Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner seeking your next big challenge or a first-timer looking for an easier course to conquer, there are plenty of races to undertake in the UK and Europe.
Interest in running has surged over the past year, with nearly 6.2 million people in England participating in 2023 – a 5% rise compared to the previous year. With Google search volume for ‘half marathons’ surging by 108% in the past three months, and ‘#MarathonTikTok’ reaching over 100 million posts, it confirms that these races are on trend at the moment. But which half and full marathons are truly the best, and which ones are the easiest (or toughest) to tackle?
ranking them based on factors like elevation gain, race ratings, course navigation, and average rainfall
Here at VegasSlotsOnline, we delved into the data to uncover the top races across the UK and Europe. We analysed a list of popular full and half marathons, ranking them based on factors like elevation gain, race ratings, course navigation, and average rainfall.
London Landmarks Half Marathon is the best half marathon in the UK
| Rank | Half marathon | Elevation gain (ft) | Race rating | Pre-event communication | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) | Google search volume (12 months) |
| 1 | London Landmarks Half Marathon | 442 | 4.68 | 4.76 | 4.76 | 9 | 9.4 | 22,200 |
| 2 | Reading Half Marathon | 393 | 4.47 | 4.62 | 4.76 | 8 | 6.4 | 5,400 |
| 3 | Milton Keynes Half Marathon | 439 | 4.60 | 4.78 | 4.83 | 8 | 4.9 | 1,000 |
| 4 | Brighton Half Marathon | 282 | 4.32 | 4.29 | 4.60 | 7 | 6.9 | 8,100 |
| 5 | Hampton Court Half Marathon | 200 | 4.39 | 4.54 | 4.62 | 7 | 4.9 | 2,400 |
| 6 | Ealing Half Marathon | 508 | 4.70 | 4.79 | 4.85 | 7 | 15.0 | 2,400 |
| 7 | Birmingham Half Marathon | 436 | 4.71 | 4.82 | 4.82 | 9 | 11.5 | 4,400 |
| 8 | Cardiff Half Marathon | 354 | 4.60 | 4.55 | 4.82 | 10 | 11.5 | 14,800 |
| 9 | Royal Parks Half Marathon | 334 | 4.51 | 4.32 | 4.74 | 8 | 11.8 | 12,100 |
| 10 | Sheffield Half Marathon | 1,013 | 4.63 | 4.52 | 4.84 | 9 | 5.4 | 6,600 |
| 11 | Liverpool Half Marathon | 209 | 4.52 | 4.66 | 4.78 | 11 | 6.4 | 6,600 |
| 12 | Great Bristol Run | 370 | 4.33 | 4.55 | 4.61 | 8 | 6.6 | 1,600 |
| 13 | Bath Half Marathon | 393 | 4.26 | 4.33 | 4.47 | 8 | 6.3 | 8,100 |
| 14 | Manchester Half Marathon | 380 | 4.44 | 4.50 | 4.84 | 11 | 10.3 | 12,100 |
| 15 | Leeds Half Marathon | 666 | 4.44 | 4.50 | 4.80 | 9 | 11.0 | 5,400 |
| 16 | Windsor Half Marathon | 702 | 4.51 | 4.31 | 4.71 | 7 | 14.9 | 3,600 |
| 17 | Hackney Half Marathon | 291 | 4.16 | 4.20 | 4.50 | 8 | 12.7 | 4,400 |
| 18 | Isle of Wight Half Marathon | 816 | 4.48 | 4.60 | 4.60 | 8 | 17.1 | 260 |
| 19 | Oxford Half | 311 | 4.06 | 4.16 | 4.54 | 8 | 11.3 | 1,000 |
| 20 | Great Birmingham Run | 462 | 4.16 | 4.31 | 4.44 | 9 | 11.5 | 2,400 |
1. London Landmarks Half Marathon
Our study showed that the best half marathon in the UK is the annual London Landmarks Half Marathon. Doing exactly what it says on the tin, this marathon takes runners through central London via many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Nelson’s Column.
London Landmarks has the highest demand out of all the half marathons we analysed, with an average of 22,200 Google searches worldwide in the past year. The race is also a hot topic on social media, with 36.7 million TikToks tagged ‘#LondonLandmarkMarathon,’ showing how popular this race is with runners and those seeking a personal challenge. Those who have already taken part in the marathon also seem to be impressed, as it has the third-best race rating of 4.68 out of 5.
