wave and remaining patient can make a significant difference. There is plenty of running ahead in which to settle into your intended pace. Hackney Downs And Hackney Central The route moves through Hackney Downs and towards Hackney Central, bringing runners into some of the busiest parts of the borough. Residential streets give way to lively neighbourhoods, with spectators and entertainment becoming an important part of the experience. Hackney Empire is among the recognisable local landmarks associated with this section of the race. It gives the Hackney Half a very different character from races built around London's traditional tourist sights. London Fields And Broadway Market London Fields and Broadway Market provide another distinctive section of the Hackney Half. Broadway Market is normally associated with cafés, restaurants, shops and its weekend market. On race day, the surrounding streets become part of a huge running event instead. Crowds, music and entertainment can make this one of the livelier parts of the course. It is still relatively early in the half marathon, though, so enjoy the support without allowing the excitement to pull you significantly ahead of your planned pace. Victoria Park The route continues towards Victoria Park, one of East London's largest and best known green spaces. By this stage you are moving through the middle part of the half marathon, where early pacing decisions begin to matter. Hackney's relatively flat profile makes it possible to establish a consistent rhythm, but it can also tempt runners to push harder than planned. If you are chasing a personal best, reaching halfway feeling controlled should leave you in a much stronger position for the final miles. Hackney Wick And The Olympic Park Area Later sections take runners towards Hackney Wick and the area around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This part of East London was transformed around the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and provides a fitting connection with the period in which the Hackney Half was created. The race is becoming harder by this stage regardless of the lack of major hills. Holding your effort rather than trying to force the pace can be particularly important if conditions are warm. Back To Hackney Marshes The closing section brings runners back towards Hackney Marshes and the finish. Once you are beyond ten miles, the remaining distance becomes easier to break into manageable sections. If you have paced the race well, the lack of a major late climb gives you an opportunity to maintain your effort and potentially increase your pace towards the finish. Crossing the line brings you back into the Hackney Moves festival area, where runners can celebrate after completing their 13.1 miles. Victoria Park in East London, one of the green spaces runners pass during the Hackney Half Marathon. How Difficult Is The Hackney Half Marathon Course? Hackney is a relatively flat half marathon without the major climbs found on some city courses. For many runners, congestion, pacing and weather are likely to have more impact than elevation. A large field can make the opening miles busy, particularly if you are positioned behind runners moving at a different pace. May weather is another consideration. A cool morning can provide excellent conditions for a fast half marathon, while an unexpectedly warm day can make the later miles considerably more demanding. The course offers genuine personal best potential, but a relatively flat profile should not be mistaken for an easy 13.1 miles. Starting sensibly and saving enough for the final few miles remain important. What Makes The Hackney Half Special? Hackney has created an identity that feels very different from London's more traditional road races. You are not running a route designed around Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge or the Houses of Parliament. Instead, the race celebrates East London, with local neighbourhoods, spectators, live music and cheer zones giving the event its character. The size of the race adds to the experience. Thousands of runners arriving at Hackney Marshes and taking over the surrounding streets give the event the scale of a major city half marathon. Hackney Moves also makes the weekend about more than the race itself. The finish leads back into the event village at Hackney Marshes, allowing runners and supporters to stay around rather than simply collecting a medal and heading home. Charity fundraising has become another important part of the event. Runners raised more than £4 million for over 250 charities in 2026, demonstrating how significant the Hackney Half has become for fundraising as well as running. Is The Hackney Half Good For First Time Runners? Hackney has many of the ingredients you would want from a first half marathon. The course avoids major hills, while the crowds, entertainment and thousands of other participants mean you rarely feel as though you are tackling the distance alone. Pacers have also been part of the event, helping runners work towards particular finishing times. The size of the race is the main consideration. If your previous event experience consists mainly of parkruns or smaller local races, Hackney Marshes on race morning will feel considerably busier. Give yourself plenty of time, start in the appropriate wave and avoid being dragged into running too quickly during the opening miles. The crowds and entertainment will still be there later when you are much more likely to need them. For runners who want their first 13.1 miles to feel like a major occasion, Hackney has plenty to offer. Running The Hackney Half Marathon For Charity Charity fundraising is a major part of the Hackney Half, with runners raising more than £4 million for over 250 charities at the 2026 event. The race works with a wide range of charity partners, giving runners the opportunity to combine their half marathon with fundraising for a cause that matters to them. Each charity sets its own arrangements for places, including any registration fee and minimum fundraising commitment. Campaign Against Living Miserably, better known as CALM, is the headline charity partner for Hackney Moves 2027, while many other charities are involved with the event. If you are considering a charity place, check the fundraising commitment carefully before applying. A charity place is not simply another way to buy an entry. The organisation is allocating you one of its places because you have agreed to raise money on its behalf, so choose a cause you genuinely want to support and make sure the target is realistic for you. Runners who secure their own place can also use the Hackney Half to raise money for a charity of their choice without taking one of its allocated entries. Hackney gives fundraisers a clear story to share. You have months of training, a 13.1-mile challenge and one of London's biggest half marathons as the finale. Start talking about why you are running early and take supporters through the training journey rather than waiting until race week to ask for donations. Read more about getting a charity entry here. Broadway Market in Hackney, one of the East London neighbourhoods runners pass through during the Hackney Half Marathon. How To Enter The Hackney Half Marathon 2027 Entries for the Hackney Half Marathon 2027 are not currently open, although the organiser is inviting runners to pre-register. Pre-registering means you should receive information about how to secure a place when the entry process is announced, along with other important event updates. Pre-registering is not the same as entering the race and does not give you a guaranteed place. The organiser has not yet published the full general entry process, so runners should wait for the official announcement rather than assuming it will operate in the same way as previous years. Charity entry will provide another route into the race, with a wide range of organisations involved with Hackney Moves. Registration fees and minimum fundraising commitments vary between charities, so check the individual terms before applying. For now, the best step if you want a general entry is to pre-register through the official Hackney Moves website and watch for confirmation of when and how 2027 places will be released. Where To Stay London gives you an enormous choice of accommodation for the Hackney Half, and you do not necessarily need to stay within Hackney itself. Staying in East London can make race morning particularly convenient, while areas with straightforward Overground, Underground or rail connections can open up considerably more choice. If you are making a weekend of the race, you may prefer to stay somewhere that also works for exploring London rather than choosing your hotel purely because it is close to the event. Check your planned race morning journey before booking, particularly because road closures and the number of runners travelling to Hackney can affect local transport. London hotel prices can rise around busy weekends, so booking early usually gives you more choice of locations and prices. Look for flexible cancellation conditions if your plans are not yet fixed. Compare Hackney Half accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The Hackney Half has grown from a new post-Olympic running event into one of Britain's biggest half marathons. Its appeal comes from a combination that works particularly well. The relatively flat course gives faster runners an opportunity to chase a personal best, while the crowds, music and scale of the event can make a first half marathon feel like a major achievement from the moment you arrive. The route is also unmistakably Hackney. Rather than relying on London's most famous tourist landmarks, it takes runners through the neighbourhoods of East London and uses the people, music and character of the borough to create the race experience. Fundraising has become an increasingly important part of that identity. More than £4 million raised for over 250 charities in 2026 demonstrates how much can be achieved when thousands of individual running and fundraising challenges come together on the same day. If you want a relatively fast course, huge support and a half marathon that shows you a different side of London, the Hackney Half has established itself as one of the standout 13.1 mile events in the UK. Read more about other top half marathons in the UK here. Race Website https://www.hackneymoves.com/half-marathon Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

