You can run a race anywhere  – so why not make a race-cation out of it? Incredible destinations offer you gorgeous views for 13.1 miles and plenty of fun for the whole fam once the finish line is behind you. (If the whole family loves running, check out our list of running vacation tours we love.) And while there are definitely a lot of international halfs on our bucket list, there are truly some amazing gems right in the United States that offer fun half marathons, no passport required.
Whether you’re drawn to coastal routes where waves crash alongside your footsteps, mountain courses that wind through autumn vineyards, or historic city streets closed exclusively for runners, each race on this list transforms your typical race weekend into an unforgettable “runcation.”
Calendar: Best Half Marathons for a Race-Cation
- Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon on January 10, 2026
- San Francisco Half Marathon on February 1, 2026
- Tybee Run Fest Half Marathon on February 7, 2026
- Save the Light Half Marathon in February 2026
- Hilton Head Island Half Marathon on February 15, 2026
- Disney Princess Half Marathon on March 1, 2026
- United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on March 16, 2026
- Mercer Island Half Marathon in May 2026
- Steel Rail Half Marathon on May 18, 2026
- Bank of America Chicago 13.1 on July 7, 2026
- Bryce Canyon Half Marathon on July 12, 2025
- Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon on July 20, 2025
- Kauai Half Marathon on August 31, 2025
- Middlebury Maple Run Half Marathon on October 19, 2025
- Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon on October 25, 2025
- Great Turtle Trail Run Half Marathon on October 25, 2025
- Catalina Island Eco Half Marathon on November 8, 2025
- Malibu Half Marathon on November 16, 2025
- Kiawah Island Golf Resort Half Marathon on December 13, 2025
Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon
- Where: Sonoma, CA
- When: July 20, 2025
Wine-loving runners (or runners with wine-loving families) will want to sign up for this run-cation ASAP: Run 13.1 miles through California’s world-renowned wine country on this scenic point-to-point course starting at Cuvaison Carneros Winery in Napa and finishing at historic Sonoma Plaza. This incredible scenic half winds through rolling vineyards, ranches, and farms with views of San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais. Its renowned finish line party celebrates ober 25 local wineries from Napa to Sonoma Valley – cheers!
Bank of America Chicago 13.1
- Where: Chicago, IL
- When: June 7, 2026
It’s not hard to understand why we love a destination race in a major city – the post-race meals, the celebratory cheers after months of training at any number of rooftop restaurants with great views, and plenty to do for the non-runners in your group.
The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 runs through the historic parks and boulevards of Chicago’s West Side, starting and finishing in Garfield Park. There are a lot of great Chicago races to choose from, but we love that this one takes you out of the Loop and lets you explore the neighborhoods of Chicago’s West Side.
Malibu Half Marathon
- Where: Malibu, CA
- When: November 16, 2025
It’s pretty much impossible not to include the Malibu Half on a list like this, as it’s easily one of the best scenic half marathons in the U.S. You’ll run along one of Southern California’s most scenic roads, where rocky bluffs overlook sandy beaches with waves crashing onshore. This out-and-back course starts at the Channel Islands, weaving through the Santa Monica Mountains before reaching the iconic Pacific Coast Highway.Â
Post race, you’ll get to enjoy a fabulous coastal getaway: Explore celebrity-favorite beaches, visit the stunning Getty Villa museum, hike scenic trails at Point Dume, and dine oceanside at Malibu Farm Pier or Duke’s Malibu.
Disney Princess Half Marathon
- Where: Orlando FL
- When: March 1, 2026
What better way is there than to combine a Disney family vacation and your love of running than with the Disney Princess Half Marathon? As one of the many running events sponsored by Disney, this one caters to female participants.
The first 2 corrals are designated for elite and faster female runners. Runners will race from just outside Epcot to the Magic Kingdom and finish inside Epcot with characters cheering racers on along the way. Disney races are notorious for selling out quickly so register early to enjoy a slice of the magic.