There are an average of nine days of rain during April, when the event takes place, so there’s a good chance that runners will experience a rain-free race. The average temperature is 9.4°C, fairly close to the optimum temperature for running, which is 6.8°C.
2. Reading Half Marathon
The runner up (no pun intended) for the best UK half marathon is the Reading Half Marathon. Bringing runners together for over 40 years, this race is a popular challenge undertaken by locals and people all over the country.
Reading also has the ideal temperature in March when the event takes place
Though its Google search volume is much lower than London Landmarks, with just 5,400 global searches in the last year, it achieves consistent high scores for race rating, pre-event communication and course navigation. Reading also has the ideal temperature in March when the event takes place, at a comfortable 6.4°C – just 0.4°C away from prime running temperature.
And with only eight days of rain during this month, runners are also likely to experience good weather during the event – just another added bonus!
3. Milton Keynes Half Marathon
Ranked third among the best half marathons, the Milton Keynes Half Marathon offers a scenic, circular route through city parks and along the Grand Union Canal, attracting more than 4,500 applicants each year. The scenery alone might just inspire you to join the race!
Despite an even lower Google search volume, at 1,000 searches per year, the Milton Keynes Half Marathon has high scores for its overall race rating, pre-event communication and course navigation.
The Snowdonia Half Marathon is the hardest half marathon in the UK
Half marathons are both exciting and challenging, giving us a sense of accomplishment, the chance to connect with a supportive community, and the opportunity to explore scenic parts of the country.
While the experience can be rewarding, the difficulty of each race depends on factors like terrain, elevation, weather, and course design. To help you choose the right race for your goals, we’ve identified some of the most challenging half marathons that will push your limits, as well as the most accessible ones that promise a more enjoyable and beginner-friendly experience.
| The Hardest Half Marathons | |||||
| Rank | Half marathon | Elevation gain (ft) | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) |
| 1 | Snowdonia Half Marathon | 1,919 | 4.88 | 11 | 10.4 |
| 2 | Nottingham Half Marathon | 528 | 3.64 | 7 | 14.0 |
| 3 | Isle of Wight Half Marathon | 816 | 4.60 | 8 | 17.1 |
| 4 | Edinburgh Half Marathon | 597 | 4.51 | 10 | 9.6 |
| 5 | Manchester Half Marathon | 380 | 4.84 | 11 | 10.3 |
The hardest half marathon in the UK might not come as a shock considering the terrain of this race. The Snowdonia Half Marathon features a challenging elevation gain of 1,919 feet, with runners ascending nearly 2,000 feet through hills and climbs during the race. However, Snowdonia has some of the most incredible scenery in the UK, and the breathtaking Welsh countryside makes the effort worthwhile!
This half marathon does have the highest course navigation score of 4.88 out of 5, meaning the course is likely to be well marked-out so that runners know exactly where they’re going at all times.
the lowest course navigation score of all marathons at 3.64
The Nottingham Half Marathon takes the spot as the second hardest half marathon in the UK. It has an elevation gain of 528 feet, nearly a quarter of the elevation of Snowdonia, but still very challenging. It has the lowest course navigation score of all marathons at 3.64, so runners might have some trouble knowing where to go. The average temperature during the race is around 14°C, which, while mild, could feel warm for some participants, potentially adding to the overall difficulty of the race.
Ranking third is the Isle of Wight Half Marathon. It boasts the highest average temperature of all half marathons, making it particularly demanding for runners, especially under warmer conditions. The course features an elevation gain of 816 feet, adding to its difficulty and ensuring a tough challenge for participants.
| The Easiest Half Marathons | |||||
| Rank | Half marathon | Elevation gain (ft) | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) |
| 1 | Brighton Half Marathon | 282 | 4.60 | 7 | 6.9 |
| 2 | Hampton Court Half Marathon | 200 | 4.62 | 7 | 4.9 |
| 3 | Reading Half Marathon | 393 | 4.76 | 8 | 6.4 |
| 4 | Great Bristol Run | 370 | 4.61 | 8 | 6.6 |
| 5 | Milton Keynes Half Marathon | 439 | 4.83 | 8 | 4.9 |
The Brighton Half Marathon takes first place for the easiest half marathon in the UK. This marathon has an elevation gain of just 282 feet, a course navigation score of 4.60, and an average temperature of 6.9°C, making it an accessible race with minimal elevation challenges and optimal weather. The Hampton Court Half Marathon follows closely, with the lowest elevation gain of 200 feet and a slightly better course navigation score of 4.62.