The San Diego Marathon is one of California's best known running events, combining a varied city course with live music, enthusiastic spectators and a festival atmosphere. First held in 1998, it was the original event in the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series and has since become a popular destination marathon for runners from across the United States and overseas. Starting beside Balboa Park and finishing in downtown San Diego, the marathon takes participants through established residential neighbourhoods, historic districts and some of the city's most interesting urban areas. Its distinctive character and location on the Southern California coast make it an appealing choice for runners looking to combine a marathon with a memorable holiday. The Destination San Diego is located on the Pacific coast of Southern California, close to the Mexican border. Known for its beaches, pleasant climate and relaxed lifestyle, the city attracts visitors throughout the year and offers plenty to explore before or after the marathon. One of its most celebrated attractions is Balboa Park, an extensive cultural and recreational area containing museums, gardens, historic buildings and the world famous San Diego Zoo. The park's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and landscaped surroundings make it one of the city's most recognisable locations. Downtown San Diego offers a different experience, with the historic Gaslamp Quarter providing restaurants, bars and entertainment venues. The nearby waterfront features attractive walking areas, maritime attractions and views across San Diego Bay towards Coronado. Visitors can also explore the coastal communities of La Jolla, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, where sandy beaches and ocean views are central to local life. Coronado, reached by crossing the San Diego Coronado Bridge or taking a ferry, is another popular destination, particularly for its beaches and historic Hotel del Coronado. June generally brings mild to warm conditions, although coastal cloud cover is common during the mornings. Temperatures can rise as the day progresses, so visitors should prepare for both cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. History Of The San Diego Marathon The San Diego Marathon was established in 1998 and introduced a distinctive approach to distance running by combining a major road race with live musical entertainment. The concept proved successful and eventually developed into the international Rock 'n' Roll Running Series. The original event helped establish the idea that a marathon could be both a serious athletic challenge and a large scale celebration of music and community participation. Bands positioned along the course, enthusiastic supporters and post race entertainment became defining features of the format. Over the following decades, San Diego continued to attract substantial fields, with participants travelling from across the United States and overseas. Its established reputation and attractive location have helped it remain an important fixture in the American running calendar. The weekend now includes a marathon, half marathon and 5K, providing opportunities for runners who prefer different distances. San Diego retains a special place in the wider series as the event where the original concept began. When Is The San Diego Marathon 2027? The San Diego Marathon 2027 will take place on Sunday 6 June, with the wider running weekend scheduled for Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 June. The marathon and half marathon are both scheduled for Sunday, while the 5K takes place on Saturday. The marathon is scheduled to start at 6:15am local time, with the starting area at Sixth Avenue and Quince Street beside Balboa Park. The early start allows participants to complete a significant portion of the course before temperatures rise later in the morning. The organiser has previously operated a seven hour marathon completion limit, although runners should check the final 2027 participant instructions for confirmation. Any intermediate course cutoffs should also be reviewed, particularly by participants expecting to use most of the available time. San Diego Marathon 2027 Expo And Race Bib Collection The San Diego Marathon Health & Fitness Expo will take place at the San Diego Convention Center, situated on the downtown waterfront. Its central location provides convenient access for participants staying in the Gaslamp Quarter, Marina District and surrounding neighbourhoods. The expo brings together running equipment retailers, fitness organisations and exhibitors associated with the event. It also serves as the main location for participants to collect their race bibs and other essential materials before race day. Runners should check the official event website for the confirmed collection arrangements and identification requirements. The organiser will provide the necessary information before the event, including any restrictions on collecting materials for another participant. Read more about race expos here. Race Morning The San Diego Marathon starts at Sixth Avenue and Quince Street, alongside Balboa Park. The location is north of the main downtown hotel districts, so participants should consider their journey to the starting area when planning their accommodation and transport. The marathon and half marathon share the same starting location, with runners directed into designated starting groups. Participants should follow their assigned corral arrangements and allow sufficient time to reach the start, particularly as surrounding streets will be affected by road closures. The organiser publishes information covering transport, parking, gear check and access to the starting area. Runners staying in central San Diego may be able to walk, although the journey from some downtown locations involves an uphill approach. Early morning conditions can be relatively cool, particularly when coastal cloud cover is present. Participants should check the forecast and prepare for the possibility of warmer conditions later in the race. Read more about race day strategy here. The California Tower and landscaped gardens in Balboa Park, one of San Diego's most famous landmarks, close to the marathon starting area. San Diego Marathon Course The San Diego Marathon follows a 26.2 mile route through several of the city's established neighbourhoods, beginning near Balboa Park and concluding in downtown San Diego. The course combines residential streets, busy urban districts and sections around the San Diego River, with a mixture of climbs, descents and flatter roads. The following description reflects the established course used in recent editions, including the official 2026 route. The final 2027 course should be checked against the organiser's published map when available. Balboa Park And The Opening Miles The marathon begins beside Balboa Park, where runners set off through streets surrounded by mature trees, residential buildings and historic architecture. The opening stages introduce participants to some of San Diego's older neighbourhoods before the route moves further away from the city centre. The established course explores areas around Hillcrest and North Park, two neighbourhoods known for their independent businesses, restaurants and distinctive local character. These streets provide a lively introduction to the marathon, with spectators gathering to support the runners. University Heights And Normal Heights The course continues through University Heights and Normal Heights, where residential streets and local commercial districts form an important part of the route. These areas are characterised by established homes, neighbourhood shops and a mixture of architectural styles. The route provides an opportunity to experience parts of San Diego that visitors might otherwise overlook. Community involvement and entertainment along the streets contribute to the atmosphere as runners make their way through these northern neighbourhoods. Mission Hills And Old Town The marathon also explores areas around Mission Hills and Old Town, introducing participants to a different side of San Diego. Mission Hills is known for its attractive residential streets and elevated position above parts of the city. Old Town is closely associated with San Diego's early settlement and contains preserved historic buildings, museums and traditional architecture. The surrounding streets reflect the city's heritage, providing a contrast to the more modern districts encountered elsewhere on the course. The San Diego River And Western Sections The established marathon route extends towards the San Diego River corridor, where the surroundings become more open in places. Sections around the river provide a change from the residential neighbourhoods and commercial streets encountered earlier. Previous routes have included roads and pathways around the San Diego River Bikeway. The western sections introduce longer stretches of road and changes in elevation before participants begin their return towards downtown. The Return To Downtown San Diego During the later stages, runners head back towards central San Diego, where the city's taller buildings gradually become more prominent. The route moves away from the outer neighbourhoods and towards the downtown finish. Recent editions have finished around Ash Street and Union Street, with post race celebrations taking place at nearby Waterfront Park. Participants completing the marathon receive their medals and can join the wider event celebrations close to the city's waterfront. How Difficult Is The San Diego Marathon Course? The San Diego Marathon is a moderately challenging road marathon because of its varied elevation profile. Although the course includes flatter sections, runners should not expect the consistently level terrain associated with some of the fastest American city marathons. The official 2026 course map recorded approximately 1,198 feet of total elevation gain, equivalent to around 365 metres. This reflects a route containing several climbs and descents rather than one sustained uphill section, with the changing terrain adding to the demands of the full distance. Weather is another consideration. San Diego's coastal location often provides relatively mild early morning temperatures, but warmer conditions can develop as the race progresses. Sunshine and humidity may make the later miles more demanding, particularly on exposed sections. The course is manageable for runners who have prepared appropriately, but its elevation changes should not be underestimated. Participants should include suitable hill training and review the final course profile before race day. What Makes The San Diego Marathon Special? The San Diego Marathon stands out because of its connection with the history of music themed running events. As the original Rock 'n' Roll marathon, it helped introduce an entertainment focused format that has since been adopted at running events around the world. Live bands and organised entertainment are central to the experience, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the course. The combination of music and local community support distinguishes the event from more traditional road marathons. The location is another attraction. San Diego offers beaches, cultural landmarks, restaurants and outdoor activities, making it possible to combine the marathon with a longer holiday in Southern California. The weekend's different distances also provide opportunities for friends and family members to participate. Runners completing the Saturday 5K and either of Sunday's longer events can take part in the organiser's Remix Challenge, which includes an additional medal for completing both races. Is The San Diego Marathon Good For First Time Marathon Runners? The San Diego Marathon can be an appealing choice for first time marathon runners who enjoy large events and appreciate plenty of entertainment along the route. The established organisation, spectator support and musical atmosphere can help make the occasion memorable. However, beginners should recognise that the course includes a meaningful amount of climbing and descending. Preparing for varied terrain is important, particularly for runners whose regular training takes place on predominantly flat roads. The early morning start and potential for rising temperatures are additional considerations. Participants should ensure their preparation reflects the expected conditions and that their anticipated finishing time is compatible with the event's requirements. For runners who have trained appropriately and want to experience a major American marathon in an attractive coastal city, San Diego provides a rewarding introduction to the distance. How To Enter The San Diego Marathon 2027 Registration for the San Diego Marathon 2027 is open through the official Rock 'n' Roll Running Series website. The event uses a direct registration system rather than a general ballot, allowing runners to secure an entry while places remain available. The minimum age for marathon participants is 18. Entries are generally non-refundable and non-transferable, making it important to review the organiser's