By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified run coach

If you’re looking for the best half marathons to see breathtaking sites and experience thrilling races, you’re in luck - there are a wide range of half marathon races around the globe to suit every preference. From the most popular half marathon in the world to the most scenic, these are some of the best half marathons to run.

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The Popularity of the Half Marathon

A half marathon is a race that is equal to one half of a marathon distance, or 13.1 miles - 21 kilometers. While the marathon is a big commitment of 26.2 miles, the half marathon is still challenging while requiring less training to get through the finish line. As a running coach and longtime runner, I personally love the half marathon for its spirit that celebrates distance running and allows you to enjoy and soak in the scenery. I’ve been lucky to be able to run half marathons in some of my favorite places - Paris, Mexico, and NYC.

And I am not alone in my love for the half marathon. According to researchers, half marathons and 5K races are the most popular race distances in the world. A half marathon requires long-term planning and training without the long recovery time of running marathons. It’s a great travel race where you can take in sights and enjoy a place plus do a half marathon and return home feeling good.

For this post, I have divided the best half marathons into the most popular races in cities and the most scenic half marathons. Whether you’re chasing an adrenaline high with thousands of people cheering and the excitement of city lights or you want to take in incredible natural views, you’ll find a race on this list that’s perfect for you.

Best Half Marathons in Cities

The most popular half marathons happen in bustling urban centers, attracting people from around the world. You can experience the thrill of thousands of people cheering, see iconic sites, and run through historic neighborhoods at the best city half marathons.

New York City Half Marathon

The New York City Half Marathon is one of the most popular half marathons in the world, with around 25,000 participants in the 2023 event. The urban race begins in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, traverses the Manhattan Bridge, and passes iconic sites including Times Square, Grand Central Station, and Central Park.

The energy of the runners and the cheering fans is thrilling and the race is a perfect half marathon for those who love big-city energy and landmarks. The spring race happens on a Sunday in the middle of March every year.

Paris Half Marathon - Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris

Another popular spring half marathon is the Paris Half Marathon, called the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris. You can run through the romantic City of Light and see some of the most famous sites, including the Place de la Bastille, the River Seine, and the Hôtel de Ville. The picturesque race attracts 40,000 runners from around the world.

London Royal Parks Half Marathon

If you're looking for the best half marathons in the fall months, check out the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London. You’ll see iconic London sites along the route, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the Strand, and three Royal Parks. The October race is the perfect time of year to see colorful fall foliage.

BMO Vancouver Half Marathon

The BMO Vancouver Half Marathon is fast and scenic and occurs in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The race has a downhill course but you won’t want to run too fast to see the cultural melting pot tour that goes through neighborhoods including Chinatown, Yaletown, and the West End. With picturesque coastal views and the city’s natural beauty all around, this half marathon is the perfect late spring race for runners looking for a beautiful city half marathon.

The Great North Run

The Great North Run is the largest half marathon in the world. The popular race occurs in North East England between Newcastle upon Tyron and South Shields and offers stellar entertainment, a great cheering crowd of thousands of people, and plenty of festivities. You’ll pass by Newcastle landmarks, traverse the Tyne Bridge, enjoy seaside views along the North Sea, and get treated to lots of music along the course.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon

If you want to see plenty of city lights, check out the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon. I ran this race years ago and will never forget the experience of running along the Vegas Strip at night. The entire Las Vegas Strip is shut down for the race, allowing runners exclusive access to this iconic location. The course is mostly flat, with minimal elevation changes. The nighttime atmosphere is filled with excitement as you run past iconic Vegas hotels and landmarks.

San Francisco Half Marathon

The San Francisco Half Marathon offers a unique running tour of California’s City by the Bay. You can choose your route for the half marathon, with the first route finishing in breathtaking Golden Gate Park. The second route also offers Golden Gate Bridge views and hits iconic neighborhoods including the Mission District and Haight-Ashbury. If you want to combine a city run with sweeping natural views and cultural attractions, the San Francisco Half Marathon is the perfect summer race destination.

Most Scenic Half Marathons

Some of the best half marathons for beautiful scenery include beaches, mountains, and tropical forests. The most picturesque half marathons are great destination races if you’re interested in going on a travel adventure. Check out these half marathons with breathtaking views:

The Great Wall Half, China

Conquer one of your bucket list items and run along the Great Wall of China at the Great Wall Half, which is part of the Run the Great Wall Marathon event. This unforgettable race allows you to run on one of the 7 Wonders of the World, see incredible views, and tackle one of the most challenging courses that includes thousands of steps. With the opportunity to experience ancient history, the Great Wall Half is an adventure of a lifetime.

Kilimanjaro Half Marathon

For a challenging adrenaline-fueled race, you can conquer the tallest free-standing mountain in the world at the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon in Tanzania. Run through the town of Moshi and then take in sweeping panoramic views as you embark on a gradual climb up the mountain. With plenty of crowd support and unparalleled views of the mountain, the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Monterey Bay Half Marathon

Run along the gorgeous Pacific coast of California at the Monterey Bay Half Marathon. If you love beaches, this coastal race fits the bill, offering picturesque views of historic Monterey and crashing waves along the Pacific Ocean shoreline.

The course is relatively flat, with only a few rolling hills. The most significant hill is at mile 10, which is a short but steep climb. However, the overall elevation gain is minimal, making this course a good option for runners of all abilities. The scenic race takes place in November.

Polar Night Half Marathon, Norway

Experience the thrill of an Arctic night winter at the Polar Night Half Marathon in Tromsø, Norway. The early January race is Norway’s most popular winter race and happens in the dark, as the sun never rises above the horizon during this time of year in Norway. Watch for the famed Northern Lights as you embark on this thrilling race.

Safari Half Marathon, South Africa

The Big Five Marathon and Half Marathon offer a chance to run wild in the South African savannah. You’ll have the opportunity to spot some of the big five wildlife, including lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards on this remarkable safari run. The race takes place in June, making it a great vacation race.

Kauai Half Marathon, Hawaii

One of the best vacation races is the Kauai Half Marathon in Hawaii. The palm-tree-lined course includes stunning beach views, lush, tropical foliage, and plenty of crowd support from locals. Experience stunning natural beauty along rugged cliffs, tropical forests, and serene beaches at this scenic half marathon.

The race happens in early September, making it a great fall getaway.

Disney Half Marathon, Florida, U.S.

Disney Half Marathon races are some of the most popular American races. These festive themed runs have beloved Diskey characters, costumes, and great bling. The Wine and Dine Disney Half Marathon weekend happens in late October to early November and includes food-centric themes, delicious snacks, and Disney characters.

Athens Half Marathon, Greece

Journey to the birthplace of the marathon race for the Athens Half Marathon in Greece. You’ll run through the ancient Greek city and pass Greek Parliament buildings, Mount Lycabettus, and the Acropolis as you soak in the history. The scenic spring race happens in March.

Elevate Your Running

Have you run any of the best half marathons in the world? Comment below with your favorite half marathons or tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your runs and get cheered on.

Need a training plan to help you crush your next half marathon and build your endurance? Head to the Runstreet Training Center for half marathon training plans and customized training programs. Elevate your running and run at your best with our personalized coaching.

Happy running to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

15 Best Half Marathons in the World