The half marathon is rising again, and this past weekend was a perfect example as three distinct halves unfolded across three of the world's most prominent cities. The Brooklyn Half Marathon in New York City, the Hackney Half in East London and the Sydney Half Marathon all showcased the growing popularity of this distance.

With a staggering 26,000 participants, the Brooklyn Half Marathon stole the show, drawing runners from all walks of life. Although the Hackney and Sydney events didn't witness the same numbers, they still boasted remarkable participation rates, solidifying their status as beloved races.

The half marathon has experienced a remarkable resurgence, outshining shorter distances in terms of popularity. Not as daunting as the marathon, but more of an accomplishment than a 5K, this distance hits the sweet spot for many runners. Moreover, these events are much simpler to stage on a local level, and Brooklyn, Hackney and Sydney all demonstrate how a local running community will rally behind races like these, bringing energy to the race calendar.

To capture the vibes, we commissioned three skilled photographers to showcase not only the incredible efforts of the athletes but also to capture the spirit of unity and fellowship that permeated the races.

These shots highlight each participant’s emotional journey alongside their physical exertion. From the vibrant streets of Brooklyn to the lively neighbourhoods of Hackney and the picturesque landscapes of Sydney, these images tell a tale of resilience, passion and the undeniable bond that brings runners together.

Brooklyn Half Marathon (Photos: Adrian Umpierrez)

The Hackney Half (Photos: Christian Brecheis)

Sydney Half Marathon (Photos: Chris Huang)