The World's Biggest Half Marathons in 2026: Calendar and How to Enter
The half marathon is having a moment. The 2025 United Airlines NYC Half broke its own attendance record, drawing over 25,000 runners through the streets of Manhattan and cementing New York's place at the top of the global half marathon circuit. If that energy has you thinking about 2026, you're not alone. Registration queues for the world's biggest races fill up faster every year, and missing a deadline can mean a 12-month wait.
Key Takeaways
- The world's biggest half marathons host between 20,000 and 60,000 runners
- World Athletics Gold Label guarantees a certified course and official timing
- Major half marathon registrations often sell out within hours
This guide covers the four largest and most iconic half marathons in the world for 2026. Here's what you need to know about dates, entry systems, and how to actually get a bib.
United Airlines NYC Half. New York, USA
The NYC Half is the flagship race of New York Road Runners (NYRR) and consistently one of the most oversubscribed half marathons on earth. The 13.1-mile course runs from Central Park through Times Square and finishes along the Hudson River. Flat, fast, and visually stunning, it attracts elite runners and first-timers alike.
Typical date: Mid-March 2026. NYRR usually confirms the calendar in late summer of the preceding year.
How to enter: Entry is through the NYRR lottery system. The lottery for 2026 is expected to open in October or November 2025. NYRR members who complete a set number of volunteer shifts or races in the preceding year receive guaranteed entry. If you're serious about running NYC, joining NYRR early and tracking your qualifying activity is the smartest move you can make.
- Lottery results are typically announced in December.
- Charity bib programs offer a guaranteed entry in exchange for fundraising minimums, usually starting around $1,500.
- International runners can access guaranteed entries through official travel partners listed on the NYRR website.
Generali Berlin Half Marathon. Berlin, Germany
Berlin's half marathon is the largest in Europe by finisher count, with over 36,000 runners crossing the line in recent editions. The course is flat, the crowd support is loud, and the city's mix of history and modernity makes for a genuinely memorable race day. It's also a serious PB course. Berlin consistently produces fast finishing times at every level of the field.
Typical date: First Sunday of April 2026. The 2025 edition took place on April 6.
How to enter: Unlike NYC, Berlin operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration for 2026 is expected to open in October 2025, and spots sell out within hours. Set a reminder for registration day and have your payment details ready in advance. The official entry portal is managed through berlin-half-marathon.de.
- Entry fees are lower than most comparable races, typically around 55 to 75 euros depending on timing.
- Charity and club entry options exist but are limited.
- Early registration is the only reliable strategy here. There's no lottery fallback.
Schneider Electric Paris Half Marathon. Paris, France
The Paris Half Marathon sends runners on a point-to-point course from the city center out toward the Bois de Vincennes. It's one of the few major city halfs where you genuinely feel like you're experiencing the city rather than running in circles. The 2025 edition attracted more than 45,000 participants, making it one of the highest-participation half marathons anywhere in the world.
Typical date: First Sunday of March 2026. The event typically takes place before the NYC Half and Berlin, making it a logical season opener for European runners.
How to enter: Registration opens in late September or early October 2025 and sells out quickly. The process is straightforward: first-come, first-served through the official site at schneiderelectricparismarathon.com. Entry fees have historically ranged from 45 to 65 euros.
- The race is part of the World Athletics Label Road Races calendar, attracting top international elites.
- Club discounts are available for licensed French athletics federation members.
- Transfers are permitted up to a point, which makes early sign-up lower risk if your plans are uncertain.
Big Half London. London, United Kingdom
The Big Half is London's mass-participation half marathon, organized by London Marathon Events. The course starts near Tower Bridge and finishes in Greenwich, passing through some of the city's most recognizable landmarks. It's younger than the other races on this list, having launched in 2018, but it's grown rapidly and now draws over 16,000 runners per edition.
Typical date: Early September 2026. The race traditionally closes out the summer running season in Europe.
How to enter: The Big Half uses a ballot system similar to the London Marathon. The ballot for 2026 is expected to open in January or February 2026, with results announced a few weeks later. You can register your interest at thebighalf.co.uk.
- Charity places are widely available and represent the most reliable route to a guaranteed bib.
- The race has a strong inclusivity focus, with wheelchair and hand-cycle categories well supported.
- Club affiliated runners may access additional entry routes through UK Athletics registered clubs.
Key Dates to Put in Your Calendar Now
Here's a quick-reference timeline based on expected 2026 entry windows. Dates are approximate and subject to official confirmation by each race organizer.
- September to October 2025: Paris Half Marathon registration opens.
- October 2025: Berlin Half Marathon registration opens. NYC Half lottery opens.
- November to December 2025: NYC Half lottery closes. Results announced.
- January to February 2026: Big Half London ballot opens.
- March 2026: Paris Half Marathon.
- Mid-March 2026: NYC Half.
- April 2026: Berlin Half Marathon.
- September 2026: Big Half London.
Practical Tips for Getting a Bib
The biggest races in the world are getting harder to enter every year. Demand for the NYC Half lottery, for example, now routinely exceeds available spots by a factor of three or more. You need a strategy, not just good timing.
For lottery-based races like NYC and London, applying early and signing up for charity places as a backup is a solid two-track approach. For first-come, first-served races like Berlin and Paris, preparation is everything. Log into the registration portal early, have your account created in advance, and don't rely on mobile networks on registration day.
If you're targeting multiple races in a single calendar year, build your schedule around entry windows rather than race dates. Missing the October Berlin window because you were focused on a November deadline elsewhere is an easy mistake that costs you a full year.
Finally, check each official race website directly for updates. Entry systems, fees, and deadlines shift from year to year, and third-party sources don't always reflect the most current information. Bookmark the official pages and check back regularly from late summer 2025 onward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key takeaways?
The article covers the latest data and updated recommendations. Key points are summarized at the top of the article.
Do these recommendations apply to beginners?
Yes, core principles apply to all levels. Beginners should adjust volumes and intensities to their current fitness and progress gradually.
How should you put these tips into practice?
Apply one change at a time, measure progress over 4-6 weeks, then adjust. Consistency matters more than having the perfect program.
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