Charming historic brick towns, world-famous foliage, rugged coastlines, lush mountains – New England is a uniquely beautiful place that holds a draw for history and nature lovers alike. And, as you and I both know, there’s no better way to explore interesting streets and trails than by running them.
Whether you’re a New Englander yourself or a runner looking for a reason to come see Vermont’s fall foliage or Maine’s postcard-perfect farms, the courses of our 20 favorite New England half marathons all deliver a uniquely local experience worth traveling for.
Picture yourself weaving through quaint Connecticut villages with white picket fences, finishing near Rhode Island’s rocky shores with a post-race lobster roll, or celebrating 13.1 miles of gorgeous green hills with a local craft beer in New Hampshire.
While most of us will skip a race in the region’s infamous winters, spring, summer, and fall are all perfect times to run an idyllic New England half marathon — no doubt about it!
Calendar: The Best Half Marathons in New England
- Hampton Half Marathon on March 2, 2025
- Twin Lights Half Marathon on May 4, 2025
- Maine Coast Half Marathon on May 3, 2025
- Providence Half Marathon on May 4, 2025
- Barns & Blooms on May 17, 2025
- Mystic Half Marathon on May 18, 2025
- Steel Rail Half Marathon on May 18, 2025
- Amica Newport Half Marathon on June 1, 2025
- UConn Health Half Marathon on June 7, 2025
- New England Series Half Marathon on June 9-14, 2025
- Mad Half Marathon on July 13, 2025
- Blueberry Cove Half Marathon on August 24, 2025
- Jamestown Half Marathon on September 27, 2025
- Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Half Marathon on September 13, 2025
- Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon on October 5, 2025
- Hartford Half Marathon on October 11, 2025
- Cape Cod Half Marathon on October 11, 2025
- Middlebury Maple Run Half Marathon on Oct 2025 (TBD)
- Harborside Half Marathon on November 9, 2025
- Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon on November 2025 (TBD)
Spring Half Marathons in New England
Spring races in New England mean cool morning temps, roads lined with blooming lilacs and cherry blossoms – and the first real stretch of enjoyable outdoor running weather. Race by historic barns dotted with baby farm animals, past fresh green hills, or along a breezy coastal route. Spring half marathons kick off the season with fresh energy — and can be celebrated with a rewarding maple creemee.
Barns & Blooms
- Where: South Hamilton, VT
- When: May 17, 2025
A celebration of Vermont’s countryside at its best, this course has rolling farmland, historic barns, and vibrant wildflowers lining the route. Runners will weave through quiet country roads, past open fields and quaint villages that showcase classic New England charm. We love the mix of gentle hills and flat stretches, and the tranquility the countryside offers, making this an ideal race ideal for a beginner’s first half marathon.
Providence Half Marathon
- Where: Providence, RI
- When: May 4, 2025
While Boston gets lauded as the cultural and running epicenter of New England, everyone knows Providence is one of the region’s best hidden gems.
Providence is home to the Rhode Island School of Design and Brown University, and the Providence Marathon and Half Marathon give runners a glimpse at both. You’ll spend much of the first few (and last few) miles of the course along the Seekonk and Providence Rivers at this race, which includes stretches through downtown Providence and two bridge crossings — one on the way out and one on the way back.
This race is praised for being exceptionally well run and scenic. Providence is only an hour from Boston and three from New York and makes the top of our list of New England half marathons worth running. You can use code HM2024 for 10% off this year’s registration.
Hampton Half Marathon & 5K
- Where: Hampton Beach, NH
- When: March 2, 2025
If you just can’t wait for spring, come out for a cold March run along the windswept Atlantic Ocean coastline of New Hampshire’s beachfront towns. This race takes runners from Ashworth-by-the-Sea just north of Hampton Beach, along a route that passes alongside the sandy beaches near the area’s summertime resort hotels. If you imagine it’s peak summertime, you’ll be just toasty.
Twin Lights Half Marathon
- Where: Gloucester, MA
- When: May 4, 2025
The sounds of seagulls calling in the wind and the waves rushing in along the shoreline will be familiar sounds by the time you reach the finish line at this race, which runs along the Massachusetts North Shore coastline.
