Not Every Runner Needs a Marathon: The Super Halfs May be What You are Looking For
I recently ran the Manchester Half Marathon, and going into it I didn’t feel particularly prepared or, to be honest, very motivated. Don’t get me wrong, I love running, but lately my body hasn’t quite played ball. At 56, I was starting to feel like I’d lost my running vibe.
What I am learning, though, is that I can’t keep getting caught up in my past personal bests or comparing where I am now to where I used to be.
Running around Manchester reminded me that I’m still capable. I surprised myself with my pace and stamina. I’m not too old, far from it. I was well ahead of plenty of runners younger than me, and that felt good.
Somewhere around mile 8, I had a good chat with myself. I told myself to stop beating myself up about where I am right now and just enjoy it.
‘Look at you, out here running well, much better than you expected, high fiving all the little kids, taking it all in and still feeling strong’.
I crossed the line, and met my daughter, with a smile on my face – much to her surprise!
That race gave me a spark back. It reminded me why I run in the first place, because I love the feeling of being out there, pushing myself, and crossing the line proud of what I can still do.
It also reminded me that you don’t have to be a marathoner to be a runner. I’ve run marathons and enjoyed the challenge, (maybe not all of them!) but I’ve realised that my wheelhouse is the shorter distances. The half marathon feels just right. It’s far enough to be a challenge but not so far that it takes over your life. Training keeps you consistent and motivated without being overwhelming. It’s kind to your body and your time. It’s just my kind of distance. I will leave the marathons to my husband. Those are definitely in his ‘wheelhouse’.
My plan now is to enjoy the 5ks and 10ks and throw a half marathon in every now and then for an extra challenge. That’s what led me to think again about the Super Half Marathons, an ‘extraordinary running series for ordinary runners’, just right up my street. I had embarked on the Super Half Marathon series back in 2021 , with my first race booked for Lisbon in March along with a few of my friends. However, the pandemic happened and Lisbon didn’t.
How the Super Half Marathon Series Works
The SuperHalfs is a series of six half marathons across Europe, Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia. (Originally there were 5 Races, Berlin was added in 2024). It’s designed for runners who love the 13.1-mile/21k distance and want to combine running with a bit of adventure and tourism.
The organisers built the series around three simple ideas:
- Give ordinary runners the chance to experience extraordinary races.
- Encourage travel and connection through running.
- Promote sustainability by working with cities that care about the environment and responsible tourism.
In short, the SuperHalfs are for runners like me, people who love to set goals, explore new places and keep running fun.
The idea first came about in 2020, when a few of Europe’s top half marathons joined forces to create something special. They wanted to give everyday runners the chance to experience world-class races in beautiful cities, the kind of events usually reserved for elites. The pandemic delayed things a bit, but the series officially got going a couple of years later and has been growing ever since.
Each race in the series is known for being exceptionally well organised, scenic and flat. You get the buzz of a major event without the pressure or exhaustion of marathon training.
Once you register for your first SuperHalfs event, you get a digital SuperPassport. Every time you complete another race in the series, you earn a virtual stamp. When you’ve finished all six, you receive the SuperMedal and a spot in the SuperHalfs Hall of Fame.
You can run them in any order, at your own pace, and there’s no longer a time limit to finish all six, (originally you had to complete all races in 3 years). Each race has its own entry process, so you still sign up through the official race websites, but if you link your SuperPassport when you register, your results are automatically added to your record.
Most of the SuperHalfs now require entry via a ballot system, a product of their growing popularity and the sheer number of people taking up running. It’s worth planning ahead and checking opening dates early, as spots tend to go quickly.
Registering for The Super Halfs
| Race | Date 2026 | Registration / Entry Info |
|---|---|---|
| EDP Lisbon Half Marathon (Lisbon, Portugal) | 8 Mar 2026 | Lottery opens in June. Currently closed for 2026 entries. |
| 28 Mar 2026 | Typically opens late August through September. Follow @prghalf on Instagram for notices. Potentially could do Prague and Berlin on the same weekend if you are lucky enough to have entries to both. (4-5 hours travelling between both cities) | |
| Generali Berlin Half Marathon (Berlin, Germany) | 29 Mar 2026 | Registration opens April – May. Tour operator packages or charity entries still available. |
| Copenhagen Half Marathon (Copenhagen, Denmark) | 20 Sept 2026 | Lottery entry opened March 2025; general registration closed. |
| Cardiff Half Marathon (Cardiff, Wales, UK) | 4 Oct 2026 | Registration opens September-October. Ballot Results Day is October 23 2025 for 2026 Race. |
| Valencia Half Marathon Trinidad Alfonso Zurich (Valencia, Spain) | 25 Oct 2026 | Ballot Registration opens on Nov 4th for 2026 Race. |
Other Options for Entry to Super Halfs
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Travel agency packages with guaranteed entry | The SuperHalfs website lists official travel partners that offer race entry bundled with accommodation, transfers, and other extras. These packages include guaranteed entries for races that are otherwise sold out. View official travel partners. |
| Charity / fundraising entries | You can secure a guaranteed place by signing up through an approved charity partner. You’ll commit to raising a set fundraising amount and in return receive your entry slot. See charity entry options. |
| SuperHalfs “help if you’re stuck” rule | If you’ve already completed some races but can’t get into one of the remaining events, the SuperHalfs organisers can help with special access codes or entry guidance so you can complete the series. Read the official FAQ. |
Plan for Your Super Halfs Adventure
Running the Super 
Halfs feels like the perfect next chapter for me. It’s a way to keep chasing goals, explore new cities and stay connected to what I love about running without the intensity of marathon training. The Majors are not on my horizon.
If, like me, you fancy exploring these European cities through a more ‘doable’ event, the key is to plan ahead. Getting an entry isn’t always straightforward, so keep an eye out for when registrations open. I’m not usually keen on booking things too far in advance, but it might be necessary to secure a place. That said, running a half doesn’t demand the same level of commitment as a full marathon. It’s a goal you can realistically achieve, and a brilliant excuse for an adventure with your running buddies.
Need a Half Marathon Plan – check out Achieve Running Club for plans, support and advice.
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