terms and conditions before completing registration. Separate entries are available for the half marathon and 5K. Participants interested in the Remix Challenge must register for both the Saturday 5K and one of the Sunday distances to qualify for the additional medal. Runners in the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon headed south in San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood. Photo taken from the University Street Bridge. The end of the course is a few miles ahead. Credit: Blervis Running The San Diego Marathon For Charity The San Diego Marathon provides opportunities for participants to support charitable causes through its established St. Jude Heroes fundraising programme. This initiative allows runners to combine their marathon entry with fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The published 2027 arrangements include a fundraising commitment of $500, which provides a complimentary race entry and additional charity participant benefits. Higher fundraising levels offer further benefits, depending on the amount raised. The organiser also provides an option to fundraise without a minimum commitment, although this does not automatically include a complimentary entry. Participants should review the current programme conditions before selecting their preferred fundraising arrangement. Runners who wish to support another charity can secure their own marathon place through general registration and independently raise money for a cause that matters to them. This provides flexibility for participants with an existing connection to a particular organisation. Read more about fundraising with your own race place here. Where To Stay San Diego offers an extensive range of accommodation, from large waterfront hotels to smaller properties in residential neighbourhoods. For marathon participants, the most convenient locations are generally downtown and the areas surrounding Balboa Park. The Gaslamp Quarter is a popular choice for visitors who want restaurants, entertainment and easy access to the San Diego Convention Center. It is also relatively close to the downtown finish area, although runners should allow time to reach the start beside Balboa Park. The Marina District and waterfront provide additional accommodation options, with hotels close to the convention centre and attractions around San Diego Bay. These areas are particularly convenient for visitors wanting to explore the city on foot. Little Italy offers another attractive alternative, with numerous restaurants, cafes and independent businesses. Its location north of the central business district makes it convenient for accessing downtown attractions and areas closer to Balboa Park. Hillcrest and Bankers Hill may appeal to runners who prefer to stay nearer the starting area. These neighbourhoods offer a quieter alternative to the main downtown hotel districts, with local restaurants and residential surroundings. Visitors planning a longer holiday may prefer coastal accommodation in Mission Beach, Pacific Beach or La Jolla. However, these locations are further from the marathon start, and race morning transport arrangements require additional planning. Booking early is advisable, particularly for runners wanting accommodation within walking distance of the start or finish. Prices can increase during major event weekends, and centrally located hotels may become more expensive as availability decreases. Compare San Diego Marathon accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The San Diego Marathon 2027 offers an attractive combination of city running, live entertainment and a memorable Southern California destination. Its established history and varied course make it particularly appealing to runners who want their marathon experience to extend beyond the challenge of completing 26.2 miles. Although the course is not among the flattest American marathons, the opportunity to explore San Diego while enjoying an energetic race atmosphere is a significant attraction. For anyone considering a marathon in the United States in early summer, San Diego deserves a place on the shortlist. Race Website https://www.runrocknroll.com/events/san-diego Read more about other top US marathons here. Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Social media can be a valuable tool for runners raising money for charity. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X allow fundraisers to share their training, tell personal stories and encourage supporters to donate. Bluesky offers another opportunity to reach people who may be interested in their running challenge or chosen cause. With more than 40 million users worldwide, Bluesky has established itself as a significant social network. Its emphasis on public conversations, custom feeds and community discovery gives charity runners different ways to connect with potential supporters. This guide explains how Bluesky charity fundraising works, how to build an audience and how to turn interest in your running journey into donations. What Is Bluesky? Bluesky is a social networking platform where people share short posts, photographs, videos and links. It offers many familiar features found on X, including following accounts, replying to posts and sharing other people's content. One of the main differences is the ability to choose custom feeds. These allow users to discover posts about particular subjects rather than relying entirely on a single feed selected by the platform. Bluesky also offers starter packs, which are collections of recommended accounts and feeds that help people find communities with shared interests. For charity runners, these features offer opportunities to discover people interested in running, endurance events, fundraising and the work of particular charitable organisations. How Popular Is Bluesky? Bluesky has experienced substantial growth since launch, reaching more than 43 million users worldwide by March 2026. Its audience includes people interested in sport, news, technology, culture and community organisations. The platform has attracted users from the United States, the UK and many other countries. However, reliable country-specific user figures are not consistently published, and the number of registered accounts should not be confused with the number of people actively using the service. For runners, the size of the audience is only part of the picture. The more important consideration is whether Bluesky can help them connect with people interested in their fundraising challenge, their chosen charity or the cause they are supporting. Why Use Bluesky For Charity Fundraising? Successful charity fundraising often depends on making people feel connected to a challenge. Supporters may be more interested in contributing when they understand why someone is taking part in an event, how much effort they are putting into their preparation and what their donations will help achieve. Bluesky provides a space for these conversations to develop over time. Rather than posting a fundraising link and hoping for donations, runners can share their progress, explain their motivation and involve followers in the experience. The platform's custom feeds and starter packs can also help runners discover new communities. Someone preparing for a marathon might connect with other participants, running enthusiasts or people who have a personal interest in the charity's work. There are limitations. Bluesky does not guarantee greater visibility or higher donations than established social networks, and building an audience takes time. It is best used alongside other fundraising activities rather than as the sole way of reaching supporters. How To Set Up Your Bluesky Fundraising Profile Your Bluesky profile should help visitors quickly understand who you are and why you are fundraising. Use a recognisable profile photograph, identify your running challenge and explain which charity you are supporting. A simple biography might read: "Running the Great North Run for charity. Sharing my training journey, fundraising progress and race day experience. Supporting a cause close to my heart." Include a direct link to your official fundraising page in your profile. This allows people who discover your account through a conversation or shared post to find out more about your challenge and make a donation. You can also use a photograph from a previous running event or training session to give your profile a more personal feel. The aim is to make your fundraising campaign recognisable and trustworthy. Announce Your Fundraising Challenge Your first fundraising post should introduce the event you are entering, the charity you have chosen and the reason you want to support it. If you have a fundraising target, explain what you hope to achieve. Personal motivation is often the most interesting part of the story. Perhaps the charity has helped someone close to you, supports an issue you care deeply about or provides an important service in your community. For example, you could explain that you are preparing for your first marathon and raising money for a charity that has supported your family. Sharing the challenge ahead, along with your fundraising target and donation link, gives people a reason to follow your progress. Once your announcement is published, continue the conversation rather than immediately repeating the same appeal. Your opening post introduces the campaign, but the updates that follow will help people become involved. Share Your Running And Training Journey Training provides a steady supply of content throughout a fundraising campaign. Long runs, early starts, increasing distances and challenging sessions all give followers an insight into the commitment involved in preparing for an event. You do not need to share every training session. Select moments that tell an interesting story, such as completing your longest run, returning after a difficult week or reaching a personal milestone. It can also be useful to explain what you are learning along the way. Someone preparing for their first half marathon might discuss the experience of running further than ever before, while an experienced marathon runner could share the challenges of balancing training with work and family commitments. These posts keep your campaign visible without making every update a request for money. They also create opportunities for conversations with other runners who may have experienced similar challenges. Read more about sharing your training journey here. Use Photographs To Bring Your Fundraising To Life Photographs can make a fundraising campaign more engaging by showing the people, places and experiences behind the challenge. Training routes, running club sessions, organised events and fundraising activities can all provide useful material. Try to include some context with each image. A photograph taken after a long run becomes more meaningful when you explain how far you ran, what made the session difficult or why completing it was important. Images can also help supporters understand the cause you are fundraising for. If you attend a charity event or meet people involved with the organisation, sharing an appropriate photograph can help demonstrate the work being supported. Always obtain permission before publishing photographs of other people where appropriate, particularly when images involve charity beneficiaries or sensitive circumstances. Find Running Communities On Bluesky One of the most useful features of Bluesky is its system of custom feeds. These allow people to follow discussions about particular interests, including sport and running, where relevant feeds are available. Search for running related accounts, marathon discussions, local clubs and people participating in similar events. Following these conversations can help you discover other runners and introduce your challenge to people