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When it comes to setting yourself a fitness challenge, signing up for a half marathon in Europe 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.

If a sofa-loving bookworm like myself, who is naturally allergic to exercise, can do it (six times and counting), anyone can.

Wondering where to race next? These are Europe’s best half marathons for 2027.

Top European Half Marathons for 2027

Europe’s marathons and half marathons are some of the best on the planet, with annual races in iconic cities including Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Most take place in spring or autumn, offering ideal conditions to set a new personal best as you race along Amsterdam’s canals, the banks of the Seine, or wherever else your running shoes take you.

Here are the top half marathons in Europe to mark on your 2027 race calendar.

Berlin Half Marathon

iStock Photo / killerbayer

Date: Sunday April 4, 2027

The Berlin Half Marathon is a speedster’s dream.

It’s a flat course that slices through some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the 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 March 7, 2027

Picture yourself racing along the Seine, soaking in all the Parisian glory before crossing the finish line at Place de la Bastille.

The HOKA Semi de Paris 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 February 14, 2027

Swap the winter blues for sunshine in Spain.

The Barcelona Half Marathon starts and ends at Parc de la Ciutadella, and runs through the city centre past iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomf.

Expect friendly vibes and a buzzing post-race atmosphere.

You’ll also likely be racing 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

Image by ebroslu from Pixabay

Date: Sunday October 24, 2027

The Valencia Half Marathon 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 the record in 2021, coming in at just 1:02:52. No pressure.

Prague Half Marathon

Adobe Free Stock

Date: Saturday April 3, 2027

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 October 31, 2027

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.

Officially known as the Mizuno Half Marathon, it runs on the same day as the full Amsterdam Marathon, so the city is buzzing with thousands of cheering spectators lining the streets.

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 April 4, 2027

Want a Mediterranean challenge without the oppressive heat?

The Limassol Half Marathon hugs the Cypriot coastline, offering sweeping waterfront views and a flat course.

Having run this in 2023, I can confidently say that the race atmosphere is electric.

The March temperatures are also ideal for running, with sea breezes keeping things cool.

There’s plenty to see in and around Limassol before or after the race. Head to the Troodos Mountains for epic hiking trails, explore the amphitheater and agora ruins at the Kourion Archaeological Site, or soak up more sea views at the Limassol promenade.

Insider tip: Treat yourself to a traditional Cypriot meze once the running is done. It’s a crash course in the local cuisine made up of dozens of small, sharing plates featuring everything from fresh tzatziki and grilled halloumi to succulent souvlaki skewers.

Lisbon Half Marathon

Image by asdeliciasdabela from Pixabay

Date: Sunday March 7, 2027. October date TBC.

Lisbon hosts two half marathons every year: its renowned SuperHalf in March, followed by a smaller race in October.

The main Lisbon Half is one of the fastest half-marathon races in the world and starts on the 25 de Abril Bridge, overlooking the city and the Tagus River, with much of the route following along the riverfront.

The spring race gets all the fame, but my favourite European half-marathon route is actually the October edition.

On the morning of the race, 18,000 nervous runners gather in the middle of the Vasco da Gama bridge, above 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: Lisbon’s main half marathon finishes at the Jerónimos Monastery, just a few minutes’ walk from the legendary Pastéis de Belém, where you can try fresh pastel de nata made using the original secret recipe.

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 European half marathons are held in spring or autumn, offering mild conditions ideal for running and sightseeing.

Tips for 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 if you don’t have data to share your PB and medal pics on social media, does it really count?

Airalo keeps you connected with regional European eSIM packages and country-specific eSIMs, so you’ll have data for your fitness tracker, socials, and all your running apps without missing a step.