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If you’re looking for a way to get fit and raise money for a good cause, why not challenge yourself to a half marathon? The South West hosts some of the UK’s best half marathons, and with so many to choose from, there’s never been a better time to lace up your running shoes.
Feeling inspired? Here are some of the best half marathons in London and the South West, all of which are easy to get to using public transport. Or check out our London Marathon guide if you fancy a longer run.
The best half marathons in London
Catch a train to London and travel to your run’s starting point from popular stations, including London Waterloo and Clapham Junction.
Battersea Park Half Marathon
runthrough.co.uk/event/battersea-park-half-marathon-march-2024/
What? A flat run that’s ideal for runners of all levels and those aiming to achieve a personal best. Afterwards, why not celebrate with a post-match meal at Battersea Power Station?
Where? Around the park’s boating lake, starting and finishing at the Bandstand.
Who can enter? The course is easy to follow and open to all abilities.
Date: 9th of March 2024.
Entry fee: From £34.00.
Any perks? Themed medal, race pictures, water and post-race treats.
Nearest SWR station: Queenstown Road (Battersea).
Wimbledon RunUK Half Marathon
runuk.co.uk/e/wimbledon-half-marathon-4048
What? This marathon starts and finishes at the peaceful Wimbledon Common, supported by local organisations.
Where? The route begins at Wimbledon Common near Rushmere Pond and snakes through Wimbledon Village, looping back through a residential area to Wimbledon Common.
Who can enter? With flat terrain and a relatively quiet route, the race is open to all abilities.
Date: 26th of May 2024.
Entry fee: From £28.
Any perks? Chip timing, themed medals, official race photos, post-race goodies and snacks, free baggage drop and toilets at the start/finish area.
Nearest SWR station:Wimbledon.
Richmond RunFest Half Marathon
run-fest.com/events/richmond-half-marathon
What? A run through many scenic spots in Richmond, including Richmond Bridge, Ham House and Kew Palace.
Where? Through Kew Gardens and the deer-speckled Richmond Park, and along the River Thames, finishing at a music festival.
Who can enter? This Richmond half marathon is flat and fast. It’s simple to follow and open to over 17s.
Date: 15th of September 2024.
Entry fee: From £45.50.
Any perks? A free race pack and medal. Water stations and marshals are present throughout the race.
Nearest SWR station: Richmond.
Royal Parks Half Marathon
royalparks.org.uk/support/run-cycle-swim/royal-parks-half-marathon
What? An exciting run through four of London’s famous Royal Parks and past ancient landmarks, with entertainment to keep you going on the day.
Where? The Central London running route takes you through Hyde Park, Green Park, St James's Park and Kensington Gardens.
Who can enter? Those aged 17 and over can register their interest for the Royal Parks Half Marathon.
Date: 13th of October 2024.
Entry fee: From £30. Secure your spot by running for charity or entering a corporate team. The minimum sponsorship target is £350.
Any perks? A free running vest and prizes for the highest team fundraisers.
Nearest SWR station: London Waterloo
Remembrance Day Half Marathon
phoenixrunning.co.uk/events/remembrance-day-marathon-half-marathon
What? This riverside run starts at 09:00, a fantastic way to raise money for Remembrance Day, with a spectacular route to follow.
Where? Beginning at Elmbridge Xcel Sports Hub in Walton-on-Thames, the route takes you along the towpaths of the Thames. You’ll need to complete two laps to achieve a half-marathon distance.
Who can enter? The course is flat and fast with an encouraging and friendly atmosphere, perfect for anyone who wants to challenge themselves.
Date: 10th of November 2024.
Entry fee: From £37.95.
Any perks? Finishers’ medal and a ‘race freeze’ at 11:00 for the 2-minute silence.
Nearest SWR station: Hersham.
The best half marathons in Hampshire
The best half marathons in Berkshire
Windsor Half Marathon
What? An annual run through the market town of Windsor, with Windsor Castle as an iconic backdrop.
Where? The route snakes through Windsor town centre, passing landmarks like the Copper Horse Statue, The Royal Chapel and the Prince Consort Statue along the way.