outside your existing network. The starter packs offer another way to find relevant accounts. Look for packs relating to running, sport or charitable causes, while checking that the accounts are relevant and active. The important part is participation. Reply to posts, congratulate other runners and contribute to discussions where you have something useful to say. Genuine engagement is more likely to build relationships than simply posting donation links into unrelated conversations. Use Hashtags To Help People Discover Your Posts Hashtags can help identify the subject of a post and make content easier to find through searches or feeds that recognise particular terms. For runners, relevant examples might include #MarathonTraining or #Fundraising. You can also include the name of your event or charity when it is relevant. This may help people interested in the same challenge discover your fundraising journey. Avoid using large numbers of unrelated hashtags in an attempt to attract attention. A small selection of relevant terms, combined with an interesting post, is a more sensible approach. Hashtags are only one way to be discovered on Bluesky. Conversations, reposts, custom feeds and recommendations from other users can also introduce your campaign to new audiences. Share Fundraising Milestones Reaching a fundraising milestone provides an opportunity to celebrate progress and recognise the people who have contributed. Your first donation, reaching £100 or passing the halfway point towards your target can all be worth sharing. Explain why the milestone matters rather than simply announcing the amount. You might thank everyone who has supported the campaign, describe how much remains to be raised or share information about the charity's work. If your charity provides examples of what donations can achieve, these can help supporters understand the potential impact of their contributions. Make sure any figures or examples are accurate and reflect information supplied by the organisation. Fundraising milestones can also provide a natural opportunity to include your donation link. People who have been following your progress may decide to contribute when they see how close you are to reaching a particular target. How Often Should You Post On Bluesky? There is no fixed number of posts that guarantees successful fundraising. The right frequency depends on how much you have to share, the time available and how your audience responds. For many runners, two or three training updates each week provide a manageable starting point. These can be supplemented with fundraising milestones, information about the charity and occasional donation appeals. As the event approaches, you may have more to share. Final training sessions, race preparations and reflections on the challenge ahead can all provide interesting content. Try to avoid repeating identical donation requests. A varied mixture of personal experiences, photographs, charity information and fundraising updates gives followers more reasons to remain interested. How To Encourage More Donations On Bluesky Building an audience is useful, but the main objective of charity fundraising is to raise money. To encourage donations, people need to understand both your personal challenge and the cause they are being asked to support. Explain what your chosen charity does and why its work matters. Sharing a personal experience or a specific example of the organisation's activities can help supporters understand the purpose of your campaign. Make donating straightforward by linking directly to your official fundraising page. Check that the page is easy to use on a mobile phone and clearly identifies the charity receiving the money. You can also invite people to share your fundraising posts if they are unable to donate. Someone who introduces your campaign to a new audience may help you reach supporters who would otherwise never have discovered it. Avoid sending unsolicited donation requests or repeatedly tagging people who have not shown an interest. Respectful conversations and genuine relationships are a better foundation for long term fundraising support. Photographs can help bring a fundraising campaign to life. Ivor Stratford raised over £15,000 for Dreams Come True and St Francis Hospice through his five day Marathon des Sables challenge. Make The Most Of Race Week And Race Day The final week before a running event is an opportunity to bring your fundraising story together. Share your preparations, reflect on the training you have completed and remind followers why you are taking part. A photograph of your race number, your final training session or your journey to the event can help supporters feel involved. You can also share your fundraising progress and explain how close you are to reaching your target. On race day, consider posting a photograph before the start and another after finishing. If someone is supporting you at the event, they may be able to share updates while you concentrate on running. Afterwards, tell followers how the event went. Your finishing time may be part of the story, but completing the challenge and raising money for charity are achievements worth celebrating regardless of your performance. Read more about fundraising after race day here. Thank Your Supporters And Share The Final Total Fundraising should not end with a finish line photograph. Once your event is complete, take the opportunity to thank everyone who donated, shared your posts or offered encouragement. Share your fundraising total and explain what the money will help support. If donations are still being accepted, remind followers that the fundraising page remains open. You may also receive updates from the charity about how the money raised is being used. Sharing these details can help supporters see the wider impact of their contributions. A thoughtful thank-you message brings the campaign to a positive conclusion and acknowledges that fundraising success depends on the generosity of others. Read more about thanking your supporters here. Common Bluesky Fundraising Mistakes To Avoid One common mistake is posting too many donation requests without giving followers anything else to engage with. People are more likely to remain interested when they can follow a genuine story rather than seeing the same appeal repeatedly. Another is concentrating entirely on follower numbers. A smaller audience that understands your challenge and cares about the cause may be more valuable than a large group of people with little interest in your fundraising. It is also important to avoid exaggerating achievements or making unsupported claims about how donations will be used. Accurate information and transparency help establish confidence in your campaign. Finally, do not rely exclusively on Bluesky. Friends, family, colleagues, running clubs and community groups may remain your strongest sources of support. Social media works best when it complements these existing relationships. Final Thoughts Bluesky charity fundraising offers runners another way to tell their stories, connect with supporters and introduce their chosen causes to new audiences. Its custom feeds, starter packs and public conversations provide opportunities to discover communities with shared interests. The key is to make your fundraising journey worth following. Share your motivation, training experiences, fundraising milestones and race day achievements while giving people clear opportunities to contribute. Bluesky may not generate donations on its own, but used alongside other fundraising activities, it can become a useful part of your campaign. Consistent storytelling, genuine engagement and a clear connection to the charity's work give you the best foundation for turning interest into meaningful support.

The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes runners through two distinct sides of the capital. Westminster provides the grand streets and familiar sights, while the City of London brings older lanes, churches and modern skyscrapers. Between them come views along the Thames, live entertainment and plenty of charity support. The 2027 race takes place on Sunday 4 April and will be the event’s tenth edition. Its public ballot has closed, but official charity partners still offer places. Here is what to know about the course, entry and race weekend. The Destination London gives travelling runners plenty to do around race day. Westminster has Trafalgar Square, the Houses of Parliament, museums, galleries and theatres. The City of London feels different, with historic streets and churches set among its financial district’s modern buildings. The race brings both areas together, but you do not need to fit all of London into the day before a half marathon. If you are staying for the weekend, choose somewhere with a straightforward journey to the start and save the longer sightseeing walks for after the race. History Of The London Landmarks Half Marathon The first London Landmarks Half Marathon took place in 2018. More than 100,000 runners have taken part since then, and the 2027 event will mark its tenth edition. The race was created by Tommy’s, the pregnancy and baby charity, which owns and organises it. Fundraising remains central to the event: runners support Tommy’s and hundreds of other causes, giving the race a strong charity presence on the course. When Is The London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027? The London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027 takes place on Sunday 4 April. It covers 13.1 miles, or 21.1 kilometres, on closed roads through central London. Individual start times and arrival instructions will matter at an event of this size. Check the 2027 participant information when it is issued, particularly your wave and the route to your designated start area. Race Morning The organiser’s current course description places the start in the Whitehall area. Detailed 2027 access arrangements have not yet been announced, so use your participant information to find the correct entrance rather than assuming you can approach the start from any direction. Allow extra time for the journey. Road closures can affect buses and walking routes, while busy stations may slow your progress. If friends or family are watching, agree a meeting place for after the race and check the final course map before they choose where to stand. London Landmarks Half Marathon Course The detailed 2027 course has not yet been published. The 2026 route gives runners a useful picture of the race: it started on Whitehall, travelled east through Westminster and the City of London, then returned beside the Thames to finish near Trafalgar Square. Whitehall And Westminster The 2026 race began on Whitehall, close to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament. Runners headed towards the river before turning east, with views of Big Ben and the London Eye in the opening miles. From there, the route followed the Embankment past Somerset House. It is a memorable start to a half marathon: broad roads, the Thames nearby and familiar London sights appearing before you have had much chance to settle into the race. Fleet Street And The City The course then moved away from the river through the streets around Fleet Street and Holborn before reaching St Paul’s Cathedral. This part of the route mixed long city roads with more turns, taking runners past the Royal Courts of Justice and into the older streets of the City. Around Guildhall, the Bank of England and the Monument, the scenery changed again. Historic buildings sat alongside the City’s modern towers, including views of The Gherkin, The Cheesegrater and the Walkie Talkie. Music, performers and charity cheer points helped bring these streets to life on race day. Tower Hill And The Thames The eastern end of the 2026 route took runners towards Tower Hill and the Tower