The Reading Half Marathon, while having a higher elevation gain of 393 feet, offers the best course navigation score of 4.76 out of the top three, along with an average temperature of 6.4°C, ensuring a well-marked and manageable route for runners.
The London Marathon is the best full marathon in the UK
For those ready to double the distance and embrace an even greater challenge, we’ve explored the top full marathons in the UK. Whether you’re looking for a personal best or simply want to conquer the distance, these marathons stand out as the best in the UK for dedicated runners.
| Rank | Full marathon | Elevation gain (ft) | Race rating | Pre-event communication | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) | Google search volume (12 months) |
| 1 | London Marathon | 597 | 4.74 | 4.80 | 4.85 | 9 | 9.4 | 110,000 |
| 2 | Brighton Marathon | 682 | 4.29 | 4.39 | 4.62 | 7 | 9.1 | 14,800 |
| 3 | Ely Tri Club Runfest | 160 | n/a | n/a | n/a | 8 | 7.6 | 30 |
| 4 | Shakespeare Marathon | 744 | 4.55 | 4.40 | 4.94 | 9 | 8.8 | 590 |
| 5 | Yorkshire Marathon | 603 | 4.61 | 4.57 | 4.91 | 9 | 10.5 | 4,400 |
| 6 | Southampton Marathon | 290 | 4.52 | 4.49 | 4.57 | 9 | 9.4 | 2,400 |
| 7 | Milton Keynes Marathon | 738 | 4.59 | 4.57 | 4.80 | 8 | 12.0 | 2,400 |
| 8 | Manchester Marathon | 482 | 4.29 | 4.36 | 4.63 | 10 | 8.1 | 27,100 |
| 9 | MBNA Chester Marathon | 816 | 4.79 | 4.87 | 4.91 | 10 | 11.0 | 170 |
| 10 | Newport Marathon | 367 | 4.10 | 4.50 | 4.50 | 9 | 8.9 | 4,400 |
| 11 | Windermere Marathon | 793 | 4.52 | 4.91 | 5.00 | 11 | 9.7 | 1,600 |
| 12 | Kielder Marathon | 2,011 | 4.68 | 4.66 | 4.89 | 10 | 9.3 | 1,300 |
| 13 | New Forest Marathon | 912 | 4.59 | 4.62 | 4.86 | 8 | 15.5 | 1,600 |
| 14 | Loch Ness Marathon | 1,437 | 4.79 | 4.79 | 4.96 | 11 | 11.8 | 8,100 |
| 15 | Isle of Wight Marathon | 1,958 | 4.52 | 4.75 | 4.75 | 9 | 12.3 | 480 |
| 16 | Snowdonia Marathon | 2,624 | 4.87 | 4.79 | 4.98 | 11 | 10.0 | 2,400 |
| 17 | Farnham Pilgrim Marathon | 2,499 | 4.65 | 4.43 | 4.71 | 7 | 14.7 | 140 |
| 18 | Edinburgh Marathon | 603 | 4.01 | 3.95 | 4.51 | 10 | 9.6 | 18,100 |
| 19 | Belfast Marathon | 718 | 4.31 | 4.52 | 4.55 | 11 | 10.6 | 8,100 |
| 20 | Three Forts Marathon | 3,450 | 4.21 | 4.00 | 4.33 | 7 | 12.2 | 140 |
1. London Marathon
The London Marathon stands out as the best full marathon in the UK and attracts thousands of applicants and participants each year, making it one of the largest marathons globally. In fact, 53,000 people completed the race in 2024, the largest turnout on record.
The event boasts an impressive race rating of 4.74 out of 5 and excels in pre-event communication with a score of 4.80. Its course navigation score is high, earning a rating of 4.85. With an average of nine rainy days and a favourable temperature of 9.4°C, the race conditions are generally ideal. The London Marathon’s popularity is unmatched, with 110,000 searches in the past year, highlighting its status as a premier event.
the competition to secure a spot in popular running events has become tougher than ever”
A spokesperson at VSO comments: “As more people embrace a healthier and more active lifestyle, the competition to secure a spot in popular running events has become tougher than ever. For example, the 2025 TCS London Marathon received a staggering 840,318 applications, with only around 20,000 ballot places thought to be available. This means applicants faced just a 2.4% chance of successfully securing a spot for the following year’s race.”
