The Best Half Marathons to Run in 2023

Getting ready to run a half marathon in 2023? There are so many choices this year, depending on what type of half marathon you are looking for. Whether you’re looking for something popular that features a lot of runners, or something scenic to enjoy the view, or just a course that will let you run a fast race, we’ve got a great round-up of half marathons for you to enjoy in 2023.

The Most Popular Half Marathons for 2023

1. The Great North Run. This half marathon takes place in the United Kingdom and is the largest half marathon in the world, with over 57,000 participants.
2. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. This series of half marathons takes place in cities around the world, including Madrid, San Francisco, and Las Vegas. The races feature live music along the course and a post-race concert.
3. The Disney Princess Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place at Walt Disney World in Florida and is popular with runners of all ages. The course features characters from Disney movies and a post-race celebration at Cinderella’s Castle.
4. The Paris Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in the city of Paris and features a flat, fast course that takes runners past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
5. The Brooklyn Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in Brooklyn, New York and features a course that takes runners through iconic neighborhoods like Park Slope and Williamsburg.

The Most Scenic Half Marathons for 2023

There are many half marathons around the world that offer stunning scenic routes. Here are a few examples:

1. The Big Sur Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in California and features a course that winds along the Pacific Coast Highway, offering breathtaking views of the ocean.
2. The Great Wall Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in China and features a course that runs along the Great Wall of China, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
3. The Great Ocean Road Running Festival. This half marathon takes place in Victoria, Australia and features a course that runs along the Great Ocean Road, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the Twelve Apostles.
4. The Half Marathon of Patagonia. This half marathon takes place in Patagonia, Chile and features a course that runs through the breathtaking Patagonian landscape, including the Torres del Paine National Park.
5. The Banff Marathon. This half marathon takes place in Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada and features a course that runs through stunning mountain scenery.

These are just a few examples of half marathons that offer scenic routes. There are many other races to choose from depending on your location and interests.

The Fastest Half Marathons for 2023

There are many half marathons around the world that offer fast course times, making them popular with runners looking to set personal records (PRs). Here are a few examples:

1. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon San Diego. This half marathon takes place in San Diego, California and features a flat, fast course that is popular with runners looking to set PRs.
2. The Houston Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in Houston, Texas and features a fast, flat course that has earned it the nickname “the fastest half marathon in Texas.”
3. The Philadelphia Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and features a fast, mostly flat course that has earned it the nickname “the fastest half marathon in the Northeast.”
4. The Las Vegas Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in Las Vegas, Nevada and features a fast, mostly flat course that is popular with runners looking to set PRs.
5. The Chicago Half Marathon. This half marathon takes place in Chicago, Illinois and features a fast, mostly flat course that is popular with runners looking to set PRs.

These are just a few examples of half marathons that offer fast course times. There are many other races to choose from depending on your location and interests.

How to Choose the Right Half Marathon for You in 2023

Choosing the right half marathon to run can be a challenging but exciting task. Here are some tips to help you choose the right race:

1. Consider your goals. Are you looking to set a personal record (PR), run a scenic route, or participate in a particular event? Knowing your goals will help you narrow down your choices and find a race that aligns with your interests.
2. Look for a race with a course that fits your abilities. Consider your current fitness level and choose a race with a course that is appropriate for your abilities. If you’re new to running, for example, you might want to choose a race with a more gently rolling course rather than one with a lot of hills.
3. Consider the location. Think about where you would like to run your half marathon. Do you want to stay close to home or travel to a new location? There are half marathons in cities and towns all around the world, so you have many options to choose from.
4. Check the race details. Look for a race that offers amenities like water stations, medical support, and post-race refreshments. You might also want to consider the size of the race, as larger races might offer more amenities but may also be more crowded.
5. Read reviews and ask for recommendations. Look for reviews of the race online or ask friends or colleagues who have run the race for their recommendations. This can give you a sense of what to expect on race day and help you make an informed decision.

By following these tips, you can choose a half marathon that is right for you and aligns with your goals and abilities. Remember to start training early and have fun on race day!