of London. Tower Bridge and The Shard were among the prominent views here, although the race did not cross Tower Bridge. The course then turned west for the return towards Westminster. This stretch followed the Thames, passing through the City and along Victoria Embankment. It gave runners another look at the river and some of the landmarks they had seen earlier, this time with the finish getting closer. The Finish Near Trafalgar Square In the final miles, the route continued west along the Embankment before turning back through Westminster to finish near Trafalgar Square. Nelson’s Column provided a fitting landmark at the end of a race built around the sights of London. The 2026 course was largely flat, but its changes of direction and large field meant it was still worth judging your pace carefully. Check the official 2027 map when it is released for the final streets, mile markers and finish location. How Difficult Is The London Landmarks Half Marathon Course? The organiser describes the route as fast and flat. Elevation is unlikely to be the main concern for most runners; managing your effort in a large field may matter more. A busy start can make it hard to settle immediately, and London’s weather can change the feel of an exposed riverside stretch. Start at an effort you can maintain, then assess how you feel as the field opens up. Read more about race day strategy here, What Makes The London Landmarks Half Marathon Special? It is the only half marathon to run through both the City of Westminster and the City of London. That combination takes runners from famous sights into streets many visitors would otherwise miss. The race also has a distinct charity atmosphere. Tommy’s owns the event, runners represent a wide range of causes, and entertainment and cheer points bring activity to the course. For a runner’s view of the experience, listen to our conversation with previous finisher Frank White. Is The London Landmarks Half Marathon A Fast Course? It has personal best potential. The organiser describes the course as flat and fast, and the closed roads provide room to run once the field has spread out. Your result will still depend on your start wave, the weather and how well you judge the early miles. The landmarks make this an absorbing race, but they can also tempt you to run on excitement at the start. Keep something in reserve for the return from the City. Read more about pacing here. Is The London Landmarks Half Marathon Good For First Time Runners? It can be a memorable first half marathon for someone who has trained for the distance. The relatively flat route, regular changes of scenery and substantial crowd support give you plenty to focus on beyond the miles. Its scale calls for some preparation away from training. Know which wave you are in, plan your journey to the start and decide where to meet supporters afterwards. Those simple arrangements can make race morning much calmer. How To Enter The London Landmarks Half Marathon 2027 The public ballot and second chance ballot for 2027 have closed, with results announced. The organiser says that anyone still seeking a place must apply through an official charity partner. If you received a ballot place, make sure you completed the registration steps by the deadline in your results email. If you are looking for an entry now, use the official event website to find participating charities. One of the many charity runners heads to the finish Running The London Landmarks Half Marathon For Charity Tommy’s offers places in its own team, and many other official charities also have entries. Apply to a cause you want to support and ask about its registration fee, fundraising target and runner support before committing. The required fundraising amount is set by the individual charity., but is normally £350 to £500. Runners who already have a ballot place can also choose to fundraise for a charity without taking one of its allocated places. Read more about applying for a charity entry here. Where To Stay The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes place in the heart of the capital, so there are hundreds of accommodation options within easy reach of the event. Staying around Westminster, the West End or the City can put you close to many of the landmarks that give the race its character, although central London hotels can be expensive. You can often find more choice by staying slightly further from the centre and travelling in by Underground or rail. London has excellent public transport, so a hotel with a convenient connection can be more useful than simply choosing the property that appears closest to the course. The race attracts thousands of runners and supporters into central London, so accommodation is worth arranging well ahead of the weekend. Check your race morning transport options before booking and consider flexible cancellation if your plans may change. Compare London Landmarks Half Marathon accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The London Landmarks Half Marathon makes strong use of its setting. It offers a largely flat course through Westminster and the City, with enough history, entertainment and crowd support to appeal to runners who care as much about the experience as their finishing time. For anyone hoping to run in 2027, a charity place is now the route in. Once you have secured one, use the final course map and participant guide to make your race day plans. Race website https://llhm.co.uk/ Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

The Brighton Marathon brings thousands of runners to the south coast for 26.2 miles through Brighton and Hove, combining the atmosphere of a major city marathon with long stretches of running beside the sea. Taking place on Sunday 4 April 2027, the race starts in Preston Park before taking runners through the city and out towards the coast. The course has some significant climbing during the first half, but the later miles are flatter as runners make their way through Brighton and Hove towards the finish. General entry for the Brighton Marathon 2027 is already open, while a large number of charities also have places available for runners who want to combine their marathon with fundraising. The Destination Brighton and Hove is one of England's best known seaside destinations and provides a very different race weekend from many of the UK's other major marathons. The seafront inevitably dominates the city, with Brighton Palace Pier, the beach and the Brighton i360 among its most recognisable sights. Head away from the coast and you will find the Royal Pavilion, The Lanes and North Laine, alongside a huge choice of cafés, restaurants and independent shops. The South Downs sit just beyond the city, giving you another option if you want to extend your visit beyond marathon weekend. Direct rail services connect Brighton with London and other parts of southern England, making the city relatively straightforward to reach without a car. Accommodation becomes busy around marathon weekend, though, so booking early is sensible. Central Brighton and Hove both put you close to parts of the course, but remember that the marathon starts at Preston Park rather than on the seafront. Check how you will reach the start before choosing where to stay, particularly if you are planning to travel across the city on race morning. History Of The Brighton Marathon The first Brighton Marathon took place in 2010 and the race has developed into one of the biggest marathons in the UK. The original weekend combined the marathon with a free children's event, before a 10K was added in 2014. A major change came in December 2022 when London Marathon Events took over the organisation of Brighton Marathon Weekend. The events were rebranded in 2023, with the children's Mini Mile becoming the Brighton Miles and later opening to participants of all ages, while the 10K became the Brighton and Hove 10K in 2024. The marathon remains at the centre of the weekend. Up to 20,000 participants are expected across the Brighton Miles, Brighton and Hove 10K and Brighton Marathon in 2027, demonstrating how far the event has grown since its first edition. When Is The Brighton Marathon 2027? The Brighton Marathon takes place on Sunday 4 April 2027, with the wider Brighton Marathon Weekend running across Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 April. The Brighton Miles take place on Saturday before the marathon and Brighton and Hove 10K on Sunday. The marathon starts in Preston Park. The organiser says the 2027 start time will be confirmed around five weeks before race day, so runners should check their final participant information before making detailed travel plans. Brighton Marathon Race Pack Your Brighton Marathon Event Pack contains your race bib and timing chip, making it essential for taking part. London Marathon Events posts Event Packs to the address held in each runner's registration account, so make sure your details remain up to date. The detailed replacement and collection arrangements for 2027 will be confirmed closer to race weekend. Runners will also receive a Participant Guide containing the information they need before, during and after the marathon. Check everything as soon as your Event Pack arrives rather than leaving it until race weekend. Your bib and timing chip are essential, while the Participant Guide should be your main source for final start, travel and race-day arrangements. Race Morning The Brighton Marathon starts in Preston Park, north of Brighton city centre. Thousands of runners need to reach the same area within a relatively short period, so allow considerably more time than you would for an ordinary journey across Brighton. Road closures will affect travel around the city and public transport is likely to be busy. Preston Park has its own railway station, while Brighton station is further south towards the city centre, so your best route will depend on where you are staying. The start has a free bag drop, toilets and accessible facilities, while pacers cover target finishing times from three to seven hours. Once you arrive, you still need time to leave your bag, use the toilets and get into the appropriate start area. Follow the organiser's final transport and arrival advice rather than assuming your normal route across Brighton will operate as usual. Give yourself some spare time so the final hour before your marathon is spent preparing to run rather than worrying about whether you will reach the start. Read more about race day strategy here. Brighton Marathon Course The Brighton Marathon is a 26.2-mile road race through Brighton and Hove, starting in Preston Park and combining city streets with extensive sections along the coast. The organiser currently lists approximately 477 feet of elevation gain for the 2027 marathon. The detailed road closure information for 2027 has not yet been published, with the organiser currently providing the 2026 information for reference. The existing official course guide therefore gives runners a useful indication of the character of the marathon, but individual streets and course details should be checked again when the final 2027 information is released. The Start At Preston Park On the current course there is an early climb along Preston Park Avenue, gaining around 20 metres over approximately 700 metres before the route drops down Preston Drove. It is easy to run too hard at the beginning of any marathon, and an uphill opening makes that an even greater risk. Keep the effort controlled and allow the field to settle rather than wasting energy trying to maintain an exact pace on the climb. Into Central Brighton The current route then moves towards the heart of Brighton, with Miles 2 to 5 broadly flat. Runners pass landmarks including the Theatre Royal and Royal Pavilion before the course circles The Level and encounters another climb around St James's