What are the best half marathons in the US? The most fun half marathons? Well some of that depends on what you like, but I’m pretty sure there are a few key components that apply to them all.
Number one: It makes a great Racecation – why isn’t this word in the dictionary yet? I mean it’s in the Wiktionary, so I think we all know that means it’s clearly part of the standard lexicon…of runners. A beautiful place to run and make it a great excuse for a vacation, and maybe even your first half marathon ever!
Mini-me and muggle have been deemed dictionary-worthy words of our lifetime, so I think it’s time to begin a pursuit of expanding the world’s knowledge of a racecation. I’m going to guess the main issue is that runners are too busy DOING something else to fight for this word.
Which is totally cool because that means, we’re also finding excuses to travel more! So let’s talk about the best half marathons in the US (and a few I love outside the country)!
Race vacations have become a staple around here, much to my husband’s chagrin as it always means a few days of not seeing much, followed by a few days of hobbling around…none the less it combines my two favorite activities of travel and running so he humors me and we continue to roam!
Destination races can be a great opportunity to PR (especially if you’re coming down from running at altitude to sea level!!), but often they’re just a chance to explore a new city in a way that you love.
If you haven’t done a racecation yet, I highly recommend it! I mean imagine running through the old walls of Jerusalem…MEMORIES!!!
Why Sign up for a Destination Race?
In truth, not one of the 9 marathons I’ve completed has been where we lived!
I liked that added bonus for race day and while it can also add some stress, here are the main reasons I think it’s awesome:
- Exploring a new city (seriously I saw all the sights of Dublin during a 10K)
- Post race runners blues don’t have a chance to set in when you’ve got a brand new city to explore
- Meeting up with fellow runners! I’ll be honest some of the races I love most are because I finally get to meet some long time Instagram running friends.
- A change in scenery: not only will you be running in a new place, but likely a different climate or hills or dessert or ocean…it adds some interest to race day!
- Extra reason to convince family to cross a bucket list destination off your list
Anything Different in Planning for a Destination Race?
Training for a race in another state seems to add a little more umph to many people’s training because of the additional cost involved and the excitement about exploring a new place.
Unless you’re going for all 50 states, try to plan a little extra time around these races to enjoy the sites. That’s half the fun of a destination race.
A few tips to planning if this is your first:
- Tips for a successful travel race — you really do need to understand how hydration, sleep and food change
- Selecting the best race for you — it might be beautiful, but is it right for your goals?
- Half marathon packing list — less stress if you’ve got this ready
- Tips to break the 2 hour half marathon
Best Half Marathons in the US (By State)
While I certainly have a list of my personal choice for best half marathons, this is not simply from my brain alone, it’s from yours too!
I gathered your answers for coolest half marathons, consulted my marathon maniac friends (yes those who have done hundreds of races), investigated what Runner’s World and a few others had to say and voila a list was born of the best half marathons in the US.
The key to a half marathon worth the travel:
Here were the components we looked at in making this list.
- Scenery (let’s enjoy the race from start to finish)
- PR friendly (helping you hit that big goal on the road!)
- Crowd support (cheering from friends, family and strangers)
- Great vacation spot (post race fun!)
- Swag (some of you really love a great medal, post race food/beer, etc)
Now more than ever we’re lucky to have a HUGE variety of half marathons to choose from in any state because it’s such a popular distance. Which means there are likely some races that would be considered top half marathons which might not appear on this list.
Alaska
Top Recommendation: Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon
The Anchorage Mayor’s Half Marathon and Marathon is held annually on the summer solstice and is the perfect way to have a full Alaska experience.
It’s a wonderful day to celebrate the end of summer while enjoying the scenic views of Denali, forested trails, and waterways, as well as the lovely views of the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.
There are segments of trail to explore, as well as plenty of opportunities to check out some wildlife. It’s a great time to go there when there are 19 hours of daylight. But you’ll still be running at 7 AM, so no worries about a midnight start.
Arizona
Top Recommendation: Grand Canyon Half Marathon
This is not an easy half marathon, but boy is it pretty. If you decide to run it, know that it’s a trail race for all skill levels through the magnificent Kaibab National Forest just outside the North Entrance to Grand Canyon National Park. Definitely expect some elevation with this one!
After you’re done with the race, I recommend enjoying the rest of the weekend at the Grand Canyon creating new memories with that scenic view. This is definitely a race you opt for the beauty, not a PR.
