October is not only the month of many marathons, but also offers a wealth of opportunities for half marathon participation.
In addition, many marathon events have a half marathon race as a supporting event in their program, which usually has a larger number of participants than the "main event" itself.
No excuses in October.
In October there is a lot to be said for taking part in a half marathon event, provided that a marathon is not also planned. This is because the running conditions in October are better than in any other month. While between May and September, high temperatures can be a spoiler, from November to February, temperatures that are too cold or even snow are usually obstacles. Not to mention Christmas cookies, which tend to make the shape disappear in winter. That leaves the time around the beginning of spring and October. In these seasons, the chances for personal best times are above average.
The most beautiful finish in the world?
In October, a trip to Spain is worthwhile. The course at the Medio Maraton Valencia leads through the old town of Valencia, the finish directly at the harbor is described as one of the most beautiful finishes in the world. The course is also really fast. Both the women's and men's half marathons have already set world records over the 21.0975 kilometers. So there are enough reasons to start at the Valencia Half Marathon. At least that's how 15,000 runners see it every year.
In the U.S., thousands of athletes compete at the Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon over more than 13 miles. The Lake Tahoe Marathon also offers the opportunity to run the half marathon course.
Cologne or Munich?
In Germany, several marathon organizers offer a half marathon as a parallel event. A classic example is the Cologne Marathon, which is usually held at the beginning of October. But the Munich Marathon also offers a half marathon. Almost 10,000 athletes take advantage of this every year.
Lake or big city?
In Austria, we recommend taking a look at Carinthia, where the Kärnten Marathon invites you to sporting activities at the beginning of October. The half marathon at this panoramic race takes you along beautiful lakes, among other places. The Graz Marathon, on the other hand, takes you through the city, where the half marathon is the most popular event.
All big and well-known half marathon competitions in October can be found in the following overview:
Half marathons in October: Selection of major events
Lissabon Marathon / Maratona de Lisboa (EDP Lisbon Marathon)
 | 10.10.2026 ✔ |
| |
 | Cascais |
 | 42,2 km / 21,1 km / 8,5 km |
Marathon Eindhoven
| 11.10.2026 ✔ |
| 10.10.2027 ✔ |
| Eindhoven |
| 42,2 km / 21,1 km / 10 km / 5 km / 2,5 km / 1 km |
Baltimore Running Festival (Baltimore Marathon)
| 17.10.2026 ✔ |
| |
| Baltimore |
| 42,2 km / 21,1 km / 10 km / 5 km |
Bottwartal Marathon
| 18.10.2026 ✔ |
| |
| Steinheim an der Murr |
| 50 km / 42,2 km (270 Hm) / 21,095 km / 10 km / 5 km / 4,2 km / 1,5 km / 0,5 km |
Röntgenlauf
| 25.10.2026 ✔ |
| |
| Remscheid |
| 63,3 km (1.370 Hm) / 42,2 km (960 Hm) / 21,1 km (405 Hm) / 10 km / 5 km / 2 km / 1 km |
Click on "Weiter" to get to the overview of all half marathon races in October in USA:
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