What are the very best half marathons within the US? Probably the most enjoyable half marathons? Nicely a few of that is dependent upon what you want, however I’m fairly certain there are a couple of key parts that apply to all of them.
Primary: It makes an excellent Racecation – why isn’t this phrase within the dictionary but? I imply it’s within the Wiktionary, so I feel everyone knows meaning it’s clearly a part of the usual lexicon…of runners. A stupendous place to run and make it an excellent excuse for a trip, and possibly even your first half marathon ever!
Mini-me and muggle have been deemed dictionary-worthy phrases of our lifetime, so I feel it’s time to start a pursuit of increasing the world’s data of a racecation. I’m going to guess the principle problem is that runners are too busy DOING one thing else to combat for this phrase.
Which is completely cool as a result of meaning, we’re additionally discovering excuses to journey extra! So let’s discuss the very best half marathons within the US (and some I really like exterior the nation)!
Race holidays have turn out to be a staple round right here, a lot to my husband’s chagrin because it all the time means a couple of days of not seeing a lot, adopted by a couple of days of hobbling round…none the much less it combines my two favourite actions of journey and working so he humors me and we proceed to roam!
Vacation spot races generally is a nice alternative to PR (particularly in case you’re coming down from working at altitude to sea degree!!), however typically they’re simply an opportunity to discover a brand new metropolis in a method that you simply love.
In the event you haven’t performed a racecation but, I extremely suggest it! I imply think about working by way of the outdated partitions of Jerusalem…MEMORIES!!!
Why Join a Vacation spot Race?
In reality, not one of many 9 marathons I’ve accomplished has been the place we lived!
I preferred that added bonus for race day and whereas it may well additionally add some stress, listed below are the principle causes I feel it’s superior:
- Exploring a brand new metropolis (critically I noticed all of the sights of Dublin throughout a 10K)
- Submit race runners blues don’t have an opportunity to set in if you’ve bought a model new metropolis to discover
- Assembly up with fellow runners! I’ll be sincere among the races I really like most are as a result of I lastly get to satisfy some very long time Instagram working associates.
- A change in surroundings: not solely will you be working in a brand new place, however probably a unique local weather or hills or dessert or ocean…it provides some curiosity to race day!
- Further cause to persuade household to cross a bucket listing vacation spot off your listing
Something Totally different in Planning for a Vacation spot Race?
Coaching for a race in one other state appears so as to add slightly extra umph to many individuals’s coaching due to the extra price concerned and the thrill about exploring a brand new place.
Until you’re going for all 50 states, attempt to plan slightly additional time round these races to benefit from the websites. That’s half the enjoyable of a vacation spot race.
A number of tricks to planning if that is your first:
Finest Half Marathons within the US (By State)
Whereas I actually have an inventory of my private alternative for greatest half marathons, this isn’t merely from my mind alone, it’s from yours too!
I gathered your solutions for coolest half marathons, consulted my marathon maniac associates (sure those that have performed a whole bunch of races), investigated what Runner’s World and some others needed to say and voila an inventory was born of the very best half marathons within the US.
The important thing to a half marathon well worth the journey:
Right here had been the parts we checked out in making this listing.
- Surroundings (let’s benefit from the race from begin to end)
- PR pleasant (serving to you hit that massive objective on the highway!)
- Crowd help (cheering from associates, household and strangers)
- Nice trip spot (submit race enjoyable!)
- Swag (a few of you actually love an excellent medal, submit race meals/beer, and many others)
Now greater than ever we’re fortunate to have a HUGE number of half marathons to select from in any state as a result of it’s such a well-liked distance. Which suggests there are probably some races that might be thought of prime half marathons which could not seem on this listing.
Alaska
Prime Advice: Anchorage Mayor’s Marathon
The Anchorage Mayor’s Half Marathon and Marathon is held yearly on the summer season solstice and is the proper method to have a full Alaska expertise.
It’s a beautiful day to rejoice the top of summer season whereas having fun with the scenic views of Denali, forested trails, and waterways, in addition to the stunning views of the Alaskan wilderness and wildlife.
There are segments of path to discover, in addition to loads of alternatives to take a look at some wildlife. It’s a good time to go there when there are 19 hours of daylight. However you’ll nonetheless be working at 7 AM, so no worries a couple of midnight begin.
Arizona
Prime Advice: Grand Canyon Half Marathon
This isn’t a simple half marathon, however boy is it fairly. In the event you resolve to run it, know that it’s a path race for all talent ranges by way of the magnificent Kaibab Nationwide Forest simply exterior the North Entrance to Grand Canyon Nationwide Park. Undoubtedly count on some elevation with this one!