Maine Coast Half Marathon & 5K
- Where: Biddeford, ME
- When: May 3, 2025
Come see why this small, coastal Maine town’s population swells every summer. The course runs from the rocky shoreline of Fortunes Rocks Cove, Horseshoe Cove and Biddeford Pool to the gorgeous oceanfront homes and cottages along the roads that wind along the shoreline.
Mystic Half Marathon
- Where: Mystic, CT
- When: May 18, 2025
Here, you’ll run through a piece of America’s maritime history at this race, which unfolds through a place with gorgeous views of the Connecticut coastline, and where you’ll get to see historic ships sailing in the Mystic Harbor as you run the course. Of course, you have to hit Mystic Pizza for that post-race celebration.
Steel Rail Half Marathon
- Where: Lanesborough, MA
- When: May 18, 2025
This race offers a super interesting course, following a point-to-point route along the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, whose 10-foot-wide path is paved and flat throughout and features only three turns. You’ll run along the gorgeous, tree-covered hills and woodlands of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts at this race – and probably set a PB on this flat and fast race.
Summer Half Marathons in New England
Summer races in New England mean perfect mornings with a warm coastal breeze, crisp mountain air, or the stillness of a lakeside sunrise. From Connecticut to Vermont, summer temperatures are rarely too hot (though we can’t promise low humidity), and the scenery is at its peak. We love an inland race through Vermont’s deep green forests, a breezy coastal course along Maine’s rocky shores, or a hilly route with sweeping summit views in the White Mountains.
The best part? The post-run reward—a dip in the Atlantic, a plunge into an ice-cold mountain lake, or a frosty craft beer to toast the miles. Just take a beat after finishing 13.1 miles before you down a lobster roll – trust us.
Mad Half Marathon
- Where: Waitsfield, VT
- When: July 13, 2025
Run through the rolling countryside of the Mad River Valley and score a mix of challenging hills and stunning mountain views. The course winds past farms, covered bridges, and classic New England scenery, making it as picturesque as it is demanding. With strong local support and a small-town charm, this race is as rewarding (and tough) as it is beautiful.
New England Series Half Marathon
- Where: Simsbury, CT; Lincoln, RI; Holyoke, MA; Springfield, VT; Claremont, NH; Sanford, ME
- When: June 9-14, 2025
One of the most interesting approaches to a race “weekend,” the New England Series is a six-day event that offers five distances (marathon, half marathon, 5K, 10K, and 50K) each day in a different state across New England. Not only does this race come to your local running hub, but there’s no time limit and a “no runner left behind” policy; organizers stay until the final finisher crosses. That means this a great race for walkers or parents with small children… or on the other end of the spectrum, endurance hounds could run a race in each location for six consecutive days.
UConn Health Half Marathon
- Where: Simsbury, CT
- When: June 7, 2025
The UConn Health Half Marathon takes runners through the scenic Farmington River Valley in Simsbury, Connecticut, with a mix of rolling hills and flat stretches for a well-paced challenge. Over 13.1 miles, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of the Farmington River, tree-lined roads, and peaceful countryside. This race is well-organized and always draws a supportive crowd to help keep runners motivated.
Blueberry Cove Half Marathon
- Where: Tenants Harbor, ME
- When: August 24, 2025
If you want the serenity of the coast to soothe you for 13.1 miles of rolling hills, this is your race. The course winds past rocky shorelines, quiet harbors, and evergreen forests, with peaceful ocean views along the way. There are some challenging hills in this race, but the quaint coastline is a solid distraction.
Amica Newport Half Marathon
- Where: Newport, RI
- When: June 1, 2025
Running through this classic New England town feels like stepping into history, with historic mansions, Gilded Age estates, and charming seaside cottages lining the route. The beautifully scenic rocky coastline of southern Rhode Island forms the backdrop for this race, which takes runners on an out-and-back course along this town on Aquidneck Island, and features views of the water for nearly the entire race route.
