Whether it be over a river, around a lake or along the sea, there’s something truly special about running near water. They’re calming (and beautiful) to look at, and the vastness seems to make the time go by faster. Plus, races on the water tend to be flat and breezy so they’re the perfect places to PR.
Maybe that’s why some of our favorite half marathons in the United States are coastal races. The Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico – these massive bodies of water boast miles and miles of shoreline, and clever race directors have built their courses to show off the sea. From California and Hawaii to Rhode Island and Maine, there are quite a few stunning coastal halfs to choose from.
As an avid runner, writer and the author of Marathoner: What to Expect When Training for and Running a Marathon, I’ve run in a number coastal races and have done plenty of research on the ones I haven’t run. With that in mind, I’ve put together this list of the best coastal half marathons in the US, to provide a nice jumping off point when picking which race to sign up for. The list includes races on the east, west and southern coasts all throughout the calendar, so there’s something for everyone.
Here are the best coastal half marathons, along with a few reasons why you’ll want to run them.
Calendar: Best Coastal Half Marathons
- Key West Half Marathon on January 18, 2026
- Surf City Half Marathon on February 1, 2026
- San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon on April 2026 (TBD)
- Newport Rhode Races Half Marathon on April 19, 2025
- NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half on May 17, 2025
- Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon on June 7, 2025
- The Kauai Half Marathon on August 31, 2025
- Long Beach Half Marathon on October 5, 2025
- Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon on October 11, 2025
- Mount Desert Island Half Marathon on October 19, 2025
- Monterey Bay Half Marathon on November 9, 2025
- The Kiawah Island Half Marathon on December 13, 2025
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon on December 14, 2025
Shipyard Old Port Half Marathon
- When: June 7, 2025
- Where: Portland, Maine
There’s very few places in America where you could run a half marathon in the summer and not suffer under oppressive heat, but the windy coast of northern New England has a way of keeping you cool even on the hottest of days. Run in Portland each June, the Old Port Half Marathon is a loop course that runs its participants through the Old Port district (thus the name) and around the Casco Bay. The race boasts “brews and views” touting not only the stunning seascapes you’ll get to look at but also the craft local beers you can swig down after crossing the finish line.
The Kauai Half Marathon
- When: August 31, 2025
- Where: Kauai, Hawaii
You can’t go too far in Hawaii without bumping into one coast or another, and the Kauai Half Marathon starts and ends near the shore in Poipu. Much of the loop course, however, is not run along the beach, but rather up inland up into the mountains. While this may make the first half of the race feel very non-coastal, when you’re heading back towards the finish on the downhill, you’ll have gorgeous views of the ocean as you race down the hill. In fact, this is one of our top picks for scenic half marathons. There’s nothing quite like surveying the world from on high (and then celebrating with some fresh coconut water).
Monterey Bay Half Marathon
- When: November 9, 2025
- Where: Monterey, California
Unfortunately, the lauded Big Sur International Marathon does not include a half marathon distance, so we can’t include that race on this list even though it’s perhaps the best coastal race the U.S. has to offer. Its sister race, however, the Monterey Bay Half Marathon is nothing to scoff at. Starting and finishing in Monterey Bay, the out-and-back course sends runners through Pacific Grove and out to the Asilomar State Beach before they double back. The whole course runs along the craggy shores of the Pacific Ocean and gives runners a number of spectacular views along the way. Plus, you can then go visit Big Sur without having to run in it.
The Kiawah Island Half Marathon
- When: December 13, 2025
- Where: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island is not a very big place, which makes running a half marathon (and especially a full marathon) a bit challenging. The course for the half, therefore, is a bit of a winding one that weaves all around the island. Runners will certainly get a good sense of what Kiawah has to offer after crisscrossing the landscape, running past golf courses, nature sanctuaries and of course the beach. The island is also famous for its golf, so if you’re an avid golfer, this might be the half marathon for you.
Key West Half Marathon
- When: January 18, 2026
- Where: Key West, Florida
At the southern tip of Florida, Key West is an island completely surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, which means there’s no shortage of coastline. The winter half marathon certainly takes advantage of the locale, sending runners on an out-and-back course that traces the shoreline of the island. Aside from segments through downtown at the start and finish of the race, this half marathon is run almost entirely along the beach, meaning you’ll get to take in the crystal waters and majestic skyline while making your way to the finish line.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon
- When: December 14, 2025
- Where: Biloxi, Mississippi
It would be hard to find a more coastal half marathon than the Mississippi Gulf Coast Half. Starting in Gulfport, the course sends runners down 13.1 miles of coastal road in a straight shot to the finish in Biloxi. You won’t have to worry about hills. You won’t have to worry about turns. And in December, you hopefully won’t have to worry about the heat. This is the perfect race to earn a PR in and the waves will be there to keep you company every step of the way.
