15 Best Half Marathons in the World (Fast, Scenic Destination Races)
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 taste. You can enjoy running on a scenic course and experiencing the thrill of getting an epic finisher's medal at these half marathons. From the most popular half marathon in the world to the most scenic, these are some of the best half marathons to run.
Related Posts: Tips to Prepare for a Half Marathon, Half Marathon Training Plan for Beginning Runners
The Paris Half Marathon is one of my favorite races.
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, blogger, and longtime runner, I personally love half marathons for exciting destination races and opportunities to soak in the scenery. I’ve been lucky to be able to run a half marathon race 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. Half marathon training includes easy runs, weekly long runs, and ideally a balance of strength training and cross training. The half marathon distance offers a great travel race where you can sightsee, have fun, do a half marathon, and return home feeling great after race weekend.
For this post, I have divided the best half marathons into the most popular races in cities (including the largest half-marathons), the fastest half marathon races in the world, and the most scenic half marathons for destination races. 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 for unforgettable travel adventures.
Best Half Marathons in Cities with Lots of Crowd Support
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 vibrant urban neighborhoods at the best city half marathons.
| Race Name | Location | Timing | Highlight / Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| NYC Half Marathon | New York City, USA | March | Times Square closure, Brooklyn Bridge & Central Park finish |
| Paris Half Marathon | Paris, France | March | Place de la Bastille, River Seine & Bois de Vincennes |
| Love Run Philly Half | Philadelphia, PA, USA | March | City murals, historic architecture & Art Museum finish |
| Royal Parks Half | London, UK | October | Autumn foliage through four historic London Royal Parks |
| Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas | Las Vegas, NV, USA | February | Nighttime run closing down the world-famous Vegas Strip |
Photo by Marques Jackson Photography.
New York City Half Marathon
Location & Timing: New York City, USA
Course & Terrain: Rolling hills through city streets, paved urban route.
Highlight / Vibe: One of the only times Times Square is completely shut down for a race, taking you from Prospect Park over the Manhattan Bridge to a Central Park finish.
Best For: Big-city energy, iconic landmark views, and bucket-list city racing.
The New York City Half Marathon is one of the most popular half marathons in the world, with around 27,000 participants in the 2024 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. Whether it's your first half marathon or your 50th, this race is a bucket-list experience with fantastic crowd support. The spring race happens on a Sunday in the middle of March every year in New York City in the United States.
Sign up is via lottery or charity bibs via New York Road Runners.
The River Seine is a scenic backdrop for the Paris Half Marathon.
Paris Half Marathon - Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris
Location & Timing: Paris, France | March
Course & Terrain: Flat to gently rolling paved streets.
Highlight / Vibe: A romantic, high-energy tour of the City of Light passing Place de la Bastille, the River Seine, and finishing near Bois de Vincennes.
Best For: European racecations, culture lovers, and international runners.
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 along the racecourse. The picturesque annual race attracts 40,000 runners from around the world.
London Royal Parks Half Marathon includes historic sites like Buckingham Palace.
London Royal Parks Half Marathon
Location & Timing: London, UK | October
Course & Terrain: Flat, smooth, and paved park roads.
Highlight / Vibe: Winding through colorful autumn foliage in four historic Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens) plus Buckingham Palace views.
Best For: Autumn scenery, historic sightseeing, and PR chasers.
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 course for seeing lots of London sites and it's during a great time of year to see colorful fall foliage. Note: Race entry is primarily available through ballot and charity entries.
I really enjoyed the scenic Love Run Philly Half Marathon.
Love Run Philly Half Marathon
Location & Timing: Philadelphia, PA, USA | March
Course & Terrain: Mostly flat with rolling sections through Fairmount Park.
Highlight / Vibe: Spring kickoff atmosphere with incredible crowd support, historic city murals, downtown landmarks, and a grand finish at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Best For: Great crowd energy, historic views, and a fun spring goal race.
