Running has never been more popular and ‘on-trend’’ than it is in 2024 going into 2025. Because of this, entries into running events have skyrocketed to numbers that have never been seen before. In fact, the London Landmarks Half Marathon has reported a 80% increase in year on year registrations. One of the most popular running distances is the half marathon which is 13.1 miles or 21.1 kilometres in distance.
Europe is home to some of the most stunning countries and cities in the world. Because of this, there are a huge amount of incredible half marathon running events that take place across the continent every single year. With so many events to choose from, it can sometimes be slightly difficult to choose exactly which event is best for you.
Here at realbuzz, we work with some of the very best half marathon events all across Europe. In this article, we will take a look at 6 unmissable half marathon events across Europe and discuss how you can secure a place for 2025.
Why Are Half Marathons So Popular?
The half marathon distance is one of the most popular running event distances on the planet. This is not at all by chance, there are a large number of reasons behind the incredible popularity of the distance and events.
The main reason behind the popularity of the distance is that for many intermediate runners, the half marathon distance offers a feeling of accomplishment and challenge without the endurance factors on muscles and joints that can come with longer distances such as full marathons. So even after a hard race, runners tend to be able to muster up enough energy to get through the day and celebrate their incredible achievement. Especially beneficial when you’re racing in destination cities and want to squeeze in some sightseeing on foot.
Another reason behind the distance popularity is that it provides the perfect stepping stone before taking on the coveted full marathon. Beginner runners often start with shorter runs such as 3-5ks and then progress towards a 10k and then to a half marathon, before taking the final jump towards the full marathon.
The 6 Best Half Marathons In Europe For 2025
Countries such as Italy, France, Belgium, Sweden and Norway have a plethora of beautiful cities which are home to many different incredible running events. However, the home of the 6 best European half marathons reside in different locations. Below we have listed 6 of the very best half marathons across Europe.
Lisbon Half Marathon
Date: 9th March 2025
Start Time: 9:30 am
Temperature: 10°C - 18°C
Portugal is a country that is home to a huge number of incredible half marathon running events. However, the biggest and undoubtedly most popular is the Lisbon Half Marathon which takes place in the country’s capital every March. The Half Marathon sees around 27,000 runners take the start line on the famous Abril Bridge.
Due to the event being known for its fast and flat course, the Lisbon Half Marathon is a favourite amongst both elite runners and amateurs looking to smash their personal bests. In addition to the flat and fast nature of the course, runners also flock to the incredible event to enjoy the incredible views of the Portuguese capital.
Guaranteed Entry To The 2025 Lisbon Half Marathon - But be quick, places are selling out fast and your window to sign up is closing very soon!
Prague Half Marathon
Date: 5th April 2025
Start Time: 10:00 am
Temperature: 7°C - 17°C
The Prague Half Marathon is one of the most unique and beautiful half marathon events in the world, not just in Europe. Incredible history, architecture, and landscape decorate the whole half marathon course and ensure that there is not a single kilometre of the course that does not boast incredible scenery and entertainment.
Over 11,500 runners take to the startline of the Prague Half Marathon every year. This makes it the single largest half marathon event in the Czech Republic, and it is clear to see why. The course is predominantly flat and fast meaning that it is the perfect course for runners of all abilities who want to enjoy an incredible event in an incredible city.
Have you signed up for the 2025 Prague half marathon? Check out our guide on everything you need to know for the Prague Half Marathon 2025.
Guaranteed Entry To The 2025 Prague Half Marathon
Berlin Half Marathon
Date: 6th April 2025
Start Time: 10:00 am
Temperature: 5°C - 14°C
Germany’s capital, Berlin, is home to one of the most notable and popular half marathon events in Europe, the Generali Berlin Half Marathon. Boasting one of the most iconic finish lines in front of the famous Brandenburg Gate, over 35,000 runners take part in the incredible half marathon event every single year.
The incredible course takes runners on a sightseeing tour around some of the most iconic landmarks in the country’s capital. The route is super flat and super fast and is therefore perfect for beginners looking to take on their first half marathon or more advanced runners looking to break their personal bests.
