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.
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! 
Racecations have become a staple around here, much to my husbands 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 say the mountains 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 8 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 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
- 76 of the best free online resources for runners
- Tips to break the 2 hour half marathon
Half Marathons Worth Traveling For
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, investigated what Runner’s World and a few others had to say and voila a list was born of the best half marathons to travel for in the US.
The key to a half marathon worth the travel:
- 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!)
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
Mayors Midnight Sun Half Marathon
Arizona
Grand Canyon Half Marathon
Arkansas
Little Rock Half Marathon
California
Napa To Sonoma
Santa Barbara Half Marathon
Long Beach Half Marathon
Colorado
Steamboat Half Marathon
Florida
Space Coast Half Marathon
13.1 Fort Lauderdale
Georgia
Tybee Island Run Fest {we got married here, it’s a super cool island!}
Hawaii
Rain Forest Runs Half Marathon
Really any race here seems to be a winner in people’s recommendations, though be prepared for heat
Illinois
Fox Valley Half Marathon
Kentucky
Run The Bluegrass Half Marathon
Louisiana
Rock N Roll New Orleans
Massachusetts
Zooma Cap Cod
Michigan
Bayshore Half Marathon
Great Turtle Half Marathon {trail}
Missouri
Rock The Parkway
Nevada
Rock N Roll Las Vegas
{super crowded and can be cold, but running the strip at night is pretty amazing}
New York
Wineglass Half Marathon
North Dakota
Fargo Half Marathon
Pennsylvania
Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Half Marathon
Runner’s World Half Marathon Festival
Philadelphia Half Marathon
Tennessee:
Nashville Rock N Roll Half marathon (my first race ever in 2002!!)
Utah
Thelma and Louise Half Marathon
{You’ll be shocked at how pretty this state is!}
Vermont
Covered Bridges Half Marathon
Virginia
Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon
Washington
Whidbey Bay Half Marathon
West Virginia
Hatfield McCoy Half Marathon
Wisconsin
Madison Mini-Marathon
International
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
Niagara Falls Half Marathon
Puerto Rico Half Marathon
Great Wall Half Marathon
Luxembourg Nights
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!
What’s the best race you have ever traveled for?
What’s the farthest you’ve ever traveled?
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Vanessa Dabul says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
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 says
ohh good to know!