California
Top Recommendations: Santa Barbara Wine Valley Half Marathon, Napa To Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon, and Surf City Half Marathon
Santa Barbara and the nearby Santa Ynez Valley are great places to go running on vacation. The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon, which takes place over Mother’s Day weekend in early May, is the ideal justification for traveling to this paradise for outdoor recreation.
There is a wide variety of things to do in the area, from relaxing on the beach to touring historic towns and missions, from shopping to dining, and from wine tasting at wineries to touring vineyards.
Another great one is the Napa To Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon! It has been named one of the top 7 most scenic half marathons in the US by Forbes and features a point-to-point course past some of California’s most well-known vineyards
This race, which takes place in July every year, is distinguished by the pastures, vineyards, rolling hills, and valleys typical of wine country. It starts at Cuvaison Carneros Winery and finishes at City Hall in Sonoma Plaza.
Plus, instead of a typical sports drink, runners can enjoy a glass of premium wine after the race.
And if you were to ask me, the one that remains on my bucket list and needs to be added to yours is the Surf City Half Marathon! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- The medal is one of the few that gives me bling envy
- The course is flat and fast
- The course is beautiful along the beach
- Long sleeve finisher shirts (WHAT?! That’s top-notch)
- I’ve run Motiv races and they are well organized!
- It’s part of the Surf Cities Challenge, which means more bling!
- Now you’re in CA, one of my favorite vacation spots.
Colorado
Top Recommendation: Steamboat Half Marathon and Golden Leaf Half Marathon
Now that I live in Colorado, I get to enjoy the mountain views frequently, but I was still blown away by the Steamboat Half Marathon. Expect a net downhill course, that’s beautiful, a small finish line with breakfast burritos, and the perfect spot for a cheap CO vacation because it’s the off-season.
It’s seriously no wonder that this half marathon and marathon are ranked part of the ‘Top 10 Destination Marathons in North America.’
Another great choice is the Golden Leaf Half Marathon. This difficult course offers the kind of rugged trail running that Colorado is known for. The best hiking trails in the area are nearby, and charming mountain towns like Snowmass Village and Aspen are especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Bonus: If you want that downhill speed, checkout Revel Rockies! It’s also close to Denver for easy travel.
Illinois
Top Recommendation: Chicago Half Marathon
If you want a scenic view with the possibility of a half marathon PR, this incredible course with stunning views is for you. It’s no surprise that the Chicago Half Marathon appears on every top ten list.
The race starts in historic Jackson Park, goes through the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood, and ends on Lake Shore Drive, where you can see Lake Michigan.
Florida
Top Recommendations: Space Coast Half Marathon and 13.1 Fort Lauderdale
Having lived in FL, I will first say be prepared for the humidity if you are traveling here for a winter race. I found a lot of friends wilted at the Miami marathon because they didn’t realize how much the humidity would impact them.
When picking a half marathon in FL, consider the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale. It has a beach finish line which is so fun and just up the road from Miami!
Another great one is the Space Coast Half Marathon. It’s truly an interesting one to run, considering it’s held right near race the Kennedy Space Center, and so the entire event revolves around a space theme that you’re definitely going to love!
Georgia
Top Recommendation: Critz Tybee Run Fest
We got married here, it’s a super cool island! I mean, ignore our weird wedding story and just focus on the fact that it’s outside Savannah and gorgeous. They want you to enjoy the day, so they have places for you to change post-race.
Hawaii
Top Recommendations: Any Race Including Kauai Half Marathon and Hibiscus Half Marathon
Really any race here seems to be a winner in people’s recommendations, though be prepared for heat! I helped paced Jodi to her first marathon finish during the Honolulu marathon and it was stunning to see the beautiful rain forests, but extremely crowded (and no half marathon).
A stunning one you can consider is the Hibiscus Half Marathon. One of Oahu’s most breathtaking locations, the 300,000-year-old Diamond Head crater, is where this Labor Day weekend race starts.
For much of the route, you’ll be able to see breathtaking ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, which also takes you through Kapiolani Park and past the Honolulu Zoo.
Another one is the Kauai Half Marathon. Poipu, a resort at the sunny southern end of Hawaii’s fourth-largest island, serves as the starting point for the Kauai Half Marathon.
The route is coastal, so you get to see all the beautiful sights the island has to offer, like its pristine beaches, wild forests, rugged volcanoes, and lush tropical rainforests.
Kentucky
Top Recommendation: Run The Bluegrass Half Marathon
The Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon is often referred to as ‘America’s Prettiest Half Marathon.’ The course lives up to its reputation as being stunningly beautiful as well as difficult and motivating.
