Top 10 Half Marathons in Europe in the Sunshine (Spring 2020)

Intro

Haven't seen the sun in 15 days? Craving a change of scenery for a long weekend?

We've got what you need: we've selected the best half marathons to run in Europe from January to April 2020… in the sunshine!

In short: Spain / Italy / Croatia / Portugal, easily accessible from France for a long weekend.

The perfect opportunity to discover a city while running, but above all, ABOVE ALL, to skip the PB* and better enjoy the scenery and local gastronomy.

Cheers!

Antoine and Michael

*personal best for those in the know

January 26, 2020: Seville Half Marathon (Spain)

Why?

We could go on for hours about Seville, we're such fans of this race... okay, we'll admit we haven't tested them all (having done Seville 3 times instead), but this race is without a doubt one of the best to do.

First of all, Seville is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia (and even in Spain). Full of little alleys, pleasant to live in, filled with small restaurants and tapas bars, affordable (to get there, to stay, and to go out). Plus, the race takes place every year on the 3rd Monday of the year, considered the most depressing day of the year... quick recap: in 3 editions, 3/3 bright sunshine, 3/3 over 20°C.

Race bonus: the finish at Plaza de España (new 2019 route)

Link / Registration: €35

February 16, 2020: Barcelona Half Marathon (Spain)

Why?

With the marathon considered by many as one of the best in Europe, it was natural to include the half marathon in this list. Barcelona is culturally one of the richest cities in Spain: Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and so much more... Watch out though for the mental breakdown after the Chupitos bar.

Race bonus: enjoy the sea spray along the coast, complete your recovery with simple buttered pasta

Link / Registration: €25

February 16, 2020: Verona Half Marathon (Italy)

Why?

We're leaving Spain for Italy. Not necessarily the most famous city, Verona is nonetheless a charming city, with its share of small streets, its quays, its little hill from which you can admire the city. It's also one of the rare cities in Emilia-Romagna that isn't known by a food name (Modena, Bologna, Parma…)... because it's actually the city where the story of Romeo and Juliet takes place (hence the name of the half marathon)

Race bonus: perfect for running as a couple. Watch out though for those tempted to post on Strava "run with the Mrs" to justify their 2+ hour half marathon.

Link / Registration: €20 - €38

February 23, 2020: Split Half Marathon (Croatia)

Why?

The Croatian "Barcelona". A city steeped in history: built in Roman times around the immense palace at its center, then under Venetian rule, very lively (second most populated city in Croatia), but above all by the sea! We highly recommend you visit! Quite difficult to access though (usually a stopover in Zagreb is necessary).

Race bonus: the sea, the sea, the sea

Link / Registration: €22 - €54

March 8, 2020 : Rome / Ostia Half Marathon (Italy)

Why?

Same thing, we could go on forever about Rome, we're such fans, but it comes down to two points: an absolutely stunning city and incredible gastronomy. We highly recommend not skipping Trastevere between visits, a neighborhood that's a bit more "Roman" and less "touristy".

Race bonus: legendary pasta party

Link / Registration: €33

March 22, 2020: Lisbon Half Marathon (Portugal)

Why?

Simply one of the biggest half marathons in Europe: over 35,000 participants, one of the fastest too (top 5) but above all… in a city that every June celebrates sardines. Unthinkable to make this ranking without including the Lisbon half marathon! Be prepared to tackle the half after visiting the city, because there's elevation!

Race bonus: the finish on the bridge

Link / Registration: €50

March 22, 2020: Malaga Half Marathon (Spain)

Why?

One of Spain's best-kept secrets! We too often associate Malaga with a (big and ugly) seaside resort. Except that, off-season, it's above all the 6th largest city in Spain and the economic heart of Andalusia. It's a city that lives. To the rhythm of the local population, always packed into its many tapas bars in the heart of the historic center (far from the concrete image you might have of a seaside resort) or other "chiringuitos" (meaning "beach bars") along the sea.

Race bonus: route mainly along the sea

Link / Registration: €25-€30

March 29, 2020: Madrid Half Marathon (Spain)

Why?

Because it's the Spanish capital! Because there are thousands of things to see and do and because it's very easily accessible from France for a weekend.

Link / Registration: €25

April 5, 2020: Florence Half Marathon (Italy)

Why?

It would be a bit difficult to rank Italian cities by beauty, the competition is so fierce (Venice, Rome…), but Florence is without a doubt a little gem in terms of cultural heritage! A city that smells of Tuscany and that you'll want to explore at a leisurely pace.

Link / Registration: €24 - €32

April 26, 2020: Dubrovnik Half Marathon (Croatia)

Why?

Race with extremely limited spots (no doubt to avoid leaving empty Stimium gels everywhere). Unfortunately already sold out for 2020 (shame! shame! shame!), remember to mark it on your 2021 calendar because the route of this race along the walls is absolutely dreamy!

Bonus: the route, along the walls, in the heart of the historic center

Link / Registration: €30 - €55