If you’re going to run a half marathon, there’s really no better time to do it than the fall. The crisp cool breezes, crunch of leaves under foot, and let us not forget the joys of a celebratory slice of pumpkin pie after you cross the finish line. Most half marathons in the United States are organized for either the spring or the fall, and while you might have to do some training runs in warm weather, it sure beats trying to pound out 10 miles during a blizzard.
Hundreds of half marathons are run in the United States every year, and that gives runners plenty of options. To help you narrow down your choices a bit and select a half marathon you know will be spectacular, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of the best fall half marathons in the United States. From California to Maine, these halves represent some of the most defy and highly rated races across the country— all happening throughout September, October, and November. Take a look, find your perfect fall half, and start your training— let’s do this!
1. Bozeman Half Marathon
Date: September 8, 2024
Location: Bozeman, Montana
While perhaps not the most convenient location of the races on this list (although if you’ve got a trip to Yellowstone planned or live in Montana, that’s not the case), Bozeman’s half is one of the most beautiful. The fall point-to-point course starts in the foothills that surround Bozeman, descends into the city with an almost entirely downhill course. You’ll get views of the mountains and the changing leaves as you speed towards what is hopefully a new PR. Bozeman has been called “the most liveable place” and that means there’s plenty to do (from hiking and biking to farmers markets, coffee shops, and plenty of breweries) once you’ve crossed the finish line.
2. Air Force Half Marathon
Date: September 21, 2024
Location: Dayton, Ohio
For those not in the military, Dayton, Ohio, happens to be on the hubs of the buy nike sb online australia live chat number. In addition to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base, it’s also the home of the National Museum of the United States Air Force. The latter serves as the starting point for one of Ohio’s largest races that winds its way around the base and past various aviation landmarks. With a number of hills on the course, this may not be your fastest half, but it could be the most moving. Members of the military award medals at the end, and a Blue Mile on the course honors fallen soldiers. This is also a part of the Armed Forces Series of races. If you run all five, you’ll get a special medal!
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Location: San Antonio, Texas
Start your weekend off right with a little half marathon and then a Friday night drinking some craft beer with your buddies. The ScallyWompus Running Club in San Antonio hosts a number of brewery runs every fall as an opportunity to get in shape for longer races and drink beer. The Battle of Salado Creek in September has a fun Friday evening start time meaning that you’ll get to drink under the stars once you finish your 13.1. No early wakeup times and you can really brag about our accomplishments at Saturday brunch.
4. Hamptons Half Marathon
Date: September 28, 2024
Location: Southampton, New York
While technically September 25 is off season in the Hamptons (SO TACKY!), we promise that heading out in early fall still has its perks. While the beaches may be a little chillier than they are in summer, the breezy weather is ideal for running and you can still spend the weekend by the ocean (just maybe with a sweatshirt on). The half runs through the scenic neighborhood of Southampton so you’ll get to ogle plenty of mansions and you can celebrate with some seafood and a glass or two of rose.
5. Maine Half Marathon
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With plenty of rolling hills, the course is a bit challenging, but it will also provide you with oceanfront views, fall foliage, and a final few miles facing the Portland skyline on the out-and-back course. When you finish, you can try beers from eight craft breweries at Beer Fest and snag food from local food trucks. Maine supplies 90 percent of the nation’s lobster supply, and is America’s largest blueberry producer in the country, so be sure to enjoy a lobsta’ sandwich and some blueberry jam post-race, but probably not at the same time.
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Location: Portland, Oregon
You can run a different half marathon in a different city that’s also called Portland. Portland touts itself as the “birthplace of modern distance running,” and it certainly knows how to throw a race. The amenities for Portland are incredible. Free photos to all runners, a free poncho if it’s raining, a shirt, a medal, and a banging after party.
7. Long Beach Half Marathon
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Location: Long Beach, California
If you’re looking for a half marathon that’s flat and speedy, it’s hard to beat the Long Beach Half Marathon, which has an elevation high of 45 feet. The race, located conveniently outside of Los Angeles, lets runners see the ocean for 90 percent of the out-and-back course. Entrants get a complimentary tote bag, which is a fun extra bit of swag, and you’re likely to leave with a PR as well. Afterwards you can head to In ’n’ Out or take a quick jump into the ocean to cool off.