Street. This is one of the livelier early sections of the marathon, with the city surroundings and growing crowds making it easy to get carried away. There is still a very long way to run, so enjoy the atmosphere without allowing it to dictate your pace. Marine Parade And The Coast Lower Rock Gardens brings runners onto Marine Parade and the character of the marathon changes again as the sea comes into view. The current route initially follows a relatively flat elevated stretch before beginning to rise along Marine Drive. This is where Brighton demonstrates why describing it simply as a flat seaside marathon can be misleading. Run the climbs by effort rather than forcing your target pace regardless of the gradient, particularly with so much of the race still ahead. Towards Ovingdean The route continues east along the coast towards Ovingdean, providing wide views along the coastline but less protection if the wind is strong. The current course becomes more undulating during this section before another climb takes runners towards the eastern turnaround. The main climbing is completed by around Mile 11, leaving much of the second half considerably flatter. The temptation may be to accelerate immediately, but there is still more than half a marathon to run, so settle back into your planned effort and allow the easier terrain to do some of the work for you. Brighton Marina And Halfway The return journey takes runners back towards Brighton, with the current route passing above Brighton Marina around the halfway stage. Reaching this point feeling controlled is a much better sign than arriving there having already spent energy trying to make up time on the earlier hills. The course begins descending towards the busier parts of Brighton and the atmosphere gradually changes as the crowds become larger. This is a good point to reassess how you feel, continue with your fuelling plan and concentrate on maintaining a sustainable effort. Brighton Seafront Returning to central Brighton brings runners back alongside some of the city's best-known sights. The current route takes runners through Aquarium Junction and Madeira Drive before returning towards the central seafront, with Brighton Palace Pier, the Brighton i360 and the Grand Hotel among the landmarks associated with this part of the course. The roads are considerably flatter than the earlier coastal section, which can help you settle into a consistent rhythm. You are now well into the second half of the marathon, though, and the distance rather than the hills becomes the main challenge, so continue fuelling and drinking rather than allowing the crowds to distract you from your race plan. Through Hove The later miles take runners west through Hove, where sensible early pacing begins to pay off. By the time you reach 20 miles, even a flat road can feel very different from the same road during the opening stages of a marathon. Crowd support through Hove can provide an important lift as the race reaches its hardest stage. Rather than thinking about the entire distance remaining, break the final few miles into smaller sections and concentrate on maintaining your effort. Hove Promenade And The Finish The closing miles bring runners back towards the coast, with the current route heading onto Kingsway and then Hove Promenade. Brighton and Hove's colourful beach huts appear around Mile 25, providing one of the most distinctive sights of the closing stages. From there, the crowds build as you pass Hove Plinth and make your way towards Hove Lawns. After the city streets, early hills and long coastal sections, crossing the finish line beside the sea provides an appropriately Brighton ending to 26.2 miles. The Royal Pavilion in Brighton, one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and a highlight of the Brighton Marathon route. How Difficult Is The Brighton Marathon Course? Brighton should not be treated as a completely flat marathon. The organiser lists approximately 477 feet of elevation gain, with the current course concentrating most of its significant climbing during the first 11 miles. The early climb from Preston Park and the later coastal section towards Ovingdean mean runners need to be disciplined during the first half. The advantage is that the later miles are considerably flatter, giving you an opportunity to establish a consistent rhythm if you have managed the opening section sensibly. Weather can also affect the difficulty. Brighton's coastal setting means wind can become a significant factor, while an unexpectedly warm April day would make the later miles more demanding. Brighton can offer the conditions for a fast marathon, but that does not make it an easy course. Train for the hills, respect them on race day and save enough energy for the final six miles. What Makes The Brighton Marathon Special? Few major UK marathons have a setting quite like Brighton. The race combines the scale and atmosphere of a big city event with long stretches beside the sea, moving between busy city streets and more open coastal sections. Brighton itself becomes part of the experience rather than simply providing the backdrop. The route takes runners through different parts of Brighton and Hove, while the crowds along the central seafront and through Hove create some of the liveliest sections of the race. Finishing beside the sea adds another distinctive element, with the final miles bringing runners towards Hove Promenade and Hove Lawns. The wider Brighton Marathon Weekend also means the event is about more than 26.2 miles, with the Brighton Miles and Brighton and Hove 10K giving other runners, friends and family members ways to become involved. Is The Brighton Marathon Good For First Time Runners? Brighton has many of the ingredients you would want from a first marathon. It is a large event with extensive race day infrastructure, thousands of other runners and substantial crowd support, while pacers covering times from three to seven hours can help runners working towards a particular target. The course does require some preparation. First time marathon runners should include hills in their training rather than preparing exclusively on flat roads, as the climbing during the first half will feel considerably easier if your legs have experienced similar terrain before. The size of the event is another consideration. Preston Park will be busy on race morning and the opening miles will contain plenty of runners, so arrive early, start in the appropriate area and resist the temptation to weave unnecessarily through the field. For runners who want their first marathon to feel like a major occasion, Brighton offers a strong combination of big crowds, coastal scenery and a memorable finish beside the sea. Running The Brighton Marathon For Charity Charity fundraising is a major part of the Brighton Marathon, with a large number of organisations already offering places for the 2027 race. Each charity sets its own arrangements for its places, including any registration fee and minimum fundraising commitment. There is a particularly wide choice of charities for 2027, ranging from major national organisations to smaller causes. That gives you an opportunity to find an organisation that genuinely matters to you rather than simply choosing whichever charity happens to have a place available. If you are considering a charity place, understand the commitment before accepting it. The organisation is allocating you one of its places because you have agreed to fundraise on its behalf, so make sure the target is realistic and give yourself enough time to reach it. Runners who secure their own general entry can also use the Brighton Marathon to raise money for a charity of their choice without taking one of its allocated places. A marathon gives you months of opportunities to involve supporters, so share why you are running and take people through the training journey rather than waiting until the final few weeks to start asking for donations. Read more about getting a charity entry here. How To Enter The Brighton Marathon 2027 General entry for the Brighton Marathon 2027 is currently open. Unlike marathons that allocate general places through a ballot, Brighton offers direct entry while places remain available, with runners able to secure a place through the official Brighton Marathon Weekend website. Charity entry provides another route into the race, with a large number of organisations already advertising 2027 places. Each charity sets its own registration fee and minimum fundraising commitment, and availability will change as organisations recruit their teams. If Brighton is one of your targets for spring 2027, you do not currently need to wait for a ballot. You can secure a general place and begin preparing for race day on 4 April. Olivia Harman at the start of the Brighton Marathon. You can listen to Olivia's account of the race on one of our podcasts. See the link below. Where To Stay Brighton is a popular weekend destination even without a marathon taking place, so accommodation can become expensive when thousands of runners and supporters arrive in the city. Staying close to the seafront or around central Brighton gives you easy access to restaurants, the railway station and much of the city on foot, while areas such as Hove can provide more options if central hotels are limited. If you are travelling to Brighton for the marathon, book as early as you can and check the location carefully before confirming your stay. A hotel within walking distance of the city centre or with straightforward public transport connections can make race morning easier and save you a longer journey on tired legs afterwards. Compare Brighton Marathon accommodation and current prices → Our Verdict The Brighton Marathon has grown into one of Britain's biggest marathons, and the setting is a significant part of its appeal. Few races of this size combine busy city streets, large crowds and such extensive stretches of running beside the sea. The course also has more character than its coastal location might suggest. The hills during the first half require some respect, while the flatter later miles reward runners who have been patient enough to save energy for the point where a marathon really begins to become difficult. Brighton itself adds considerably to the weekend. The seafront, Royal Pavilion, independent shops and restaurants make it easy to turn the race into a short break, while the wider Brighton Marathon Weekend gives supporters and family members other ways to become involved. For charity runners, the large number of organisations with places makes Brighton an important fundraising event, while direct general entry provides a straightforward route for runners wanting their own place. If you want a major spring marathon with big crowds, a varied course and a finish beside the sea, Brighton has established itself as one of the standout 26.2 mile events in the UK. Race Website https://www.brightonmarathonweekend.co.uk/ Our Podcasts Have a listen to Olivia Harman's account of the race on one of our podcasts here. For another fascinating account of the day check out Clarke's story. Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, Sapphire Running Zone may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Europe is home to some of the world's most exciting marathons, offering everything from fast courses and historic city centres to spectacular coastlines and unusual race traditions. Whether you're chasing a personal best, planning your first marathon abroad or looking for an unforgettable running experience, the European calendar has plenty to offer. The choice extends far beyond the continent's biggest races. Runners can finish inside an Olympic stadium in Stockholm, follow the historic marathon route in Greece, race beneath the midnight sun in the Arctic or climb high into the Swiss Alps. We've selected 25 European marathons definitely worth considering in 2027. Our individual guides provide further information about each event, including courses, entry arrangements and where to stay. Seville Marathon, Spain 21 February 2027 Seville has established itself as one of Europe's leading early season marathons, with a remarkably flat course that attracts runners pursuing personal bests. The route passes some of the Andalusian capital's most recognisable landmarks, including Plaza de España and the Torre del Oro, alongside wide avenues that help make the event particularly suitable for fast running. February generally brings milder conditions than the intense summer heat for which southern Spain is known. The combination of a fast course, enthusiastic local support and Seville's distinctive architecture makes this an attractive way to begin the European marathon season. Read more in our Seville Marathon 2027 guide. Barcelona Marathon, Spain 14 March 2027 Barcelona's marathon takes runners through a city where extraordinary architecture is part of the everyday landscape. The course features broad avenues and some of the Catalan capital's most famous sights, with buildings designed by Antoni Gaudí contributing to an unmistakably Barcelona experience. The event has grown considerably in international popularity, attracting runners from around the world to its spring race. With the Mediterranean coast, historic neighbourhoods and celebrated food culture all within easy reach, Barcelona offers plenty of reasons to extend a marathon visit beyond race weekend. Read more in our Barcelona Marathon 2027 guide. Run Rome The Marathon, Italy 14 March 2027 Running a marathon through Rome offers an extraordinary journey through history, with ancient monuments appearing throughout the course. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Castel Sant'Angelo and St Peter's Basilica provide a succession of remarkable sights, while sections of cobbled streets add to the character of the event. Rome is also one of the eight European Marathon Classics, a series connecting major races across the continent. Its combination of ancient surroundings and modern marathon running makes it an especially memorable choice for runners who enjoy events with a strong historical identity. Read more in our Run Rome The Marathon 2027 guide. Paris Marathon, France 4 April 2027 The Paris Marathon turns some of the French capital's most famous streets into a spectacular running route, beginning on the Champs Élysées and passing grand monuments, public squares and stretches beside the River Seine. The wide boulevards and elegant buildings give the event a sense of scale that few European marathons can match. The 2027 race will mark the event's 50th edition, adding significance to an already prestigious occasion. Paris attracts a huge international field, creating a lively atmosphere as runners explore a city that offers famous sights throughout the course. Read more in our Paris Marathon 2027 guide. Rotterdam Marathon, Netherlands 11 April 2027 Rotterdam has a long association with fast marathon performances, helped by its flat course and reputation for attracting high quality international fields. The route features the striking Erasmus Bridge and passes through a city known for its modern skyline, giving the event a very different appearance from the historic capitals elsewhere on this list. Crowd support is a defining feature, particularly along Coolsingel, where runners approach the finish surrounded by thousands of enthusiastic spectators. Rotterdam's combination of speed, scale and atmosphere has made it one of Europe's most respected spring marathons. Read more in our Rotterdam Marathon 2027 guide. Rotterdam's Erasmus Bridge crosses the River Nieuwe Maas, providing one of the most recognisable landmarks on the marathon course. Manchester Marathon, United Kingdom 18 April 2027 Manchester has become one of Europe's largest marathon events, with a relatively flat course that passes through communities across Greater Manchester. The race is particularly well known for the crowds lining its streets, with music, cheering spectators and local involvement creating a lively atmosphere from start to finish. Its growth reflects the increasing popularity of marathon running in the UK, and the event now attracts a substantial international field. Manchester is especially appealing to runners who want a major city marathon with strong community support and good potential for a fast finishing time. Read more in our Manchester Marathon 2027 guide. Vienna City Marathon, Austria 18 April 2027 Vienna's marathon showcases the Austrian capital's imperial heritage, taking runners past grand buildings, elegant boulevards and landmarks associated with the city's long cultural history. The course has traditionally included the famous Ringstrasse and the area around Schönbrunn Palace, providing an impressive architectural setting. The event also has a strong connection to the history of distance running, with Vienna having hosted Eliud Kipchoge's pioneering sub two hour marathon performance in 2019. As a European Marathon Classics event, it offers another incentive for runners interested in completing races across the continent. Read more in our Vienna City Marathon 2027 guide. London Marathon, United Kingdom 24–25 April 2027 Few marathons can match London for atmosphere, with enormous crowds supporting runners through some of the capital's most recognisable locations. Tower Bridge provides one of the great moments of the race, while the route through Canary Wharf and the final approach towards Buckingham Palace and The Mall create an unforgettable finish. The 2027 edition will be particularly significant, with the event expanding to a special two day format and approximately 100,000 runners expected to take part. London's exceptional fundraising tradition also distinguishes it from many other major marathons, with thousands of participants supporting charities across a wide range of causes. Read more in our London Marathon 2027 guide. Madrid Marathon, Spain 25 April 2027 Madrid offers a marathon with a lively atmosphere and a challenging course through the Spanish capital. The route takes runners along major avenues and past impressive landmarks, while the city's changing elevation provides a different experience from the flatter courses of Berlin, Rotterdam or Valencia. Music plays an important role in the event, with live performances contributing to its energetic character. Madrid is also part of the European Marathon Classics, adding an additional attraction for runners interested in completing a series of major European races. Read more in our Madrid Marathon 2027 guide. Prague Marathon, Czech Republic 2 May 2027 Prague's marathon offers a remarkable combination of medieval architecture, historic bridges and riverside scenery. The course begins and finishes in the city's historic centre, with the River Vltava providing a central feature as runners pass through different parts of the Czech capital. The city's famous Old Town Square and surrounding buildings create a particularly memorable setting for the event. Prague is an attractive option for runners who want a marathon where the surroundings are just as important as the race itself. Read more in our Prague Marathon 2027 guide Prague's famous Astronomical Clock and Old Town Square provide a spectacular historic setting for the Prague Marathon. Copenhagen Marathon, Denmark 9 May 2027 Copenhagen's marathon takes runners through a capital known for its colourful neighbourhoods, waterfront districts and contemporary Scandinavian character. The route explores different parts of the city, with music and enthusiastic spectators helping create a festival atmosphere. Its relatively flat streets have made Copenhagen popular with runners seeking faster times, while the event's growing international profile continues to attract participants from overseas. The marathon is also part of the European Marathon Classics, placing it alongside some of the continent's most established events. Read more in our Copenhagen Marathon 2027 guide. Stockholm Marathon, Sweden 29 May 2027 Stockholm offers one of Europe's most scenic urban marathons, with a course through a city built across islands and surrounded by water. The route combines waterfront views, green spaces and historic neighbourhoods, giving runners a changing landscape throughout the event. Its defining feature is the finish inside Stockholm Olympic Stadium, originally built for the 1912 Olympic Games. Completing a marathon on the track of such a historic athletics venue provides a memorable conclusion to an event that celebrates both the city and its sporting heritage. Edinburgh Marathon, United Kingdom 30 May 2027 The Edinburgh Marathon begins in the Scottish capital before heading east towards the Firth of Forth, creating a route that combines city landmarks with extensive coastal scenery. The transition from Edinburgh's historic streets to the more open roads beside the water gives the event a distinctive character. Its generally favourable course profile has helped establish Edinburgh as a popular choice for runners seeking fast times. The race also forms part of the wider Edinburgh Marathon Festival, bringing together participants across several distances over the weekend. Read more in our Edinburgh Marathon 2027 guide. Midnight Sun Marathon, Norway 19 June 2027 The Midnight Sun Marathon takes place in Tromsø, high above the Arctic Circle, where the sun remains above the horizon throughout the summer nights. Runners set off in the evening and continue into the night beneath continuous daylight, creating an extraordinary atmosphere that is unlike almost any other European marathon. The route offers views of dramatic mountains, fjords and the surrounding Arctic landscape, with the distinctive Tromsø Bridge providing one of the event's memorable features. The combination of remarkable natural scenery, unusual race timing and the experience of running beneath the midnight sun makes Tromsø an exceptional destination for runners looking for something different. Read more in our Midnight Sun Marathon 2027 guide. Marathon du Médoc, France 4 September 2027 The Marathon du Médoc is unlike almost any other major running event, taking participants through the vineyards and wine estates of the Bordeaux region. Elaborate fancy dress, live music, food stations and wine tasting are all part of the experience, creating an atmosphere that places celebration firmly alongside the challenge of completing 42.195 kilometres. The route passes through picturesque wine growing landscapes and the grounds of celebrated châteaux, offering scenery rarely associated with marathon running. For runners who enjoy unusual events and memorable traditions, Médoc provides one of Europe's most distinctive marathon experiences. Read more in our Marathon du Médoc 2027 guide. The snow covered peaks of the Bernese Alps provide a spectacular backdrop to the Jungfrau Marathon, one of Europe's most challenging mountain races. Jungfrau Marathon, Switzerland September 2027, date to be confirmed The Jungfrau Marathon offers one of Europe's most spectacular mountain running experiences, taking participants from Interlaken into the heart of the Swiss Alps. The course passes through traditional Alpine villages, green valleys and mountain landscapes before climbing towards Kleine Scheidegg, beneath the imposing peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. With approximately 1,800 metres of elevation gain, this is a very different proposition from Europe's fast city marathons. The demanding climbs are rewarded with extraordinary views of the Bernese Oberland, making Jungfrau an unforgettable choice for runners seeking a physical challenge surrounded by some of Europe's finest mountain scenery. Berlin Marathon, Germany 