Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay

Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay

Home » Races » California » Exeter » Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay
Date

Aug 2, 2025

Starting Time

7:00 AM PDT

Course

Road

Fees

$91.10+

Location

Exeter

Participants

100-500

Terrain

Challenging

Environment

Urban

Temperature
High: 80°
/ Low: 65°
Perfect For:
Well Organized
Charity Race
Overview

Since its debut in the early 2010s, the Hell of a Half Marathon has embraced its name with pride—bringing runners to Exeter for a high-heat, hill-heavy test of grit. Over the years, it’s become a staple of the Run the Valley Half Marathon Series, offering both individual and 2-person relay options.

The course starts in Memorial Park and winds through downtown before stretching south on Myers Avenue. Runners face two significant climbs, each lasting about a mile, on Rocky Hill and Rocky Hill Drive—with steep descents in between—and ultimately return to the finish. The entire route is fully paved, but the relentless summer heat (often in the 80–90°F range) adds to the challenge .

Support on the course is solid: 11 aid stations stocked with chilled water, electrolyte drinks, GU gels, and even ice-soaked sponges to cool runners down. Reviewers rave about this support:

“Course support is fantastic… volunteers with sponges full of cool water to rinse you down”

After crossing the line, participants can enjoy a free breakfast burrito, beer garden, live music, post-race massage, and festive atmosphere. It also benefits the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, raising funds for burn survivors and helping build community impact.

The race is known for its no-nonsense encouragement, attracting those chasing big challenge and bragging rights more than PRs.

Course Description

The Hell of a Half Marathon is a paved looped course that starts at the Exeter Veteran’s Memorial Park on Kaweah Avenue and Sequoia Drive. The route will take you through downtown and then proceed south to Myers Avenue. Once on Myers Avenue you will proceed to begin your first climb of Rocky Hill. You descend and continue from Myers Avenue for a brief run on Yokohl Valley Road until you reach Rocky Hill Drive. Rocky Hill Drive will take you to your second hill climb before you return back to the city and your finish line, where you can make full use of your bragging rights!

Start and Finish Line

This is a looped course and the start and finish are in one location. The start/finish is located on south side of the Exeter Veterans Memorial Building. It is located at:

324 N Kaweah Ave, Exeter, CA 93221

Race-day packet pick-up, porta potties, and water are also in the park area.

 

Aid Stations
There will be aid stations with fully stocked tables of water (chilled), electrolyte drink (starting at mile 4), and first aid supplies at (approximate) miles 2.5, 3.4, 4.2, 5.8, 7, 7.8, 8.4, 9.5, 10.25, 11.25, 12.25. We strongly suggest you carry additional fluids due to the risk of high temperatures.

Energy GU’s will be available.

Restrooms will be available at mile 3.4, 4.2, 6.7, and 8.5.

Time Limit
To enter this half marathon you must be able to complete it in 3 1/2 hours and keep a 16:00 min./mile pace or better. Casual walkers are not permitted in the race due to this time limit. If you cannot keep the required pace you will not be guaranteed course supervision.

In the event you cannot finish the race, or fall behind the 16 min/mile pace, please make your way to the nearest aid station and ask for assistance. We will also have a vehicle following the final runner/walker and pick up at each aid station.

Past Results

Ready to sign up?

Train with Runna

Use code HALF for 2 weeks FREE

Ready to sign up?

Half marathon news, reviews, and discounts right to your inbox

Half Marathon Guide's 'Perfect For'

Let others know what makes this race so special.