Fall Half Marathons in New England
Many would argue this is the best season to visit New England – and to run it. Nothing beats 13.1 miles through peak fall foliage, with race courses winding past brilliant red and gold maples, covered bridges, and crisp apple orchards. The air is cool and dry, the scenery is unbeatable, and post-race celebrations often include fresh cider donuts, pumpkin treats, and the perfect post-run flannel layer. Whether it’s a mountain course or a lakeside route, fall in New England never disappoints.
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon
- Where: Hampton, NH
- When: October 5, 2025
If you’re already on the Smuttynose Brewing Co. train, you’ll need no further convincing than being able to down the beloved beer at the finish line. But there are a lot of other reasons to sign-up for this race: It’s a flat-and-fast course along New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach, sending runners cruising past sandy shores, historic seaside homes, and the Atlantic Ocean. This is a costume-heavy race, which always means a great atmosphere and great people watching. The post-race party is just as fun as the run, with fresh lobster rolls, craft beer, and live music turning the finish line into a true festival. Oh, and did we mention this is all happening at peak fall foliage for your drive to the race? Literally everything we love about New England, wrapped up in one race.
Harborside Half Marathon
- Where: Newburyport, MA
- When: November 9, 2025
Harborside Half Marathon has been running the Newburyport streets of Massachusetts for over a decade. This race boasts iconic New England vibe with a course nestled right against the Merrimack River on the boarder between Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
The race itself follows a beautiful lollipop loop course that’s fast and flat through rural fields, old farmhouses, and nature preserves.
The race is produced by Ventures Endurance, renown in the United States for their post-race festivities, so expect a panoramic view of the Merrimack River, local pizza, and complimentary craft beer.
Middlebury Maple Run Half Marathon
- Where: Middlebury, VT
- When: Oct 2025 (TBD)
It doesn’t get any more peak Vermont than this: Rolling green hills, quaint downtown streets, and college town atmosphere of this small city in central Vermont during peak fall foliage. Parts of the race run through the Middlebury College campus. Finish it off with a maple candy and see why this event is nicknamed “The Sweetest Half.”
Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Half Marathon
- Where: Bar Harbor, ME
- When: September 13, 2025
Acadia National Park should be on everyone’s bucket list — and the Bar Harbor Half on every runner’s. This race takes you through the stunning landscape of one of the most beautiful national park and delivers a true Maine coast experience: rolling hills, ocean views, and tree-lined roads bursting with fall colors if you’re lucky. It’s a challenging course, but the fresh sea air and breathtaking scenery make every mile worth it. Plus, finishing in Bar Harbor means plenty of options for a post-race lobster roll.
Jamestown Half Marathon
- Where: Jamestown, RI
- When: September 27, 2025
This race takes runners through the quiet, scenic roads of Rhode Island’s Conanicut Island, with rocky shorelines, historic lighthouses and windmills that still stand as a reminder of the small coastal towns and villages of New England’s past. The course rolls gently, with a few hills to keep things interesting, but the cool sea breeze helps along the way. Finish strong, then stick around to soak in the charm of this classic seaside town.
Hartford Half Marathon
- Where: Hartford, CT
- When: October 11, 2025
The vibrant colors of fall are on display for runners, walkers and relay participants all through Connecticut’s capitol city at this race, which features a mostly fast and flat course and features a stretch along the riverfront, including a run through the city’s Great River Park.
Boston Athletic Association Half Marathon
- Where: Boston, MA
- When: November 2025 (TBD)
Run by the same athletic organization that stages the fabled Boston Marathon each April, the B.A.A. Half is a much younger sibling of its 26.2-mile-long counterpart, starting from Franklin Park and heading through the city all the way to Roberto Clemente Field in the Back Bay Fens neighborhood near Fenway Park. This is a very enjoyable park run through Boston that delivers mini-Boston Marathon energy,
Cape Cod Half Marathon
- Where: Falmouth, MA
- When: October 11, 2025
Hailed by publications like Runner’s World as one of the country’s most scenic marathons, thanks to a course that unfolds along the shoreline of southern Cape Cod, this race features stretches along the beachfront and finishes in front of Falmouth’s Town Hall Square.
