For marathoners, the Abbott World Marathon Majors is often the pinnacle of achievement. Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City represent six of the most important and icon marathons in the world. Their status as World Marathon Majors have made them high desirable running experiences, and correspondingly tough to gain entry.
But the truth is that 26.2 miles is too much for many runners. The half marathon is actually both the fastest growing and most popular global running event, so it’s fitting that 13.1 miles (21.1K) now has its own series, dubbed the SuperHalfs.
Launched in 2022, the SuperHalfs race series divides the events evenly between spring and fall (just like the World Marathon Majors), encouraging both recreational and elite runners to see how many they can accomplish in a calendar year.
And the races aren’t just for sightseeing tourist runners, as the series is constructed with six of the most professionally organized and speedy courses in Europe. The spring calendar features Lisbon, Prague and Berlin, while the fall slate includes Cardiff, Valencia, and Copenhagen. Each of these races is a major draw in its own right, with some having hosted the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships.
As an added bonus, if you can finish all six events within a five-year span, and you’ll earn an extra medal to mark your achievementโmuch like the Marathon Majors six star medal.
Key Races in the SuperHalfs Series
1. EDP Lisbon Half Marathon
- Date: March 9, 2025
- Location: Portugal
- Participants: 16,500
- This race offers a scenic route along the River Tagus, crossing the famous 25 de Abril BridgeโEuropeโs longest suspension bridge. Despite Lisbon’s hilly nature, the course itself is flat and fast, with near-perfect weather thanks to the city’s 300 days of sunshine. Ugandaโs Jacob Kiplimo set a world record here in 2021 with a time of 57:31.
2. Prague Half Marathon
- Date: April 5, 2025
- Location: Czech Republic
- Participants: 11,500
- Known for its beautiful scenery, this race takes runners through historic areas of Prague, including castles, bridges, and rivers. The SuperHalfs concept was actually born here, with more than half of participants in 2024 coming from international destinations.
3. General Berlin Half Marathon
- Date: April 6, 2025
- Location: Germany
- Participants: 35,000
- As the largest race in the SuperHalfs series, Berlinโs half marathon offers an iconic route past landmarks such as Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. Youโll finish the race with a victory lap under the Gate itself before celebrating with Germany’s famous pretzelsโperfect for replenishing lost sodium!
4. Copenhagen Half Marathon
- Date: Sept. 14, 2025
- Location: Denmark
- Participants: 25,000
- Runners follow a looped course through Copenhagen’s colorful neighborhoods and modern city center. The event is packed with entertainment, from DJs to choirs, and high-energy “Power Zones” that provide an extra boost when you need it most.
5. Cardiff Half Marathon
- Date: October 5, 2025
- Location: Wales, United Kingdom
- Participants: 27,500
- Cardiffโs half marathon takes runners past the city’s most famous landmarks, including Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay. Though it’s one of the smaller cities in the series, Cardiff brings plenty of energy with enthusiastic crowds cheering you on, often wishing you โPob Lwc!โ (Good luck in Welsh).
6. Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich
- Date: October 26, 2025
- Location: Spain
- Participants: 25,000
- Recognized as the top half marathon in Spain, this race offers wide streets and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. Along the route, you’ll spot the ancient Torres de Serranos gates and vibrant murals created by local artists. And donโt forgetโValencia is home to paella, so youโre in for a culinary treat post-race.
Travel Tips for the SuperHalfs Series
Unlike domestic races, traveling for the SuperHalfs series requires a bit more planning. Each city is well-connected by international airports, but you’ll want to manage logistics carefully. Travel companies that specialize in running tourism offer race packages that include everything from hotels to race registration.
Arriving at least 48 hours before the race is recommended, as last-minute bib pickups are often not allowed. Jet lag can be an issue, so plan accordinglyโwhether that means running on the first weekend of your trip or the last.
Remember to hydrate and fuel up properly while exploring new cities. Itโs easy to forget nutrition when you’re caught up in sightseeing. Also, be mindful of the terrainโmany of these cities have cobblestone streets and narrow roads, adding a unique challenge to your run.
Find out more info, including how and when to enter each race, at the SuperHalf Series site.