Great Turtle Trail Run Half Marathon
- Where: Mackinac Island, MI
- When: October 25, 2025
Run through Michigan’s legendary car-free island, where horses have been running wild for more than 125 years since motor vehicles were banned in 1898. This out-and-back trail run circles nearly the entire four square miles of the “Jewel of the Great Lakes” for stunning scenery the whole 13.1 miles.
Beyond the race, this island makes for a serene vacation with covered-porch hotels, the island’s world-famous fudge made by local artisans, and Fort Mackinac, America’s second national park.
Catalina Island Eco Half Marathon
- Where: Avalon, CA
- When: November 8, 2025
Off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island delivers a challenging trail run with jaw-dropping views. The Half Marathon is through rugged terrain with significant elevation changes that make it perfect for adventurous runners, alongside gorgeous Pacific Ocean views.
What makes Catalina such a fun escape is how accessible it is while feeling miles away, with crystal clear blue water that puts Santa Monica to shame. Turn your race into a resort getaway: relax at the Mediterranean-style Descanso Beach Club with private cabanas, take the famous glass-bottom boat tours to see California sea life, or try the island’s first zipline in Los Angeles County.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort Half Marathon
- Where: Kiawah Island, SC
- When: December 13, 2025
Run a fast, nearly all-flat paved road race along tree-lined roads that wind through golf course communities and along the beaches of this resort barrier island. Runners will score 10 miles of stunning shoreline and the drooping, iconic old oaks that mark the south. After, non-runners in the family can play a few rounds on the PGA Championship golf course and take day trips to nearby Charleston.
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon
- Where: San Francisco, CA
- When: February 1, 2026
If you’ve ever been to San Francisco and driven through or just walked past the dramatic vistas that make up Golden Gate Park, then you know why Runner’s World ranked this as one of the country’s most scenic half marathon races. Run through Golden Gate Park’s dramatic vistas, this course showcases San Francisco’s iconic beauty, from rolling hills to sweeping bay views that make every mile Instagram-worthy.
Turn your race into the ultimate San Francisco weekend: ride historic cable cars through steep streets, explore Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39’s sea lions, and indulge in Mission District food tours featuring everything from sourdough bread to craft coffee. Stay in boutique hotels in Union Square for theater and shopping, or choose waterfront accommodations near the Embarcadero for bay views. Don’t miss sunset views from Crissy Field or wine tasting in nearby Napa Valley – February’s crisp, clear weather provides perfect conditions for both racing and sightseeing.
Critz Tybee Run Fest Half Marathon
- Where: Tybee Island, GA
- When: February 7, 2026
Nestled just off the coast of Savannah near Wilmington Island and the mouth of the Savannah River along the border between Georgia and South Carolina, Tybee Island still has much of its wild, untamed natural beauty, scenery that runners will get to take in at this race. This entirely flat course follows the quaint, small town of Tybee, but stay for a long weekend and visit one of the U.S.’ oldest – and most beautiful – cities, Savannah.
Hilton Head Island Half Marathon
- Where: Hilton Head, SC
- When: February 15, 2026
Another gorgeous island outside of Savannah, Hilton Head Island Half is a flat, fast course through the scenic beach neighborhoods and leisure paths that locals love. Post-race perks include recovery yoga, live music, and complimentary beer.
Turn your race into the ultimate resort getaway with 12 miles of pristine beaches, world-class golf courses, and luxury accommodations like The Sea Pines Resort’s 5,000 oceanfront acres. Explore the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse, indulge in fresh Lowcountry cuisine, or try championship golf courses.
Middlebury Maple Run Half Marathon
- Where: Middlebury, VT
- When: October 19, 2025
Experience “Vermont’s Sweetest Half Marathon” through this quintessential New England college town’s rolling green hills and pastoral farmlands. The varied course takes you through paved roads, gravel paths, and trails with stunning Green Mountain views, passing through Middlebury College campus and scenic Morgan Horse Farm Road.