Guaranteed Entry To The 2025 Berlin Half Marathon
Copenhagen Half Marathon
Date: 14th September 2025
Start Time: 9:30 am
Temperature: 11°C - 17°C
The Copenhagen Half Marathon is one of the most popular running events in both Denmark and Europe. Each year over 22,000 runners run the breathtaking streets of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, passing iconic landmarks such as The Parliament Christiansborg and The Black Diamant.
Also known as the world record course, the Copenhagen Half Marathon course is incredibly wide, flat and fast, making it the perfect event for runners of all abilities. Most runners also report a lovely tailwind that helps to make the 13.1-mile run through the Copenhagen streets just that little bit faster!
Guaranteed Entry To The 2025 Copenhagen Half Marathon - But be quick, we only have around 30 places left for 2025!
Valencia Half Marathon
Date: 26th October 2025
Start Time: 8:25 am
Temperature: 13°C - 24°C
Spain is home to a huge number of incredible running events that take place in locations like Barcelona, Madrid, Sevilla and other incredible cities. However, its award-winning half marathon resides in Valencia. The event was awarded the title of the best half marathon in Spain by the Royal Spanish Athletics Federation and is the fastest half in the country.
The popularity of the event comes from its extremely flat, fast, and picturesque course that takes over 20,000 runners through the picturesque streets of Valencia. This incredible course is decorated with cheering locals and incredible spectators that make the experience even more special for runners. So if you are looking to go for a personal best in one of the most incredible cities in Europe, the Valencia Half Marathon is perfect for you.
Guaranteed Entry To The 2025 Valencia Half Marathon
Cardiff Half Marathon
Date: 5th October 2025
Start Time: 10:00 am
Temperature: 9°C - 15°C
The Cardiff Half Marathon has established itself as one of the UK’s biggest half marathon events and sees around 27,500 runners take to the start line each year. The runners are taken on a journey around the stunning capital of Wales and past a number of popular landmarks such as Cardiff Bay, the Civic Centre and Cardiff Castle.
In 2016 the event hosted the World Half Marathon Championships and has cemented itself as a globally recognised event ever since. The route is flat, fast, and full of cheering spectators who are there to motivate you and give you the extra push you need to ace your race.
Guaranteed Entry To The 2025 Cardiff Half Marathon
What Is The SuperHalfs Half Marathon Series?
The SuperHalfs Half Marathon Series is a collection of six of the best and fastest half marathon events that Europe has to offer. The series includes the Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Valencia, and Cardiff half marathons and gives runners a 60-month period to complete them all in order to receive the prestigious SuperMedal at the finish line of your final race of the six.
The Series, however, is not all about the medal. The SuperHalfs half marathons have been chosen as they are six of the most prestigious half marathon events in Europe. Therefore every runner who runs the Series will experience events that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Since its inauguration in 2022, the SuperHalfs has established itself as one of the most popular running series on the planet, alongside the Abbot World Marathon Majors.
Other Amazing Half Marathon Events In Europe
London Landmarks Half Marathon - one of the most popular and largest halfs in the UK, the London Landmarks Half Marathon sees runners take to the streets of central London and traverse all the major sights of the city. The course is incredibly unique as the only closed road event to go through both the City of London and the City of Westminster and is highly experiential, with the course decorated with live music, live dancers and actors as you race through history. Find out everything you need to know about the London Landmarks Half Marathon.
Napoli City Half Marathon - This unbelievable course takes runners on a journey around the streets of Napoli with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The event is one of Italy's most popular thanks to its incredibly fast course and amazing scenery. Sign up for the Napoli City Half Marathon today!
Wiener Städtische Half Marathon Vienna - The Wiener Städtische Half Marathon takes you through Vienna’s most amazing sights, including the breathtaking start at the Reichsbrücke. The popularity of this event comes from its incredibly flat and fast course which makes it perfect for PBs and first-timers. Sign up for the Wiener Städtische Half Marathon today!
Guaranteed Event Entry Through Charity Places With realbuzz
As the global home of charity running, realbuzz provides guaranteed event entry through charity places to many of the world’s most popular events and helps runners choose a charity close to their hearts so that their miles can mean more. All you have to do is raise money for the amazing cause that you choose.