Surf City Half Marathon
- When: February 1, 2026
- Where: Huntington Beach, California
While the east coast certainly has plenty of gorgeous beaches, it’s the west coast that’s known for its surfing. Few places boast better waves than Huntington Beach, which has been christened “Surf City” for how many surfers head to this region south of Los Angeles to catch the waves. Although half marathon runners won’t need a surfboard, they will spend plenty of time at the beach as nearly the entire Surf City Half’s course runs parallel to the ocean in an out-and-back. If you’re looking to surf, however, you might want to wait until the day after the race, because surfing on worn out running legs feels like a recipe for disaster.
NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half
- When: May 17, 2025
- Where: Brooklyn, New York
While most of the New York Road Runners’ Brooklyn-based half marathon is running through the city, it does end on the Coney Island Boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in Prospect Park, the point-to-point course sends runners away from Manhattan and out east towards the shoreline. After a long stretch running through Brooklyn neighborhoods, you’ll end up on the famed Coney Island boardwalk with roller coasters and the Ferris Wheel looking on. After finishing, you can take a quick dip in the water, snag a famous Nathan’s hot dog or by trying to win a giant stuffed animal in the ring toss.
Newport Rhode Races Half Marathon
- When: April 19, 2025
- Where: Newport, Rhode Island
If you’re looking for a flat coastal race, Rhode Races’ Newport Half Marathon might not be the best bet. The race starts by sending runners up a massive hill and the craggy cliffs of Rhode Island aren’t necessarily the easiest to traverse. What this course lacks in ease, however, it makes up for in beauty. A true New England half, this race starts along the beach and sends runners on a loop past many of the town’s oldest, grandest mansions. You’ll then overlook the ocean while running along the windy shoreline before heading back to the beach. You can celebrate your achievement with some seafood or by checking out the city’s famed daffodils, which are in bloom each spring.
Long Beach Half Marathon
- When: October 5, 2025
- Where: Long Beach, California
If you’re looking for a coastal half marathon in the Los Angeles area, a very solid option is the Long Beach half, south of LA on the coast. The loop course winds around the Queensway Bay and and then along several of the area’s beaches as it heads back to the start. While the Los Angeles River is not known for being a scenic locale, you will get to see it as you run over the Queensway Bridge. You’ll also see the Lion Lighthouse and the Pike Ferris Wheel, oh and the Pacific Ocean.
Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon
- When: October 11, 2025
- Where: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Don’t let the name fool you. This “mini marathon” is actually just a rebranded half marathon. The 13.1 miles feature over 5 miles of oceanfront running as you zoom past some of the most iconic beaches on the Atlantic. The course is extremely flat (read: fast!) and finishes on Myrtle Beach’s famed boardwalk. After you finish you’ll be able to take in the attractions that make the beach such a popular vacation destination and if the weather’s nice, you might even be able to cool off in the ocean.
Mount Desert Island Half Marathon
- When: October 19, 2025
- Where: Bar Harbor, Maine
It’s hard to find a more beautiful locale for a half marathon than Maine’s Mount Desert Island. Home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park, the island is an extremely popular tourist destination despite being in one of America’s most remote corners. The half marathon is run on a point to point course that horseshoes the Somes Sound. Runners will start in the Northeast Harbor and finish across the water in the Southwest Harbor. After you’re done, I’d recommend some nice seafood. Lobster roll anyone?
San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon
- When: April 2026 (TBD)
- Where: San Diego, California
It will probably not be too shocking for you to find out that the San Diego Beach & Bay Half Marathon’s course sends runners by both the city’s beach and bay. The loop course, which starts and ends near the southeastern edge of Mission Bay, is a big lap of the bay with stints along both the Pacific Ocean and Mission Beach. Running through parks, along the water and through the heart of San Diego, the course provides plenty of visual interest for runners. You’ll also run past SeaWorld, so if you’re looking for a post-race activity, you could spend some time checking out all the aquatic life swimming through the amusement park.
