25 Best Half Marathons to Add to Your Race Bucket List

December 27, 2016

I recently asked runladylike.com readers to help me pick my post-baby comeback half marathon race. In addition to two half marathons I was already contemplating (Wineglass Half Marathon and Richmond Half Marathon … readers chose Wineglass by five winning votes), you shared tons of great race experiences and advice for the best half marathons to run. If you’re looking for a flatter half marathon during the last three months of the year that typically boasts cooler temperatures, here are 25 of the best half marathons to add to your race bucket list from runladylike.com readers (in alphabetical order).

25 Best Half Marathons to Run (Reader's Choice) on runladylike.com

1. Anthem Richmond Half Marathon (Early/Mid-November, Richmond, Virginia)

Reader Katie says the course and crowds are amazing at the Richmond Marathon/Half Marathon. “The crowd support helped me finish strong and keep a smile on my face.” She also shared that the downhill finish and blankets provided are a great perk.

Reader Emily has run this half marathon three times and says it’s hands-down her favorite race. “The crowd support is amazing, the scenery is gorgeous and the race is so well-organized … I can’t recommend Richmond enough.” Reader Anna agrees wholeheartedly. “You can’t beat the super fast downhill finish. It’s an incredibly well-run operation, making it feel like a small town race even though it’s actually pretty big.” Anna also says there are some cool local breweries and wineries nearby that offer a great option for post-race celebrations.

Additionally, reader Heather likes that this race is on a Saturday, which gives you the rest of the day and weekend to enjoy Richmond. She recommends stopping at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Reader Kelly suggests a family trip to Williamsburg after the race. Shenandoah National Park is also within driving distance of the race.

2. Beer-N-Brats Run (Late October, Eagle, Idaho)

Reader Michelle is a fan of this race and the beer and brats you get at the finish. She also likes the small field size and the race organizers who put on the event. “Boise is a big ‘small’ town and has a lot of interesting things to do.”

3. Charleston Half Marathon (Mid-January, Charleston, South Carolina)

Even though this race is in January, reader Amy recommends it after running the course four times. “It’s my hometown race and I love it.”

4. Chosen Half Marathon (Mid-December, New Braunfels, Texas)

Reader Mitchel says this should be on your list because of the beautiful route. He does warn about unpredictable weather for race day.

5. Cohick Half Marathon (Early November, Springfield, Missouri, starting at Bass Pro Shop)

Reader Jessica thinks this race is well-organized, has nice crowd support and is so much fun. “The starting temp the past two years has been in the 40’s,” Jessica says. “Their medals are great.” She does warn that there are rolling hills.

6. Detroit International Half Marathon (Mid-October, Detroit, Michigan)

For a flat, fast and fun race, reader Sara recommends the Detroit International Half Marathon. “You run across the Ambassador Bridge into Canada for a few miles and take a tunnel underwater back to the city. You even get an underwater mile time!” Sarah also likes that there are fewer than 5,000 runners with easy logistics, good swag and cool temps.

7. Duke City Marathon (Mid-October, Albuquerque, New Mexico)

Reader Rebecca gives the Duke City Half Marathon two thumbs up because it is flat and fast, but because there are also some amazing things to do in the area while you’re there. “You could go to the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, and the Carlsbad Caverns are about 4.5 hours away.” Rebecca does share that the course is an out-and-back on a public trail, which doesn’t get closed for the race.

8. Empire State Half Marathon (Early October, Syracuse, New York)

Reader Val is a fan of this race because the weather is typically cool and there are lots of fun things to do in and around Syracuse as a family.

9. Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon (Early November, Indianapolis, Indiana)

Reader Mike loves everything about this race and believes it is one of the best half marathons to run. He says it is a very flat, fast course that winds through downtown past many landmarks. The race conditions when he ran it were in the low to mid-40s (F), and he says race day logistics are a breeze. “I stayed at the Hyatt Regency which is one block from the start and finish lines,” Mike shares. “The expo is connected by an interior walkway to the Hyatt, and there are several Italian restaurants nearby. I loved Indianapolis. They showed great hospitality.”

10. Jeff Galloway 13.1 (Mid-December, Atlanta, Georgia)

Reader Frank is a big fan of the Jeff Galloway 13.1 race. He says it is remarkably less hilly than other races in Atlanta and is very well-organized.

11. Lake Powell Half Marathon (Late October, Page, Arizona)

Reader Sarah says this race should be on everyone’s list because it is beautiful and gives you a chance to visit the Grand Canyon. I have been to Lake Powell and can attest to its immense beauty!

12. Madison Half Marathon (Mid-November, Madison, Wisconsin)

Even though the Madison Half Marathon is on the hillier side, reader Paige loves it because it is a great course through a beautiful city.