8. Breckenridge Road Half Marathon
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Location: Breckenridge, Colorado
While Breckenridge, Colorado is primarily known for its skiing, the season for hitting the slopes hasn’t really started yet in early October. The course begins in the mountains surrounding the ski village and then descends into an out-and-back in the city without forcing you to run too many hills. You’ll get views of the peaks and the fall foliage before enjoying an apres marathon (if that’s a thing). After all, the ski lodges are still all there and you can drink any month of the year!
9. Detroit International Half Marathon
Date: October 20, 2024
Location: Detroit, Michigan
While the Detroit Marathon comes with two accompanying halves, if you are legally able, opt to run in the international half rather than the one that stays stateside. The international version, which mostly follows the first half of the marathon course, sends runners from Detroit over the Ambassador Bridge and into Canada. You’ll then run through Windsor, Canada, and back through the tunnel under the Detroit River toward downtown. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience and one of the best races that the fall has to offer.
10. Des Moines Half Marathon
Date: October 20, 2024
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Iowa is a famously flat state and the half marathon through the capitol does not buck that trend. In fact the elevation changes from 242 meters above sea level at the lowest point to 248 meters at the highest. The loop course gives runners a scenic view of the city, but one exciting addition is the Fitness Sports Speed Zone, a one and half mile-long loop about halfway through the course. The fastest time for the loop in each age group wins a prize, so saving your energy for this section could be key. If you’ve run several halves before, this race could be a fun new addition.
11. Niagara Falls Half Marathon
Date: October 27, 2024
Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario
While technically not a United States race, you can see the states from most of the Niagara Falls Half Marathon course. Our neighbors to the north host plenty of great halves every year, but none passes a natural beauty quite like Niagara Falls (and we’re talking about the Canadian version). While you will need a passport for this race, if you can cross the border, you’ll get plenty of incredible views of the falls. Let the mist cool you down and grab some poutine to celebrate when you’re done. Just don’t at any point try to use a barrel to get to the finish line quicker.
12. Raleigh City of Oaks Half Marathon
Date: November 3, 2024
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While heat isn’t always an issue by the time you get to November races, it can certainly still play a factor in your enjoyment of a half marathon (and your time). Luckily when your city is nicknamed “City of Oaks” you can rest assured that the course will include plenty of shade. Raleigh’s course is a loop with some out and back segments that give runners a tour of the city, including some Oak-lined streets. While the course does have some smaller hills, its enthusiastic small town energy makes it great for beginners.
13. Monterey Bay Half Marathon
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Location: Monterey, California
Nestled between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the California coast is Monterey, and while the Big Sur Marathon gets most of the racing attention in this area, you shouldn’t sleep on this stunning out-and-back course. Starting in downtown Monterey, runners will pass Fisherman’s Wharf and run along the coast through Pacific Grove, around the scenic golf course and to Asilomar State Beach before looping back around. The course is stunning and mostly flat, and the half marathon is a great excuse to explore a beautiful part of California, a bit off the beaten path.
14. Philadelphia Half Marathon
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Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you’re looking to turn that Thanksgiving time off into a nice little runcation, the Philadelphia Half Marathon presents a fun option to start off your week with. This half is the ideal city road race with a loop course that hits all of Philadelphia’s most well known sites. You’ll start and end by the Philadelphia Museum of Art (the same one that Rocky Balboa charged toward) with trips to Old City, Center City, the Schuylkill River, and Fairmont Park along the way. The course has the right amount of hills to be challenging without anything too difficult, and you can celebrate with a Rocky-inspired photo shoot and a Philly cheesesteak.
15. Tulsa Route 66 Half Marathon
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Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
On the same day as the Philly Half, thousands of miles away you can run a race that pays homage to the ultimate vacation: the Route 66 road trip. Tulsa, which is having quite the moment as one of America’s coolest cities, is conveniently located on Route 66 and lets runners race on a portion of the historic highway. The rest of the half is a tour of downtown Tulsa, with views of the river and shady runs through the parks. And if you’re taking off the week of Thanksgiving, there’s no better place to start your great American road trip.
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