26 September 2027 Berlin is one of the most famous marathons in the world, renowned for its exceptionally fast course and history of world record performances. The route takes runners through the German capital, passing important landmarks and neighbourhoods before the memorable finish through the Brandenburg Gate. As a World Marathon Major, Berlin attracts an enormous international field and some of the world's leading distance runners. Its combination of speed, prestige and a city shaped by extraordinary historical events makes it one of Europe's most desirable marathon destinations. Read more in our Berlin Marathon 2027 guide. Warsaw Marathon, Poland 26 September 2027 Warsaw provides a fascinating setting for a marathon, with the Polish capital's mixture of reconstructed historic buildings and modern architecture reflecting its complex history. The route explores different parts of the city, offering runners an opportunity to experience both its established neighbourhoods and more contemporary districts. The marathon has developed a growing international profile and is included in the European Marathon Classics series. Warsaw is particularly appealing to runners interested in discovering a European capital that receives less attention than many of the continent's traditional marathon destinations. Read more in our Warsaw Marathon 2027 guide. Lisbon Marathon, Portugal October 2027, date to be confirmed Lisbon's marathon is particularly attractive for its coastal setting, with the course traditionally featuring extensive stretches beside the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus. The open waterfront scenery provides a striking contrast to the narrow streets and steep hills associated with Portugal's capital. The event is part of the European Marathon Classics, bringing another major international race into the series. Lisbon's combination of ocean views, historic surroundings and Portuguese culture makes it a popular destination for runners looking for an autumn marathon abroad. Read more in our Lisbon Marathon 2027 guide. Amsterdam Marathon, Netherlands 31 October 2027 Amsterdam combines a fast marathon course with some of the Netherlands' most recognisable urban scenery. The route traditionally includes Vondelpark and stretches beside the River Amstel, offering a mixture of city streets, green spaces and waterside views. The finish inside Amsterdam's Olympic Stadium, built for the 1928 Games, is one of the event's great attractions. Runners complete their marathon on a historic athletics track, providing a fitting conclusion to a race with a strong international reputation. Read more in our Amsterdam Marathon 2027 guide. Colourful tulips and traditional canal houses capture the character of Amsterdam, home to one of Europe's leading autumn marathons. Frankfurt Marathon, Germany 31 October 2027 Frankfurt has established itself as one of Germany's leading fast marathons, with a relatively flat course through the country's financial capital. The route features modern skyscrapers, residential districts and stretches near the River Main, providing a varied picture of the city. The event's famous finish inside the Festhalle sets it apart from most European marathons. Runners enter an indoor arena filled with lights, music and cheering spectators, creating a dramatic final few metres after the long journey through Frankfurt's streets. Read more in our Frankfurt Marathon 2027 guide. Dublin Marathon, Ireland October 2027, date to be confirmed The Dublin Marathon is particularly well known for its enthusiastic local support, with spectators lining residential streets and neighbourhoods across the Irish capital. The course traditionally includes sections through Phoenix Park and other parts of the city, combining green spaces with busy urban surroundings. Dublin's friendly atmosphere has helped make the event popular with international visitors, while its established running tradition gives it a strong identity. The marathon offers an opportunity to experience the Irish capital through its communities rather than simply passing its best known tourist landmarks. Read more in our Dublin Marathon 2027 guide. Venice Marathon, Italy October 2027, date to be confirmed Venice offers one of Europe's most unusual marathon routes, beginning outside the historic lagoon city before following roads through the surrounding region. The course traditionally passes along the Brenta Riviera, where elegant villas and waterways provide a scenic introduction to the event. The final section brings runners into Venice itself, with temporary bridges installed to allow the race to cross the city's famous canals. Finishing beside the lagoon after passing through such an extraordinary setting makes this a particularly memorable Italian marathon. Read more in our Venice Marathon 2027 guide. Athens Marathon, Greece November 2027, date to be confirmed The Athens Marathon follows the historic route from Marathon to Athens, connecting modern distance running with the ancient story that inspired the event. The course is considerably more demanding than many major city marathons, with a sustained uphill section making it a challenging experience. The reward comes at the finish inside the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Few marathon finishes carry such historical significance, making Athens an essential consideration for runners interested in the origins of their sport. Read more in our Athens Marathon 2027 guide. Valencia Marathon, Spain December 2027, date to be confirmed Valencia has become one of the world's leading destinations for fast marathon running, with a flat course that regularly attracts outstanding elite performances. The route passes through broad city streets, with the Spanish city's modern architecture and enthusiastic spectators contributing to its growing reputation. The finish beside the City of Arts and Sciences is among the most recognisable in international marathon running, with the striking buildings and surrounding water creating a spectacular setting. Valencia's early December timing also makes it an attractive option for runners looking to complete a major marathon towards the end of the year. How To Choose Your European Marathon 2027 With so many outstanding events available, choosing a European marathon depends on what you want from the experience. Course profile, time of year, scenery, atmosphere and entry availability can all influence which race is the best fit. For runners chasing a personal best, Berlin, Rotterdam, Valencia, Amsterdam and Frankfurt are particularly attractive options. Those looking for spectacular surroundings might prefer Rome, Prague, Stockholm, Tromsø or Venice, while Athens offers a challenging route with a unique connection to marathon history. For runners seeking a more demanding physical challenge, the Jungfrau Marathon provides an opportunity to experience mountain running in the Swiss Alps. The Marathon du Médoc offers something entirely different, placing fancy dress, food and celebration at the centre of the experience. Entry arrangements vary between events, with some using ballots or lotteries and others offering general registration, charity places or authorised tour operator packages. Our individual marathon guides provide more detailed information to help runners choose and plan their next race. Explore More Running Events Europe's marathon calendar extends well beyond these 25 races, with events taking place in major cities, coastal destinations and smaller communities throughout the year. Our individual event guides provide detailed information about courses, entry arrangements, accommodation and what runners can expect on race weekend. Runners interested in completing a series of major events can also explore our European Marathon Classics guide, which covers the eight races included in the series. For those considering a shorter distance, our Top European Half Marathons To Run In 2027 article highlights another selection of outstanding running events across the continent.

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. The 20 races we've featured are arranged by their 2027 dates, where confirmed. Belfast City Half Marathon, the Great Scottish Run and Royal Parks Half Marathon are positioned according to their 2026 race dates because their exact 2027 dates have not yet been announced. Check their website to get the confirmed date. 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. Read more about the Bath Half here. 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. Reading Half Marathon 2027: 21 March Reading’s standout feature is its finish inside Reading Football Club Stadium. The established route begins in Green Park, takes runners through the town and university grounds, then brings them into the stadium for the final metres. That finish gives you something clear to picture throughout training. The course is undulating rather than completely flat, so prepare for more than a straightforward personal best attempt. 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. Read more about London Landmarks here. London Landmarks Half and the Royal Parks Half showcase all of the capital's major sites 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. Read more about the Hackney Half here. 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. Read more about the Great Manchester Run Half here. 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. Read more about the Edinburgh Half here. Take a tour of this fascinating city in the Edinburgh Half 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. Read more about the Big Half here. 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. Read more about the Great North Run here. 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. Read more about the Richmond Half Marathon here. Belfast City Half Marathon 2027: Date To Be Confirmed Belfast City Half Marathon is Northern Ireland’s largest half marathon. Its established route starts and finishes on Ormeau Embankment and travels through different parts of the city. The 2027 date has not been announced. The race took place on 20 September in 2026, but check the 2027 date and route before arranging travel. The Belfast Half takes in all of the city's major landmarks 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. Read more about the Cardiff Half here. 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. Read more about the Manchester Half Marathon here. Great Scottish Run Half Marathon 2027: Date To Be Confirmed Glasgow’s Great Scottish Run includes a half marathon and 10K. Its established half marathon route starts in the city centre and finishes at Glasgow Green, with crowds adding to the atmosphere along the way. The organiser has not announced a 2027 date. The 2026 race is 4 October, but confirm the new date before booking your trip. Oxford is a stunning setting for an autumn half marathon Oxford Half 2027: 10 October 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: October Date To Be Confirmed The Royal Parks Half Marathon combines central London landmarks with Hyde Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park and Kensington Gardens. It offers a London race experience with substantial time among the capital’s green spaces. The 2027 event is planned for October, but its exact date and final route have not been confirmed. The 2026 race is scheduled for 11 October. Read more about the Royal Parks Half here. Which Top UK Half Marathon Should You Run In 2027? Brighton offers an early coastal race, while Bath, Cambridge 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, with Belfast another option once its date is confirmed. October includes Cardiff, Manchester and Oxford, plus the Great Scottish Run and Royal Parks when their dates are announced. 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.