The Love Run Philly Half Marathon is one of my personal favorite races. This race has great vibes, incredible scenery with historic architecture, beautiful murals, and pretty park scenes, and lots of crowd support. I loved the scenic course and the well-planned event. It’s a great destination race in a city with good food and lots of energy.
Run the Strip at night at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
Location & Timing: Las Vegas, NV, USA | February
Course & Terrain: Flat, fast, and fully paved.
Highlight / Vibe: A unique nighttime race where the world-famous Las Vegas Strip is completely closed off, lined with live bands, DJs, and neon lights.
Best For: Party vibes, fast times, and night-owl runners.
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.
Fastest Half Marathons with Flat Courses
These smooth, flat half marathon races are full of PR potential, making them popular races for those who want to fly.
| Race Name | Location | Timing | Highlight / Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin Half Marathon | Berlin, Germany | April | World-famous flat PR course & Brandenburg Gate finish |
| Lisbon Half Marathon | Lisbon, Portugal | March | 25 de Abril Bridge start & fast, flat coastal finish |
| Great North Run | Newcastle, UK | September | World's largest half marathon with a fast net-downhill route |
The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic end to the Berlin Half Marathon.
Berlin Half Marathon
Location & Timing: Berlin, Germany | April
Course & Terrain: Pancake-flat, fast, and 100% paved city streets.
Highlight / Vibe: Widely considered one of the fastest half marathons in the world, featuring grand spring crowds and iconic landmarks like the Victory Column, Potsdamer Platz, and a memorable finish sprint through the Brandenburg Gate.
Best For: PR chasers, fast times, and spring European racecations.
If you’re chasing a personal record, the Berlin Half Marathon is considered one of the fastest 13.1-mile courses in the world. Famous for its flat, spectator-lined streets, this spring race takes you past iconic historical landmarks like the Victory Column and Potsdamer Platz before rewarding you with an unforgettable finish sprint through the famous Brandenburg Gate. It’s an ideal bucket-list race for PR chasers and spring racecationers alike.
Planning to chase a personal best here? Use our 12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan to help you crush your goal time.
Run with the energetic crowd at the Great North Run.
The Great North Run
Location & Timing: Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields, UK | September
Course & Terrain: Point-to-point, net downhill to the coast with undulating roads.
Highlight / Vibe: The largest half marathon in the world with over 60,000 runners, electric local cheer crowds, and a famous Red Arrows flyover.
Best For: Unmatched field size, world-class crowd support, and electric race-day energy.
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. Finishing the race is a crowning achievement for any half marathon runner.
See the stunning 25 de Abril suspension bridge at the Lisbon Half Marathon.
EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
Location & Timing: Lisbon, Portugal | March
Course & Terrain: Extremely flat, fast, and paved along the Tagus River coastline.
Highlight / Vibe: Opens with a breathtaking start directly across the famous 25 de Abril suspension bridge, offering panoramic views of the city before leading into a fast coastal finish.
Best For: Bridge view lovers, PR chasers, and early-spring European travel.
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon in Portugal is world-famous for its spectacular start on the 25 de Abril Bridge, giving runners a rare opportunity to run across Europe’s Golden Gate twin with sweeping, elevated views of the Tagus River and the iconic Cristo Rei statue. After descending the bridge, the point-to-point course levels out into a flat, lightning-fast coastal route that traces the river, providing smooth, straight pavement perfect for setting a personal record. Combining world-record speed potential with historic views passing landmarks like the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, it stands as one of Europe’s premier spring race destinations.
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:
| Race Name | Location | Timing | Highlight / Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Wall Half Marathon | Tianjin, China | May | Bucket-list mountain trail tackling over 5,000 stone steps along ancient ramparts |
| Kilimanjaro Half Marathon | Moshi, Tanzania | Feb / March | Stunning backdrop views of Mount Kilimanjaro with massive local crowd cheer support |
| Monterey Bay Half Marathon | Monterey, CA, USA | November | Pacific coastline, historic Cannery Row & crashing ocean waves |
| Polar Night Half Marathon | Tromsø, Norway | January | Arctic winter race run in perpetual darkness with torches and the Northern Lights |
| Big Five Safari Half Marathon | Entabeni, South Africa | June | Unfenced game reserve trail running alongside African savanna wildlife |
| Kauai Half Marathon | Kauai, Hawaii, USA | September | Lush tropical rainforest, famous Tunnel of Trees & ocean views |
| Athens Half Marathon | Athens, Greece | March | Historical spring course through ancient landmarks at the birthplace of running |
The Great Wall of China has incredible views.