2. Brighton Marathon
The Brighton Marathon, with a slightly higher elevation gain of 682 feet, holds a solid race rating of 4.29. It also performs well in pre-event communication and course navigation, scoring 4.39 and 4.62, respectively. With a lower demand of 14,800 searches, it’s still a significant event in the UK marathon scene — in fact, the race usually sees well over 11,000 people taking part each year!
3. Ely Tri Club Runfest
The Ely Tri Club Runfest, while much smaller in demand with only 30 searches, stands out for its minimal elevation gain of just 160 feet, meaning the course is fairly flat, as well as good weather conditions for running.
The UK’s hardest full marathons
Full marathons are tough, but some can be more challenging than others. Despite the difficulty, they are a great way for people to push their physical and mental limits, encouraged by the energy of cheering crowds, creating a memorable experience for both advanced and beginner runners. So, which full marathons are the toughest in the UK?
| The hardest full marathons in the UK | |||||
| Rank | Full marathon | Elevation gain(ft) | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) |
| 1 | Cybi Coastal Marathon | 2,375 | 3.00 | 11 | 15.4 |
| 2 | Richmond Marathon | 1,325 | 3.00 | 7 | 15.0 |
| 3 | Snowdonia Marathon | 2,624 | 4.98 | 11 | 10.0 |
| 4 | Loch Ness Marathon | 1,437 | 4.96 | 11 | 11.8 |
| 5 | Three Forts Marathon | 3,450 | 4.33 | 7 | 12.2 |
The Cybi Coastal Marathon, one of the more scenic races along the picturesque Welsh coastline, is particularly challenging. With an elevation gain of 2,375 feet, an average temperature of 15.4°C, and 11 rainy days, this race presents tough conditions for even the most seasoned runners.
The Richmond Marathon, with a 1,325-foot elevation gain, also presents a real challenge for runners, though it benefits from slightly better weather conditions, with seven rainy days and an average temperature of 15°C.
In third place, the Snowdonia Marathon stands out as one of the toughest courses, with the highest elevation gain of 2,624 feet, but an excellent course navigation score of 4.98. Despite having the same number of rainy days as the Cybi Coastal Marathon, its cooler average temperature of 10°C might make it slightly more manageable.
| The easiest full marathons in the UK | |||||
| Rank | Marathon | Elevation gain | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) |
| 1 | Ely Tri Club Runfest | 160 | n/a | 8 | 7.6 |
| 2 | Brighton Marathon | 682 | 4.62 | 7 | 9.1 |
| 3 | Shakespeare Marathon | 744 | 4.94 | 9 | 8.8 |
| 4 | London Marathon | 597 | 4.85 | 9 | 9.4 |
| 5 | Newport Marathon | 367 | 4.50 | 9 | 8.9 |
The easiest full marathons in the UK are the Ely Tri Club Runfest, Brighton Marathon, and Shakespeare Marathon. The Ely Tri Club Runfest tops the list with the lowest elevation gain of just 160 feet and the best average temperature among the top five of 7.6°C, making it a particularly accessible race.
The Brighton Marathon, with an elevation gain of 682 feet, combines a moderate challenge with good course navigation, scoring 4.62, and prime weather, with seven rainy days and an average temperature of 9.1°C.
nine rainy days and a mild average temperature of 8.8°C
The Shakespeare Marathon, slightly more challenging with a 744-foot elevation gain, excels in course navigation with a score of 4.94. It faces nine rainy days and a mild average temperature of 8.8°C, providing relatively comfortable conditions for runners.
The London Marathon is the best marathon in Europe
| Rank | Marathon | Elevation gain (ft) | Race rating | Pre-event communication | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature | Google search volume (12 months) |
| 1 | London Marathon | 597 | 4.74 | 4.80 | 4.85 | 9 | 9.4 | 110,000 |
| 2 | Barcelona Marathon | 449 | 4.56 | 4.33 | 4.71 | 5 | 10.9 | 12,100 |
| 3 | Berlin Marathon | 347 | 4.36 | 4.26 | 4.85 | 7 | 15.5 | 90,500 |
| 4 | Frankfurt Marathon | 347 | 4.54 | 4.14 | 4.57 | 8 | 10.9 | 27,100 |
| 5 | Midnight Sun Marathon | 763 | 4.68 | 4.50 | 5.00 | 12 | 7.8 | 5,400 |
| 6 | Athens Marathon | 1,633 | 4.63 | 4.62 | 4.91 | 5 | 14.0 | 18,100 |
| 7 | Lisbon Marathon | 1,335 | 4.96 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 7 | 18.7 | 6,600 |
| 8 | Paris Marathon | 603 | 4.37 | 4.24 | 4.74 | 9 | 10.7 | 22,200 |
| 9 | Reykjavik Marathon | 174 | 4.24 | 4.40 | 4.86 | 11 | 10.8 | 1,900 |
| 10 | Stockholm Marathon | 925 | 4.54 | 4.25 | 4.60 | 8 | 14.8 | 40,500 |
Not only is the London Marathon the number one full marathon in the UK, but takes the crown in Europe too. Despite its 597-foot elevation gain, it remains the most in-demand marathon with 110,000 searches annually in the world, reflecting its immense popularity.