After you’re performed with the race, I like to recommend having fun with the remainder of the weekend on the Grand Canyon creating new recollections with that scenic view. That is undoubtedly a race you go for the wonder, not a PR.
California
Prime Suggestions: Santa Barbara Wine Valley Half Marathon, Napa To Sonoma Wine Nation Half Marathon, and Surf Metropolis Half Marathon
Santa Barbara and the close by Santa Ynez Valley are nice locations to go working on trip. The Santa Barbara Wine Nation Half Marathon, which takes place over Mom’s Day weekend in early Could, is the best justification for touring to this paradise for out of doors recreation.
There may be all kinds of issues to do within the space, from stress-free on the seashore to touring historic cities and missions, from buying to eating, and from wine tasting at wineries to touring vineyards.
One other nice one is the Napa To Sonoma Wine Nation Half Marathon! It has been named one of many prime 7 most scenic half marathons within the US by Forbes and contains a point-to-point course previous a few of California’s most well-known vineyards
This race, which takes place in July yearly, is distinguished by the pastures, vineyards, rolling hills, and valleys typical of wine nation. It begins at Cuvaison Carneros Vineyard and finishes at Metropolis Corridor in Sonoma Plaza.
Plus, as a substitute of a typical sports activities drink, runners can get pleasure from a glass of premium wine after the race.
And in case you had been to ask me, the one that continues to be on my bucket listing and must be added to yours is the Surf Metropolis Half Marathon! Right here’s why you’ll adore it:
- The medal is without doubt one of the few that provides me bling envy
- The course is flat and quick
- The course is gorgeous alongside the seashore
- Lengthy sleeve finisher shirts (WHAT?! That’s top-notch)
- I’ve run Motiv races and they’re effectively organized!
- It’s a part of the Surf Cities Problem, which suggests extra bling!
- Now you’re in CA, one in every of my favourite trip spots.
Colorado
Prime Advice: Steamboat Half Marathon and Golden Leaf Half Marathon
Now that I dwell in Colorado, I get to benefit from the mountain views steadily, however I used to be nonetheless blown away by the Steamboat Half Marathon. Anticipate a internet downhill course, that’s stunning, a small end line with breakfast burritos, and the proper spot for an inexpensive CO trip as a result of it’s the low season.
It’s critically no marvel that this half marathon and marathon are ranked a part of the ‘Prime 10 Vacation spot Marathons in North America.’
One other nice alternative is the Golden Leaf Half Marathon. This tough course presents the sort of rugged path working that Colorado is understood for. The most effective climbing trails within the space are close by, and charming mountain cities like Snowmass Village and Aspen are particularly stunning within the fall when the leaves are altering colours.
Bonus: In order for you that downhill velocity, checkout Revel Rockies! It’s additionally near Denver for straightforward journey.
Illinois
Prime Advice: Chicago Half Marathon
In order for you a scenic view with the opportunity of a half marathon PR, this unimaginable course with beautiful views is for you. It’s no shock that the Chicago Half Marathon seems on each prime ten listing.
The race begins in historic Jackson Park, goes by way of the gorgeous Hyde Park neighborhood, and ends on Lake Shore Drive, the place you possibly can see Lake Michigan.
Florida
Prime Suggestions: House Coast Half Marathon and 13.1 Fort Lauderdale
Having lived in FL, I’ll first say be ready for the humidity if you’re touring right here for a winter race. I discovered lots of associates wilted on the Miami marathon as a result of they didn’t understand how a lot the humidity would affect them.
When choosing a half marathon in FL, think about the 13.1 Fort Lauderdale. It has a seashore end line which is so enjoyable and simply up the highway from Miami!
One other nice one is the House Coast Half Marathon. It’s actually an fascinating one to run, contemplating it’s held proper close to race the Kennedy House Middle, and so the complete occasion revolves round an area theme that you simply’re undoubtedly going to like!
Georgia
Prime Advice: Critz Tybee Run Fest
We bought married right here, it’s an excellent cool island! I imply, ignore our bizarre wedding ceremony story and simply deal with the truth that it’s exterior Savannah and lovely. They need you to benefit from the day, so that they have locations so that you can change post-race.