Who can enter? Anyone of any ability can run the Windsor Half Marathon.
Date: 24 September 2023
Entry fee: From £37.50
Any perks? Prize money for the top three men and top three women, a free medal, water stations throughout the course.
Nearest SWR station: Windsor & Eton Riverside
The best half marathons in Hampshire
Farnborough Winter Half Marathon
farnboroughhalf.co.uk
What? A fast and flat 13.1-mile run through Farnborough that takes place at the beginning of the year.
Where? The course starts under the Airship Hangar at Farnborough Airport, continuing in a semi-rural loop around Farnborough.
Who can enter? The traffic-free course is easy to navigate and perfect for all abilities.
Date: 21st of January 2024.
Entry fee: From £28.00.
Any perks? Medals for finishers, prizes for the fastest three men and women, chip timing, free race photos, Farnborough Winter Half bobble hat and High5 nutrition products post-race and t-shirts available at an extra cost.
Nearest SWR station:Farnborough.
Portsmouth Coastal Half Marathon
fitprorob.biz/event/portsmouth-coastal-half-marathon-2023
What? Set on the banks of Portsmouth’s glorious coast, the Coastal Half Marathon offers something for everyone.
Where? The half marathon begins at Southsea Castle. Its address is Castle Fields, Portsmouth PO5 3PA.
Who can enter? The course has a mixture of terrain, making this run more challenging than others. However, the race is open to all abilities.
Date: 17th of February 2024.
Entry fee: From £35.00.
Any perks? Chip timing, bespoke medal, goodie bag, onsite catering, race photography and entertainment at the finish line.
Nearest SWR station: Portsmouth Harbour.
The best half marathons in Berkshire
Windsor Half Marathon
runwindsor.com/
What? An annual run through the market town of Windsor, with Windsor Castle as an iconic backdrop.
Where? The route snakes through Windsor town centre, passing landmarks like the Copper Horse Statue, the Royal Chapel, and the Prince Consort Statue along the way.
Who can enter? Anyone of any ability can run the Windsor Half Marathon.
Date: 29th of September 2024.
Entry fee:From £33.00.
Any perks? Prize money for the top three men and top three women, a medal and water stations throughout the course.
Nearest SWR station:Windsor & Eton Riverside.
The best half marathons in Dorset
New Forest Half Marathon
newforestmarathon.co.uk/the-race/half-marathon-multi-terrain-2/
What? Part of the Garmin New Forest Marathon series, the New Forest Half Marathon is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it one of the most scenic races in England.
Where? Starting at New Park Showground, the race winds through country lanes and peaceful wooded areas, giving you special access to untouched parts of the New Forest as you run.
Who can enter? It’s a trail run, so it’s more challenging than a flat road. But entry is open to all abilities aged 17 and over.
Date: 8th of September 2024.
Entry fee: From £50.00.
Any perks? Bib and entry pack, official race photography, finishers’ medal and t-shirt, refreshments in the race village and a shuttle bus service.
Nearest SWR station: Brockenhurst. A shuttle bus service will operate from Brockenhurst railway station to the race start/finish area at a small extra cost.
The best half marathons in Devon
Exeter Half Marathon
What? This 31.1-mile half marathon has something for everyone, from the city's buzz to the countryside's tranquillity. Split over two days, enjoy a competitive race on Saturday or a relaxed run at your own pace on Sunday.
Where? A scenic route along Exeter’s historic Quayside and Riverside Valley Park, beginning in Exeter city centre.
Who can enter? Entry is open to runners of all abilities, although Sunday is a more relaxed event.
Date: 10 - 11 February 2024
Entry fee: From £39.60
Any perks? Medals, toilets, water stations, marked and marshalled routes.
Nearest SWR station: Exeter Central
Half marathons are a great way to stay fit in all weather, but if you prefer something a little more relaxing, take a look at the top walking trails in the South West. Discover cheap train tickets to your chosen half marathon by going off-peak. Passengers with a Railcard could save even more, and if you often travel in a group, consider GroupSave or a Family and Friends Railcard.