It takes place in the historically significant city of Lexington. The Keeneland Racecourse, which is a historic site in and of itself, is where the start/finish area is situated.
The course typically does not flatten out for very long stretches, so you can anticipate seeing horses and lots of green, grassy rolling hills the whole way.
More than a race this really is a weekend of events. You can visit distilleries, horse farms and so much more. The race itself will take rolling hills through the Thoroughbred farms.
Maine
Top Recommendation: Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
This US half marathon with a nautical theme will appeal to you if you enjoy New England’s leisurely pace with its beautiful scenery, charming small towns, lighthouses, historic war sites, and miles of beaches and coastline!
Portland’s bay is a beautiful place to go for a run, with 13 miles of waterfront to explore, colonial buildings, and a cobblestone finish.
Nevada
Top Recommendation: Rock N Roll Las Vegas
If you’re going to Vegas, you might as well enjoy running on the strip right?! Rock N Roll Las Vegas is the only one to shut down the strip for you at night.
Following a sunset start, almost the entire 13-mile course is run on Las Vegas Boulevard, with a fitting finish at The Mirage Casino. Just be aware that it’s cold and they have had a number of hiccups with logistics.
BONUS List of Half Marathons to Consider
These didn’t make it into the top list from everyone but were certainly worth a notable mention.
California
Recommendation: Golden Gate Half Marathon, San Francisco Half Marathon, and Joshua Trees Half Marathon
Connecticut
Recommendation: Mystic Half Marathon
Florida
Recommendation: Run Disney Half Marathons
Idaho
Recommendation: Coeur d’ Alene Half Marathon
Louisiana
Recommendation: Rock N Roll New Orleans
Michigan
Recommendations: Bayshore Half Marathon and Great Turtle Half Marathon (trail)
New York
Recommendation: Wineglass Half Marathon
North Dakota
Recommendation: Fargo Half Marathon
Ohio
Recommendation: Flying Pig Half Marathon
Oregon
Recommendation: Portland Shamrock Run
Pennsylvania
Recommendations: Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Runner’s World Half Marathon Festival, and Philadelphia Half Marathon
Tennessee
Recommendation: Nashville Rock N Roll Half marathon (my first race ever in 2002!!)
Utah
Recommendation: Thelma and Louise Half Marathon
Vermont
Recommendation: Covered Bridges Half Marathon
Virginia
Recommendation: Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon
Washington
Recommendation: Whidbey Bay Half Marathon
West Virginia
Recommendation: Hatfield McCoy Half Marathon
Wisconsin
Recommendation: Madison Mini-Marathon
Best International Half Marathons
Ok I couldn’t finish this off without including a few international options because, well honestly, they’re on my destination race bucket list!
- SeaWheeze Canada (They are currently on pause with this race and what a bummer!)
- Niagara Falls Half Marathon
- Puerto Rico Half Marathon (I’ve done this too, and while hot, a great vacation)
- Great Wall Half Marathon
- Luxembourg Nights
- Rock N Roll Dublin Half Marathon (right through all the sites, very cool)
- Jerusalem Half Marathon (mentioned at the beginning because it was so fascinating)
There are so many more amazing scenic half marathons and best half marathons around the US that I’m going to have to keep updating this list annually to stay on top of them!
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Vanessa Dabul
Rio de Janeiro Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful races in the world! Let’s add this one to the list!
Harmony, Momma To Go
I live in New York, so need to check our your recommendation. I started with my first half in my hometown, the Long Island Half. Then I caught the bug and last fall did the Atlantic City half, I love AC and that was fun. blogged about it here: http://www.mommatogo.com/atlantic-city-half-marathon/
i am heading to florida in Feb (had the vacation planned first) but am signing up for the Naples half there!
Justin Paynter
The Covered Bridges Half Marathon in Vermont is great, but it sells out in a matter of minutes every year. The Loco Marathon (and half) in New Hampshire is beautiful with fall foliage and typically crisp cool weather. Plus there are great apple orchards close by to get cider doughnuts after!
Kim m
I can’t believe you didn’t include anything in Oregon! There is a beautiful half through wine country! And what about the Santa Fe NM half? Santa Fe is amazing, I live there. Of course running at 7000 feet isyfor everyone. But the Buffalo Thunder run is amazing.
Wendy
The Door County (Wisconsin) half marathon is well worth traveling for. It’s gorgeous, it’s hilly, and there’s good beer at the finish line! I’ve run it twice. It’s a great, well run race.
amanda
ohh good to know!