Hawaii
Prime Suggestions: Any Race Together with Kauai Half Marathon and Hibiscus Half Marathon
Actually any race right here appears to be a winner in folks’s suggestions, although be ready for warmth! I helped paced Jodi to her first marathon end through the Honolulu marathon and it was beautiful to see the gorgeous rain forests, however extraordinarily crowded (and no half marathon).
A surprising one you possibly can think about is the Hibiscus Half Marathon. Certainly one of Oahu’s most breathtaking areas, the 300,000-year-old Diamond Head crater, is the place this Labor Day weekend race begins.
For a lot of the route, you’ll be capable to see breathtaking ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, which additionally takes you thru Kapiolani Park and previous the Honolulu Zoo.
One other one is the Kauai Half Marathon. Poipu, a resort on the sunny southern finish of Hawaii’s fourth-largest island, serves as the place to begin for the Kauai Half Marathon.
The route is coastal, so that you get to see all the gorgeous sights the island has to supply, like its pristine seashores, wild forests, rugged volcanoes, and luxurious tropical rainforests.
Kentucky
Prime Advice: Run The Bluegrass Half Marathon
The Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon is sometimes called ‘America’s Prettiest Half Marathon.’ The course lives as much as its status as being stunningly stunning in addition to tough and motivating.
It takes place within the traditionally important metropolis of Lexington. The Keeneland Racecourse, which is a historic web site in and of itself, is the place the beginning/end space is located.
The course sometimes doesn’t flatten out for very lengthy stretches, so you possibly can anticipate seeing horses and plenty of inexperienced, grassy rolling hills the entire method.
Greater than a race this actually is a weekend of occasions. You may go to distilleries, horse farms and a lot extra. The race itself will take rolling hills by way of the Thoroughbred farms.
Maine
Prime Advice: Shipyard Outdated Port Half Marathon
This US half marathon with a nautical theme will attraction to you in case you get pleasure from New England’s leisurely tempo with its stunning surroundings, charming small cities, lighthouses, historic conflict websites, and miles of seashores and shoreline!
Portland’s bay is a ravishing place to go for a run, with 13 miles of waterfront to discover, colonial buildings, and a cobblestone end.
Nevada
Prime Advice: Rock N Roll Las Vegas
In the event you’re going to Vegas, you would possibly as effectively get pleasure from working on the strip proper?! Rock N Roll Las Vegas is the one one to close down the strip for you at night time.
Following a sundown begin, virtually the complete 13-mile course is run on Las Vegas Boulevard, with a becoming end at The Mirage On line casino. Simply bear in mind that it’s chilly and so they have had a lot of hiccups with logistics.
BONUS Checklist of Half Marathons to Take into account
These didn’t make it into the highest listing from everybody however had been actually price a notable point out.
California
Advice: Golden Gate Half Marathon, San Francisco Half Marathon, and Joshua Timber Half Marathon
Connecticut
Advice: Mystic Half Marathon
Florida
Advice: Run Disney Half Marathons
Idaho
Advice: Coeur d’ Alene Half Marathon
Louisiana
Advice: Rock N Roll New Orleans
Michigan
Suggestions: Bayshore Half Marathon and Nice Turtle Half Marathon (path)
New York
Advice: Wineglass Half Marathon
North Dakota
Advice: Fargo Half Marathon
Ohio
Advice: Flying Pig Half Marathon
Oregon
Advice: Portland Shamrock Run
Pennsylvania
Suggestions: Dick’s Sporting Items Pittsburgh Half Marathon, Runner’s World Half Marathon Pageant, and Philadelphia Half Marathon
Tennessee
Advice: Nashville Rock N Roll Half marathon (my first race ever in 2002!!)
Utah
Advice: Thelma and Louise Half Marathon
Vermont
Advice: Coated Bridges Half Marathon
Virginia
Advice: Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon
Washington
Advice: Whidbey Bay Half Marathon
West Virginia
Advice: Hatfield McCoy Half Marathon
Wisconsin
Advice: Madison Mini-Marathon
Finest Worldwide Half Marathons
Okay I couldn’t end this off with out together with a couple of worldwide choices as a result of, effectively truthfully, they’re on my vacation spot race bucket listing!
Planning my subsequent racecation, due to this listing of journey worthy half marathons! #runchat Share on X
There are such a lot of extra superb scenic half marathons and greatest half marathons across the US that I’m going to must preserve updating this listing yearly to remain on prime of them!
Different methods to attach with Amanda
Instagram Every day Enjoyable: RunToTheFinish
Fb Neighborhood Chatter: RunToTheFinish
Signal As much as Obtain a Weekly Publication with Prime Operating Suggestions and Laughs
