AJ Bell Great Manchester Run

A spring half marathon can be a great motivator to get your running shoes on during the winter months and build your mileage up. Whether it’s your first half marathon or you’re using it as part of training for a spring marathon there are plenty of great races to choose from.

We’ve picked some of our favourite spring half marathons. Now all you need to do is pick a race and download a half marathon training plan.

1. Cambridge Half Marathon

Date: 14 March
Entry: Pre-registration open now.

One of the biggest half marathons in the UK, this race is super popular and sells out fast. You can pre-register now and then you’ll have to be quick to bag a charity place to run this fast, flat course. Entry fees are not cheap, but you get free race photos so smile at all those photographers.

How to enter: Via race website

Image: Cambridge Half Marathon

2. Liverpool Half Marathon and 10 Miler

Date: 15 March
Entry fee: £40

This popular race is the biggest road race in Merseyside and you’re sure to have a great atmosphere as you make your way around Liverpool. The mainly flat route takes in Liverpool Marina and Albert Dock. There’s also a 10 mile and 10k option.

How to enter: sign up online.

Looking for a marathon? Check out the flattest marathons in the UK.

Image: Liverpool Half Marathon

3. Sheffield Half Marathon

Date: 4 April
Entry: From £37

With a city centre start and finish, this event attracts big crowds of spectators to cheer you on. And you might just need the encouragement as the route (as you might expect from a race in Sheffield) takes in a fair bit of gradient. You are however, rewarded with views of the Peak District and, as all the climbing is in the first half, a downhill second half.

How to enter: You can enter online now.

Image: London Landmarks Half Marathon

4. London Landmarks Half Marathon

Date: 4 April
Entry fee: Charity places only.

Fancy a spot of sightseeing as you weave your way through the centre of London? The London Landmarks Half will take you past the Tower of London, The Gherkin, St Paul’s Cathedral and many more. What’s more, the route features musical performances, DJs, dancers and themed cheer stations.

How to enter: The 2027 Ballot has now closed but charity places are available.

Image: Doug Evans

5. Bath Half Marathon

Date: 14 March
Entry: Charity places available.

Take to the streets of this iconic World Heritage Site city in March, with a surprisingly flat course. The Bath Half attracts runners of all abilities, so you’ll fit right in whatever your pace. Starting in the iconic Victoria Park, you’ll wind through the streets in a double loop of the city, finishing beneath the stunning Bath Crescent. With around 15,000 runners each year, it’s a great medium-sized race option.

How to enter: Via race website.

6. Liverpool Half Marathon

Date: 14 March
Entry: From £36

Take in some of Liverpool’s most iconic sights as you run through the city, including the impressive Liverpool Cathedral. The 13.1-mile route finishes near the historic Royal Albert Dock, making for a memorable finish in the heart of the city.

How to enter: Via race website.

Image: AJ Bell Great Manchester Run

7. AJ Bell Great Manchester Run Half Marathon

Date: 23 May
Entry fee: £54

The half marathon starts at 8:00am, which for the very end of spring is the perfect time to start – on warm days, you’ll be thankful for that early alarm. It also means that once you finished, you can watch the elite race of the 10k that runs alongside the half marathon. Come for the mostly flat course and enjoy the roar of the crowd as they cheer you home along Deansgate.

How to enter: Entries are open now.