Beyond the Marathon Majors: The SuperHalfs Series Brings a New Challenge for Runners

For many runners, completing a prestigious marathon series like the Abbott World Marathon Majors is the pinnacle of achievement: six marathons in six iconic cities.

However, not everyone wants to tackle the full marathon distance of 26.2 miles.

Fortunately, a new series designed specifically for half marathoners offers a chance to experience incredible races across Europe, covering 13.1 miles in six cities.

This series, called the SuperHalfs, takes runners through beautiful destinations like Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Valencia, Copenhagen, and Cardiff.

Participants who complete all six races within a five-year period earn a special seventh medal, similar to marathon majors.

With some of the courses having hosted high-profile events like the World Athletics Half Marathon Championships, the races are a major draw for running enthusiasts.

Plus, organizers expect the series to grow by 25% in the coming years, so it’s a perfect time to start!

How SuperHalfs Series Works

The SuperHalfs series offers runners a digital passport, known as the SuperPassport, to track their progress as they complete each race in the series.

This virtual passport allows you to collect stamps for every race you finish, creating a personal record of your running journey.

When signing up for a race, you'll need to provide your unique passport number, which can be created when you set up your SuperHalfs account.

If you enter your SuperPassport number during registration, your passport will automatically receive its stamp within three days after the race.

If you forget to enter your number, you can still claim your result and stamp by logging into your SuperHalfs account a few days after the event.

SuperPassport holders will receive an email notification once their results are ready to view or claim.

For those completing their final race in the series, the organizers will be alerted ahead of time to ensure that your SuperMedal is ready to collect when you cross the finish line and officially become a SuperRunner.

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The SuperHalfs Series

EDP Lisbon Half Marathon

Date: March 9, 2025

Country: Portugal

Participants: 16,500

Lisbon’s half marathon is well-loved by elite and amateur runners alike. The course includes spectacular views of the River Tagus and allows participants to cross the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, which resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.

Lisbon may be a hilly city, but this route is flat, offering fast times in sunny weather.

In fact, the world half marathon record was broken here in 2021 by Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda, who clocked a time of 57:31.

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Prague Half Marathon

Date: April 5, 2025

Country: Czech Republic

Participants: 11,500

Known for its scenic beauty, the Prague Half Marathon course features historic castles, rivers, and charming bridges.

The race starts and finishes in Prague’s Old Town at Jan Palach Square. It’s an international event, with over half of the participants coming from other countries, making it a truly global experience.

The SuperHalfs series was originally conceived in Prague, giving this race a special significance.

Berlin Half Marathon

Date: April 6, 2025

Country: Germany

Participants: 35,000

As the largest event in the SuperHalfs series, the Berlin Half Marathon takes runners past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate.

After the race, runners often celebrate with traditional German pretzels—a tasty reward for completing the scenic course.

Copenhagen Half Marathon

Date: September 14, 2025

Country: Denmark

Participants: 25,000

Copenhagen offers a vibrant race atmosphere, with live music and high-energy cheer stations called “Power Zones” to keep you motivated.

The course winds through picturesque neighborhoods, and runners enjoy a flat, fast route through the heart of the city.

Cardiff Half Marathon

‍Date: October 5, 2025

Country: Wales, United Kingdom

Participants: 27,500

Cardiff, the capital of Wales, boasts a scenic course that takes runners past Cardiff Castle, Cardiff Bay, and other iconic landmarks.

With a strong local cheering squad and welcoming atmosphere, this race is a great way to experience one of the smaller cities in the series, but one that has grown in reputation since its inception in 2003.

Valencia Half Marathon

Date: October 26, 2025

Country: Spain

Participants: 25,000

Voted the best half marathon in Spain, the Valencia Half offers wide roads for a comfortable run through the city’s center.

Participants are treated to views of historical sites such as the Torres de Serranos, and the coastal location offers a refreshing finish along the Mediterranean Sea.

Tips for Traveling and Racing in the SuperHalfs

If you're planning to participate in one or more of these European half marathons, it's important to plan ahead for your travels.

All of the cities are accessible by international airports, but travel logistics, including accommodations and race registration, should be arranged well in advance.

Travel experts recommend arriving at least 48 hours before your race to avoid any last-minute stress with flights and bib pick-up, which often isn’t available on race day.

Be sure to account for jet lag by adjusting your sleep schedule ahead of time.

When exploring these beautiful European cities, don’t forget to stay fueled and hydrated.

It can be easy to get distracted by new surroundings, but it’s important to stay focused on pre-race nutrition.

Many participants suggest grabbing familiar foods from local grocery stores to ensure you're ready on race day.

Lastly, while these races offer flat, fast courses, be mindful of older cobblestone streets that may pop up during certain parts of the course. It’s a small trade-off for racing in such picturesque locations, and the experience is certainly worth it!

Ready to take on the challenge? Whether you're running one race or aiming to complete the full series, the SuperHalfs offers an unforgettable journey through Europe’s most beautiful cities!