When it comes to setting yourself a fitness challenge, running a half marathon is the perfect middle ground.
It's long enough and requires enough training and dedication to feel like an accomplishment.
But it's not so gruelling that you'll be crying by mile ten and coming up against the dreaded wall.
Plus, if a sofa-loving bookworm like myself, who is naturally allergic to exercise, can do it (six times and counting), anyone can.
The Best Half Marathons in Europe for 2025
For runners of all levels and PBs, Europe offers some of the best half-marathons on the planet.
From racing past world-famous landmarks to pacing yourself along stunning coastal routes, there's something for every kind of runner.
Ready to lace up? Here are the top half marathons in Europe to mark on your 2025 race calendar.
Berlin Half Marathon
iStock Photo / killerbayer
Date: Sunday 6th April, 2025
Berlin's half marathon is a speedster's dream.
It's a flat course that slices through some of the city's most iconic sights, including Berlin Cathedral and Victory Column.
The enthusiastic crowds keep your spirits high and the city's top-notch public transport makes logistics a breeze.
Then there's the weather. Berlin in April is all crisp air and mild temperatures, giving perfect conditions for a new PB.
Pro tip: Don't leave without refuelling with a post-race currywurst.
Paris Half Marathon
iStock Photo / OnickzArtworks
Date: Sunday 9th March, 2025
Picture yourself speeding past the Eiffel Tower, racing along the Seine and soaking in all the Parisian glory.
This half marathon offers more sightseeing in 21 kilometres than a week of tourism.
Plus, the route is flat, fast and a visual treat. Just watch your step on the cobblestones.
Why it's worth it: Run, eat baguettes, sip wine. The trifecta of joy.
Barcelona Half Marathon
Image by Nikolaus Bader from Pixabay
Date: Sunday 16th February, 2025
Swap the winter blues for sunshine in Spain.
The Barcelona Half Marathon runs through the city centre, passes architectural gems like Sagrada Família and finishes by the sea.
Expect friendly vibes and a buzzing post-race atmosphere.
You'll also likely be running at or around my favourite running temperature of 15°C. Perfect.
Don't miss: A post-race tapas feast - you earned it.
Valencia Half Marathon
Date: Sunday 26th October, 2025
Valencia is famous for its super-smooth roads and perfect racing conditions.
It's one of the fastest half marathons in Europe, making it a favourite for PB hunters.
Imagine a scenic dash through futuristic architecture and palm-lined streets.
This city knows how to host a race.
Fun fact: Valencia holds the world record for the fastest women's half marathon ever run.
Ethiopia's Letesenbet Gidey smashed it in 2021, coming in at just 1:02:52. No pressure.
Prague Half Marathon
Adobe Free Stock
Date: Saturday 5th April, 2025
Fairytale vibes? Check. Beautiful city centre? Check.
The Prague Half Marathon winds through the city's Old Town, over the Vltava River and past stunning baroque architecture.
It's a feast for the eyes - just don't get so distracted that you accidentally stop off for a chimney cake.
Best bit: The pre-race atmosphere in Prague’s cobbled streets is pure magic.
Amsterdam Half Marathon
Image by wal_172619 from Pixabay
Date: Sunday 19th October, 2025
The Amsterdam Half is perfect for first-timers.
The flat course runs through parks, along canals and into the city's Olympic Stadium.
It's laid-back, scenic and well-organised.
Plus, the event celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, in the same year that the city of Amsterdam turns 750.
Put your run victory on top and three parties in one sounds like the perfect plan to me.
Extra perk: You get to feel like a champion as you cross the finish line in a real stadium.
Limassol Half Marathon
Adobe Free Stock
Date: Sunday 23rd March 2025
Want a Mediterranean challenge without the oppressive heat?
Limassol Half Marathon hugs the Cypriot coastline, offering sweeping waterfront views and a flat course.
Having run this in 2023, I can confidently confirm that the race atmosphere is electric.
The March temperatures are also ideal for running, with sea breezes keeping things cool.
Pre-and-post race, Limassol also has city tours, street art tours, opportunities to explore nearby towns and plenty of excellent food and drink to make a long weekend of it.
Insider tip: Post-run, take a trip into the mountains with local experts Cyprus Taste Tours and learn about the art of producing the Cypriot wine commandaria.
Lisbon Half Marathon
Image by asdeliciasdabela from Pixabay
Date: Sunday 26th October 2025
My favourite half-marathon route of all time, last but not least, is the October edition of Lisbon's Half.
On the morning of the race, 18,000 nervous runners gather in the middle of the Vasco da Gama bridge, looking out over the sparkling Tagus River.
The run then takes them down the waterfront and into the heart of Lisbon, as residents and visitors alike cheer from the sidelines.
Bonus: Afterwards, Lisbon's many fantastic draws are your reward - free fado, lunching at LX Factory, sunbathing at Carcavelos and tonnes more. Unbeatable.
Why Run a Half Marathon in Europe?
- Scenic routes - Europe has a lion's share of picturesque hotspots. This means many half marathons here take in historic towns, coastal roads, famous bridges and architectural wonders.
- World-class atmospheres - You'll be running shoulder-to-shoulder with participants from around the world. It's a global running party.
- Perfect weather - Most of these races are in spring or autumn, offering the kind of mild conditions that are ideal for running and sightseeing.
Tips - Planning your European Half Marathon
- Book way in advance - Half marathons sell out fast. Secure your spot and your accommodation well in advance. You don't want to overspend or find everything's fully booked a week before the run.
- Sleep early, leave early - Most runs start early on Sunday morning. Nobody wants to miss Saturday nightlife in a new city, but turning in early and leaving lots of time to get to the start line is a must. Everything is busier on run day, so add another third onto Google Maps' predicted journey time.
- Fun after run - If there's one thing I'd recommend about timing your trip, it's to take the bulk of your holiday after, not before, the event. This is a mistake I made when booking my first run. You can't go hard at the local cakes, wines and ice creams in the days before. Oops! Lesson learned.
Run to Victory, Not Out of Data
It's great to know you're at peak fitness and to achieve a goal.
But everyone knows the point of running a half marathon in Europe is to share your PB and medal pics on social media.
Planning ahead with a travel eSIM from Airalo makes life easier.
Stay connected to your fitness tracker, maps and race updates without missing a step.
Check out affordable data packages for your destination here.