13. Marshall University Half Marathon (Early November, Huntington, West Virginia)

Reader Sarah recommends this race because it has a great medal, friendly town, a small race field and because the course is mostly flat and fast with the finish on the football field.

14. Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon (Mid-December, Biloxi, Mississippi)

Reader Lori ran the inaugural race and thought it was well-organized and offers a lot of post-race destination options.

15. Napa Half Marathon (Early October, Napa, California)

Reader Heather loves the weather in Napa during October. She also loves that Yosemite National Park and Point Reyes are nearby, which would make for a great post-race vacation. “And the food in the area,” Heather exclaims, “YUM!”

16. Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Half Marathon (Mid-October, Columbus, Ohio)

Reader Christina recommends this race for new moms because it benefits the children’s hospital and she enjoys the course.

17. Niagara Falls International Half Marathon (Mid-October, Fort Erie, Ontario)

Niagara Falls was the first half marathon reader Denise ran, and she though it was beautiful. She says the medal is unique because it is shown in kilometers instead of miles, and she loves that there is so much to do and enjoy in the area as part of a destination race.

18. Outer Banks Half Marathon – aka Southern Fried Half Marathon (Kitty Hawk, North Carolina)

Reader Allison says this is a fast course that runs along the beautiful coastline of North Carolina. She says Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a great place to visit during your racecation.

19. Pensacola Half Marathon (Mid-November, Pensacola, Florida)

Reader Holly likes the Pensacola Half Marathon because it is the first half marathon she ever ran. “It is mostly flat, there are a wide range of things to do in the booming downtown area, including the naval aviation museum and the beach. I loved it.”

20. Philadelphia Half Marathon (Mid-November, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Readers Jess and Kelly think the Philly Half Marathon should be on your list because it is mostly flat with great course support and easy to travel to from most airports. They both also love the city and think it is a great destination for a racecation.

21. Rock ‘n’ Roll Savannah Half Marathon (Early November, Savannah, GA)

Reader Susan says this race should be on your list because the city is beautiful. I ran the marathon in 2011 and can agree it is a great race and good course. Flat, fast and typically cool temps.

22. Rockfest Half Marathon (Early October, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire)

For a fun family vacation around a race, reader Jennifer thinks the Rockfest Half Marathon is an ideal choice. She says you can fly in and out of Boston.

23. Seacoast Half Marathon (Mid-November, Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

Readers Angela and Sandra love this race for the flat course and average temperatures in the 40s (F).

24. St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon (Early December, Memphis, TN)

Reader Laney thinks St. Jude is a must-run race because it’s flat and the temperatures are perfect. She also says the post-race BBQ and food is terrific. Reader Rachel agrees that it is a truly unique experience.

25. Wineglass Half Marathon, (Early October, Corning, New York)

Reader Erin has run the Wineglass half marathon once and the full marathon three times. She says you can’t beat the fall colors during this time of year and thinks the race is great and well-organized. Reader Ben agrees: ” I ran the half last year and it’s a phenomenal race. Great course to run, fast and the atmosphere at the finish line is amazing.” Ben also adds the Corning Museum of Glass as a place to visit during packet pick-up.

Reader Laura likes Wineglass for the many activities outside of the race as a destination vacation. “The Finger Lakes wine trail is considered one of the best in the country. There are endless wineries to visit. Ithaca is a nearby city with lots of parks, trails, restaurants and fun things to do. It’s famous for its gorges, and you’ll see amazing foliage that time of year.”

Reader Emily who grew up in the area says there are plenty of lodging options on several of the lakes. She says the wineries in Seneca and Cayuga Lake are good, and she says there are many beautiful hikes in the area as well.

What are some of the best half marathons you’ve ever run? What race(s) are you running in 2017?

Comments

John Stanton

What a great list! The Space Coast Half in Cocoa Florida would be a good addition to this. And there is an awesome half in Augusta, GA in late September, of course it doesn’t start until after you have swam and biked for a few hours. 😉

rUnladylike

Augusta was a great race! I’m eyeing IM Maryland before I turn 40. Have 5 years to prepare. You need to do it with me! Miss all our group runs! Happy 2017!

John Stanton

I was looking at Maryland for 2017 but I have decided on Cozumel. That leaves Maryland open for me when you’re ready! I think that would be awesome if we were to do that race the same year!!

rUnladylike

Yes!!!! Looking forward to following your journey on Facebook in 2017! Exciting!

Laura @ Mommy Run Fast

So funny- I was considering either Richmond or Wineglass for the fall too! Would love to see you again! 🙂

rUnladylike

Oh my gosh that would be amazing to run the same race!!!! Keep me posted on what you decide! xo