The Barcelona Marathon follows, offering a lower elevation gain of 449 feet, a solid race rating of 4.56, and fewer rainy days (5), making it an attractive option for runners seeking optimal conditions.
maintains a strong demand with 90,500 annual searches
The Berlin Marathon, known for its flat course with a modest 347-foot elevation gain, matches London in course navigation (4.85) and maintains a strong demand with 90,500 annual searches, though it has a slightly warmer average temperature of 15.5°C, which might challenge some runners.
The Lisbon Marathon is the hardest full marathon in Europe
| The Hardest Full Marathons in Europe | |||||
| Rank | Marathon | Elevation gain (ft) | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) |
| 1 | Lisbon Marathon | 1,335 | 5.00 | 7 | 18.7 |
| 2 | Vienna City Marathon | 580 | 3.50 | 7 | 11.1 |
| 3 | Stockholm Marathon | 925 | 4.60 | 8 | 14.8 |
| 4 | Amsterdam Marathon | 944 | 4.71 | 9 | 11.8 |
| 5 | Athens Marathon | 1,633 | 4.91 | 5 | 14.0 |
The Lisbon Marathon ranks as the most challenging with a significant elevation gain of 1,335 feet and a perfect course navigation score of 5.00. However, its warm average temperature of 18.7°C adds to the difficulty.
The Vienna City Marathon, while having a lower elevation gain of 580 feet, is challenging due to its lower course navigation score of 3.50 and an average temperature of 11.1°C. The Stockholm Marathon, with a 925-foot elevation gain, combines moderate weather conditions (14.8°C and eight rainy days) with a solid course navigation score of 4.60, making it one of the toughest marathons in Europe.
| The Easiest Full Marathons in Europe | |||||
| Rank | Marathon | Elevation gain | Course navigation | Avg. no. of rainy days | Avg. temperature (°C) |
| 1 | Barcelona Marathon | 449 | 4.71 | 5 | 10.9 |
| 2 | London Marathon | 597 | 4.85 | 9 | 9.4 |
| 3 | Frankfurt Marathon | 347 | 4.57 | 8 | 10.9 |
| 4 | Berlin Marathon | 347 | 4.85 | 7 | 15.5 |
| 5 | Reykjavik Marathon | 174 | 4.86 | 11 | 10.8 |
The Barcelona Marathon tops the list with a relatively low elevation gain of 449 feet and a strong course navigation score of 4.71, paired with a mild average temperature of 10.9°C.
The London Marathon follows closely, with a slightly higher elevation gain of 597 feet, an excellent course navigation score of 4.85, and favourable weather conditions, including just nine rainy days and an average temperature of 9.4°C.
an accessible option for runners looking for an easier marathon experience
The Frankfurt Marathon, with the lowest elevation gain of 347 feet among the top three, also boasts a solid course navigation score of 4.57 and a mild temperature of 10.9°C, making it an accessible option for runners looking for an easier marathon experience.
Methodology
To find out the best half and full marathons in the UK and Europe, we gathered a seedlist of the most popular half and full marathons in the UK and Europe using AI. We then ranked these based on the following metrics:
- Elevation Gain – Strava/plotaroute.com
- Race Rating – racecheck.com
- Pre-event Communication Rating – racecheck.com
- Course Navigation – racecheck.com
- Average Number of Rainy Days – climatedata.org
- Average Temperature (°C) – climatedata.org
The average temperature during the marathon was considered, with temperatures closer to the optimal running range (around 6.8°C) being preferable. To find this, we took the median of men and women ideal running temperature.
The races were then ranked based on these factors to determine which are the best.
To find out the easiest, and hardest half and full marathons, we used the following metrics based on race conditions:
- Elevation Gain – Strava/ plotaroute.com
- Course Navigation – racecheck.com
- Average Number of Rainy Days – climatedata.org
- Average Temperature (°C) – climatedata.org
