1) Luce Line Lace Up Half Marathon • Hutchinson, MN
Set for its inaugural running along the south fork of the Crow River, just outside Minneapolis, this race follows the tree-lined Luce Line Trail, a converted railroad whose history dates back more than a century.
September • Race info & signup >>
2) Catharine Valley Half Marathon • Watkins Glen, NY
A long, very gradual ascent of less than 250 feet in elevation from the start to the half-way point awaits runners runners at this race through the green, lush parkland of the Catharine Valley Trail here in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York.
August • Race info & signup >>
3) The Hottest Half • Dallas, TX
Make sure you take advantage of each and every water station scattered throughout your 13.1 miles at this race along the Trinity River, where temperatures could climb into the 90s by the time you finish.
August • Race info & signup >>
4) Madison Mini Marathon • Madison, WI
You’ll start along the shoreline of Lake Mendota and then make your way past the Wisconsin State Capitol building and through the University of Wisconsin campus at this race, which often sells out (but still has spots left today).
August • Race info & signup >>
5) Michigan Wine Trail Half Marathon • Baroda, MI
Want to run through wine country but can’t get to Napa? Now’s your chance with this challenging road course that passes several wineries along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, just across the lake from Chicago.
August • Race info & signup >>
6) E.T. Full Moon Midnight Half Marathon • Rachel, NV
Run through a tiny town about 2 1/2 hours north of Las Vegas, this race welcomes hundreds of runners each year for a midnight run through the desert along what is rumored to be some of the most active hotbeds of “extraterrestrial” activity anywhere in the U.S.
August • Race info & signup >>
7) America’s Finest City Half Marathon • San Diego, CA
Famous for its mild temperatures and cloudless skies, this point-to-point race takes runners from the majestic views of Cabrillo National Monument overlooking the Pacific to the green, expansive meadows of Balboa Park, home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
August • Race info & signup >>
8) Charlotte Covered Bridge Half Marathon • Shelburne, VT
Surrounded by the rolling green Adirondack Mountains and the deep blue waters of Lake Champlain, this race takes runners on an out-and-back race that starts and finishes at Shelburne Beach, and features the peaceful, bucolic scenery of western Vermont.
September • Race info & signup >>
9) Brewers Mini Marathon • Milwaukee, WI
You’ll get the chance to run inside Miller Park, home of major league baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers, at this race through downtown Milwaukee, which promises great views of landmarks like Miller Valley, the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Mitchell Park Domes.
September • Race info & signup >>
10) Pier to Peak Half Marathon • Santa Barbara, CA
Often called “the world’s toughest half marathon,” this breathtaking race takes runners all the way from the Friendship Dolphins Fountain at the edge of Sterns Wharf all the way up to La Cumbra Peak, which overlooks the city from nearly 4,000 feet above sea level.
September • Race info & signup >>
11) Harrisburg Half Marathon • Harrisburg, PA
With a beautifully scenic course that unfolds almost entirely along the banks of the Susquehanna River, this race starts and finishes on Harrisburg’s City Island, which lies smack in the middle of the Susquehanna and is linked to the mainland by bridge.
September • Race info & signup >>
12) The Alternative Half Marathon • Washington Crossing, PA
History buffs will know the pivotal role this race’s location played in American history, as you’ll run where George Washington and his Continental army crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776, a voyage that would forever change the course of our nation.
September • Race info & signup >>
13) Half Moon Bay International Half Marathon • Half Moon Bay, CA
It’s often called one of the most romantic and breathtaking places anywhere on the west coast: Pacific waves crashing along sandy beaches, wildflowers blooming along the bluffs that look out onto the water, and biking trails that connect the beach towns along this stretch of coastline.
September • Race info & signup >>
13.1) Navy-Air Force Half Marathon • Washington, DC
More than 6,000 runners cross the finish line each year at this race, which unfolds along D.C.’s fast, flat streets and takes runners past several of its signature sights, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
September • Race info & signup >>