The Great Wall Half, China
Location & Timing: Tianjin, China | May
Course & Terrain: Extreme mountain trail including over 5,000 stone steps.
Highlight / Vibe: A grueling yet awe-inspiring trek traversing ancient stone ramparts and rural villages along the Great Wall of China.
Best For: Adventure seekers, bucket-list endurance challenges, and history buffs.
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 runs along side the famous mountain.
Kilimanjaro Half Marathon
Location & Timing: Moshi, Tanzania | February / March
Course & Terrain: Moderate incline on asphalt and dirt roads.
Highlight / Vibe: Magnificent backdrop views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, accompanied by massive local crowd cheer support and live bands.
Best For: African travel adventures, mountain backdrop views, and high-energy community vibes.
For a stunning race, you can run along side the tallest free standing mountain in the world at the Kilimanjaro Half Marathon in Tanzania. Run through the town of Moshi and take in sweeping panoramic views of 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 has incredible seaside views.
Monterey Bay Half Marathon
Location & Timing: Monterey, CA, USA | November
Course & Terrain: Mostly flat, oceanfront paved route.
Highlight / Vibe: Ocean breezes and crashing Pacific waves alongside historic Cannery Row and Pacific Grove shoreline.
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Best For: Coastal beauty, marine wildlife spotting, and refreshing ocean breezes.
Run along the gorgeous Pacific coast of California at the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, America's prettiest 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.
The Polar Night Half Marathon offers a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Polar Night Half Marathon, Norway
Location & Timing: Tromsø, Norway | January
Course & Terrain: Flat, snow-covered or icy paved roads (spikes recommended).
Highlight / Vibe: Running in perpetual Arctic darkness illuminated by flaming torches, winter snow, and the chance to see the Northern Lights overhead.
Best For: Extreme winter runners and bucket-list Arctic adventure travelers.
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 takes place in beautiful Entabeni Game Reserve.
Safari Half Marathon, South Africa
Location & Timing: Entabeni Game Reserve, South Africa | June
Course & Terrain: Rugged trail, deep sand, and steep dirt inclines.
Highlight / Vibe: A wild, unfenced trail run directly through an African game reserve, running alongside lions, elephants, and rhinos.
Best For: Safari lovers, extreme trail runners, and eco-adventure travelers.
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
Kauai Half Marathon includes incredible rainforest views.
Location & Timing: Kauai, Hawaii, USA | September
Course & Terrain: Rolling hills with lush tropical elevation.
Highlight / Vibe: A tropical paradise run taking you through the famous Tunnel of Trees, past ocean vistas, and surrounded by rainforest foliage.
Best For: Destination racecations, tropical scenery, and post-race beach relaxation.
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 around Labor Day, making it a great fall getaway. Note: Race registration typically opens in late autumn for the following year’s race.
Run by the Acropolis in the Athens Half Marathon.
Athens Half Marathon, Greece
Location & Timing: Athens, Greece | March
Course & Terrain: Rolling city roads with historic pavement sections.
Highlight / Vibe: Running through the birthplace of marathon running, passing ancient sights like the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and historic temples.
Best For: History enthusiasts, European spring racing, and cultural sightseeing.
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? Run through your next big race with the help of professional training, crushing even your last miles. Head to the Runstreet Training Center for half marathon training plans and customized training programs designed by me, a running coach and Brooklyn-based fitness trainer. Whether you want to lower your marathon time or get faster for your next 5K, I can create a personal training program with enough intensity to push you to the next level of running. Elevate your running and run at your best with a customized training schedule and virtual coach.
Happy running to you!
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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.