Turn your race into a Vermont getaway: stay at historic inns like the 1827 Middlebury Inn overlooking the town green, explore Robert Frost’s literary trails, and sample local craft breweries and distilleries along the town’s five-mile “trail.” Post-race perks include maple syrup pancake breakfast, hand-carved wooden medals, and Vermont maple syrup awards for top finishers.
Save the Light Half Marathon
- Where: Folly Beach, SC
- When: February (TBD) 2026
Trade winter blues for coastal charm with this intimate race that takes just a few hundred runners and walkers on a seaside tour of gorgeous beach homes and oceanfront vistas outside Charleston, SC. You’ll have Atlantic Ocean views throughout much of your 13.1-mile course in the perfect February cool air.
Set just outside historic Charleston, this race offers the perfect excuse to explore one of America’s most romantic cities. Spend the rest of your race weekend strolling Charleston’s cobblestone streets and antebellum mansions. Folly Beach itself charms visitors with its laid-back surf town vibe, colorful beach houses, and the iconic Folly Beach Pier extending into the Atlantic. February’s mild temperatures make this an ideal escape from harsh northern winters.
Bryce Canyon Half Marathon
- Where: Bryce, UT
- When: July 12, 2025
Bryce Canyon often gets overshadowed by Utah’s other gorgeous national parks, but this smaller canyon locale is definitely worth running 13.1 through. The half marathon guides you through the small town, then descending into Bryce Canyon Country’s incredible red rock formations, wide-open skies, and sandstone pinnacles and spires.
Take the rest of the weekend to explore the national park with the family, or explore nearby Horseshoe Bend, Grand Staircase-Escalante, and so many more natural wonders – just prepare for the July heat.
Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon
- Where: Pensacola Beach, FL
- When: January 10, 2026
Run along the Gulf Islands National Seashore here in the Florida panhandle area, on a course that unfolds along this city’s scenic waterfront along paved roads between the Gulf of Mexico and the Santa Rosa Sound.
Grand Canyon Trail Half Marathon
- Where: Tusayan, AZ
- When: October 25, 2025
Run through the stunning Kaibab National Forest on challenging jeep roads and forest trails with America’s most iconic natural wonder as your backdrop. Starting at 6,595 feet elevation in Tusayan (just one mile from Grand Canyon’s South Rim), this rugged course features rocky sections, soft dirt, and hard-packed forest roads through ponderosa pine forests. Post-race festivities include beer garden, artisan craft fair, and commemorative medals, all supporting local fire and food pantry services.
Turn your race into the ultimate Southwest adventure at the best time of the year: stay at gateway hotels like The Grand Hotel or Best Western Grand Canyon Squire Inn, take helicopter tours from Grand Canyon Airport, and explore the South Rim’s 19 viewpoints.
United Airlines NYC Half Marathon
- Where: New York City NY
- When: March 16, 2026
Looking for a reason to visit the Big Apple? The NYC Half Marathon starts in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, takes runners across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge (2025’s new route change), then through closed streets past Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, and both Grand Army Plazas before finishing in Central Park.
With 24,000+ runners from around the globe, this highly competitive race sells out quickly but guarantees an unforgettable urban running experience.
Kauai Half Marathon
- Where: Kauai, HI
- When: August 31, 2025
Experience one of the world’s most breathtaking destination races on Hawaii’s “Garden Island.” Starting in the world-class resort community of Poipu, runners journey along scenic coastlines with magnificent views of pristine beaches, rugged volcanic peaks, and tropical rainforests, passing hula dancers and Taiko drum troupes before finishing at the spectacular oceanfront.
We probably don’t need to spell out for you how to turn this one into an epic vacation.
Steel Rail Half Marathon
- Where: Lanesborough, MA
- When: May 18, 2025
`The gorgeous, tree-covered hills and woodlands of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts offer a scenic backdrop for this race, run on a 10-ft.-wide paved trail that has just 3 turns for the entire route. May kicks off the gorgeous New England summer race season and this western Massachusetts town that’s an adventure paradise with with Pontoosuc Lake, Jiminy Peak Mountain, and many trails to explore.
