A few years ago my main running goal was to complete the Marathon Majors (running London, New York, Berlin, Boston, Chicago and Tokyo marathons). I collected my Six Star Medal in Tokyo in 2018 and whilst I’m not so secretly hoping that they add another marathon or two to the list, I love the idea of another running challenge that isn’t based on time.
I first heard about the SuperHalfs after signing up for the Cardiff Half Marathon in 2021 (which was eventually postponed to March 2022). Read my Race Recap here.
How To Run The SuperHalfs
What are the SuperHalfs?
The SuperHalfs are a series of half marathons in cities across Europe. By completing all five races within a 36 month period, earns you a SuperHalf medal. The races are Lisbon, Prague, Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia.
All of the races are World Athletics IAAF labelled races, with Copenhagen, Cardiff and Valencia having recently played host to the World Half Marathon Championships.
The SuperHalfs were created in 2021, however the launch was postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic. The first official race of the superhalfs series was Prague 2022. Unfortunately Cardiff 2022 in April did not count as it was officially the postponed 2021 race. And therefore the first Cardiff race that will count towards the SuperHalfs will be held on October 2nd 2022.
I love the idea of travelling around Europe, exploring some of the most vibrant cities, many of which I have never visited, and running a half marathon to tour the cities on foot. Plus, whilst you do obviously have to train for a half marathon, it doesn’t take so much energy or stress as a full marathon abroad.
How To Run The SuperHalfs
You can either pay for individual entry to each race or you can buy a series pass. The pass contains five access codes, which once redeemed, will allow you to sign up to each race. Each code lasts for up to 36 months. However, the pass does not guarantee entry, so races should be signed up early to ensure you get a bib!
The current cost for early bird Series Pass is €230, which works out cheaper than paying individually for each race.
Make sure to sign up for a SuperPassport to ensure your race efforts are all counted if you are signing up for individual races rather than using the series pass.
Lisbon
The race for 2023 returns to March again, meaning it will kick off the race series next year on March 12th. This race starts on the iconic Ponte de 25 Abril suspension bridge, and will be the 30th anniversary of the predominantly flat Lisbon race. There is also a 10K if your travel buddies don’t fancy 13.1 miles. Bibs are to be picked up at the race expo in the preceding race day. There is a 3 hour cut off.
Entry cost – €60. Sign up here.
Prague
The 23rd annual Prague Half will be held on 1st April 2023, and always draws fast runners to the streets of the Czech capital. There’s a 3 hour time limit for this speedy half, and race bibs must be collected at the Expo (worth noting when booking your running adventure!)
Entry cost – €50-90 (depending on when you enter), Sign up here.
Copenhagen
This year’s race is happening on 18th September (2023 race tbc). Race packs can be collected on race morning, with a 3 hour cut off time. The city centre race has also been designed to be fast, scenic course.
Entry cost – €71-78. Sign up here.
Cardiff
Now back to its usual October race date, it falls on 2nd this year and will be on the 1st October 2023. It’s fast and flat, and also very scenic starting and finishing at the Castle. Race packs are posted out ahead of time. There is a 4.5 hour cut off time.
Entry cost – £44. Sign up here.
Valencia
This popular race often sells out so keep an eye out for the 2023 date once it is announced. This fast course is a great PB option and currently holds the half marathon world record.This year’s race is being held on October 23rd 2022.
Entry cost – €60. Sign up here.
I love the idea of the superhalfs so much! I’m already eying up Copenhagen as a birthday trip next year, and Cardiff!