If you’re feeling nervous about stepping up to 13.1 miles, choosing a flatter half marathon can make all the difference. Not only do these routes keep the hills to a minimum, but most also offer pacers to guide you towards your target time.
Add in enthusiastic crowds and plenty of on-course support, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for a confident debut – or a fast PB.
Easiest UK half marathons
Manchester Half Marathon
Known for being both fast and friendly, the Manchester Half Marathon is a great option for those starting out or wanting to achieve a PB. There is practically no elevation, four water stations, two Applied Nutrition gel stations, and the course takes place on roads with very few uneven surfaces.
Because it’s Manchester, the course is full of lively spectators, live music and DJ sets, making it one of the country’s most vibrant half marathons. The Manchester Half Marathon usually takes place in October.
Bath Half Marathon
The Bath Half Marathon takes place in March, making it a good option for those training for a marathon in the following summer months. It’s also a cooler time of year to run a half marathon. While that may not sound appealing in theory, running is often easier in cooler temperatures because you’re not fatigued and dehydrated from the heat. The route runs along either side of the River Avon, with plenty of spectators along the way.
That said, it’s made up of two laps of the same course, so that might put off some runners. Similarly, other runners in the South West are fans of the nearby Bristol Half, as it’s equally flat, but it has an out-and-back course alongside the River Avon.
Robin Hood Half Marathon, Nottingham
This single-lap course takes runners across some of Nottingham’s beautiful green spaces, beginning and ending at Victoria Embankment and running through Wollaton Park. While most of the route is flat, there’s a small cobbled uphill section (don’t worry – it really is short), but you’re treated to a view of Nottingham Castle and the ancient pub Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem at the summit.
The Robin Hood Half and Mini Marathon take place in September, so there’s plenty of extra time for you to get prepared over the summer for the race.
Newport Half Marathon
The fast, flat half marathon in the historic city of Newport gives runners plenty to look at, with local landmarks and encouragement from spectators. The route begins by the River Usk and later runs through the ancient nearby village of Caerleon. The event usually takes place in spring – making it a handy race to tick off early in the year.
Edinburgh Half Marathon
It’s very rare to have a coastal half marathon that doesn’t have eye-watering elevation or terrain that’ll make your toes curl. The Edinburgh Half Marathon starts in the city’s historic centre and winds its way out towards the coast, crossing the Royal Mile and passing Edinburgh Castle. It then travels south through the charming suburbs of Portobello and Joppa, before finishing in Musselburgh.
This half marathon is the hill-hating runner’s dream, with a descent of almost 90 metres. This could be the fastest half marathon route in the world, the organisers suggest. The Edinburgh Half Marathon takes place in May.
Top tip: Edinburgh also has one of the fastest Parkruns in the UK, so you could head there for a few training runs.
Great Eastern Run, Peterborough
Taking place in October, the Great Eastern Run is a good option for runners wanting to get their training underway in the latter half of the year. Set exclusively on road and tarmac, this Peterborough-based half marathon provides ample opportunity for a PB. The route takes runners through the city centre, past Peterborough Cathedral and with very little elevation.
London Landmarks Half Marathon
If you’re worried about being bored during a half marathon, the London Landmarks Half might be the race for you. Beginning on Pall Mall and finishing just by Downing Street in Westminster, this flat half marathon gives you the opportunity to run down London roads without traffic.
Organised by pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s, the race is a relatively new addition to the half marathon calendar, only held for the first time in 2014. The London Landmarks Half Marathon takes place in April.
Shakespeare Half Marathon, Stratford-upon-Avon
The Shakespeare Half Marathon is both flat and fast, with a single loop (repeated for the full marathon distance) following closed roads and the Stratford Greenway footpath – which is a compact, level surface. There’s only about 100 metres of elevation across the full 13.1-mile distance.
Many who run the Shakespeare Half are first-time runners, so newbies will be in good company, while those wanting to dial in their PBs are also likely to shave minutes off their time here.
Cardiff Half Marathon
Cardiff Half brands itself as “flat, fast and scenic” – so we’re interested. It’s one of the largest road races in Europe, taking in landmarks including Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay and the Principality Stadium. Expect thousands of spectators, plenty of accompanying activities and a great day out.
Want to push yourself a little harder? Try one of the UK's toughest half marathons next. Or you could expand your horizons further, and try an ultramarathon or an Ironman.
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