If you’re the kind of runner who never laces up without your four-legged running partner, why stop at training? There are a handful of half marathons across the U.S. that not only allow dogs to run the race, but actually celebrate them. Whether you’re looking for mountain trails, scenic lakeside routes, or just a good excuse for a post-race pup party, these dog-friendly races deliver. From Colorado to Vermont, these dog-friendly races deliver.
Sadly, there aren’t a ton of half marathons that are dog-friendly anymore – many former dog-friendly halves have been sunsetted. There are far more dog-friendly 5Ks and 3Ks than 13.1-mile distances – such as Charlotte’s Dog Jog in North Carolina, the Havasu Half Doggie Dash 3K in Arizona, and Trails4Tails Fest 5K in New Jersey – so if you really want to help your pup earn a medal, it may just have to be for a lesser distance.
It’s also worth noting that with many smaller, local half marathons, you can sometimes email the race director and ask if you can run with your dog on-leash.
But if you’re determined to give your dog the chance to run across that 13.1-mile finish line, here are our favorite dog-friendly half marathons around the U.S. Grab the leash (or not—some are off-leash!) and get ready to run side by side with your best friend.
Calendar: Dog-Friendly Half Marathons
- Slacker Half Marathon on June 28, 2025
- Dog Days Half Marathon on July 12, 2025
- Moosalamoo Heavy Half Marathon on July 26, 2025
- Park City Trail Half Marathon on August 2, 2025
- Canine Classic at the Resort at Paws Up on August 24, 2025
- Circle the Lake Half Marathon on September 13, 2025
- Columbia Gorge Half Marathon on October 16, 2025
- Oakland Hills Trail Run on October 25, 2025
- The Florida Run at Lake Louisa State Park on November 8, 2025
Canine Classic at the Resort at Paws Up
- Where: Greenough, MT
- When: August 24, 2025
One day a year for the last 17 years, Montana’s luxury western resort, Paws Up, opens its 37,000-acre to become a gigantic dog park for the fun of you and your four-legged companion. The Canine Classic features a half marathon through the resort’s scenic trails with all proceeds benefiting the Working Dogs for Conservation. What’s more, dogs will love that they’re allowed to run off leash in this race, and the humans will love the post-race gourmet picnic lunch.
The Florida Run at Lake Louisa State Park
- Where: Clermont, FL
- When: November 8, 2025
Calling all Florida dog owners: You can score a half marathon medal and a scenic run with your pup at the Lake Louisa State Park division of The Florida Run. This state park outside Orlando is filled with picturesque lake views and rolling hills – and, thankfully, the race takes place in the mild climate of early November.
Oakland Hills Trail Run
- Where: Oakland, CA
- When: October 25, 2025
Run through a redwood forest just minutes outside downtown Oakland at the Redwood Regional Park in this half marathon. Lucky for you, dogs are allowed inside this part – and in this race – though they must be kept on a leash at all times. It’s also worth noting: Runners with dogs have to start at the back of the pack, so you probably won’t be setting a PR in this trail run. But for city dogs, this trail race is a real treat.
Slacker Half Marathon
- Where: Georgetown, CO
- When: June 28, 2025
This course may be called the “Slacker Half”, but you (and your pup) should still be ready for some serious downhill action! The race begins at 10,630 feet and rolls down to 8,400 feet by the time you reach the finish. This is a relay race, and dogs are welcome to join in. If they start to slow down, enjoy peace of mind knowing that the race is also walker-friendly.
Circle the Lake Half Marathon
- Where: Faribault, MN
- When: September 13, 2025
A run with a view, Circle the Lake Half does exactly as it suggests: You and your pup will spend 13.1 miles with serene lake views in rural Minnesota. If your dog gets distracted by birds, beware: This race course has the potential to be sprinkled with wildlife, including osprey, deer, ducks, and pelicans.
Columbia Gorge Half Marathon
- Where: Mosier, OR
- When: October 16, 2025
This race isn’t just about opportunities for you: Dogs are entered into their own category at this race. The Ruffwear Dog Leg has runners and their dogs as a part of the last wave start on race day. However, they will have a chance to win random prizes as they cross the finish line and at the awards ceremony. The out-and-back course climbs over 960 feet in elevation, so make sure your pooch is in shape.
Dog Days Half Marathon
- Where: Westminster, CO
- When: July 12, 2025
This race, which supports Colorado Canine Rescue, is perfect for bringing along your dog. The double out-and-back course is a half-and-half mixture of concrete and soft surface, and the race features free photos, gender-specific tech shirts, ice cold rally towels, and a finish line spread with breakfast burritos and chocolate milk.
Park City Trail Half Marathon
- Where: Park City, UT
- When: August 2, 2025
If you and your dog are looking for a big challenge to bond over, the Park City Trail Half Marathon is a tough course that features single-track trails, switchbacks and a technical downhill portion. Dogs are welcome to join in the dirty fun as long as they stay leashed throughout the race.
Moosalamoo Heavy Half Marathon
- Where: Goshen, VT
- When: July 26, 2025
Called a “Heavy” half marathon, the Moosalamoo is actually 14 miles long – and yes, you’ll likely feel that extra 0.9 miles. The course takes runners (and their pups if they choose to come along) up to the top of Moosalamoo Mountain where they can enjoy gorgeous views of Lake Dunmore. This tough race is full of single-track trails and the post-race festivities with plenty of homemade goodies.
