Fast and flat races have a kind of mythic quality among die-hard marathoners and half marathoners. They take less effort compared to a hilly course, require an easier pacing strategy, have improved running economy, and offer a speed advantage for you to set a new PR.
But all of these reasons are also why we love recommending fast and flat races to beginner runners, too. Because, let’s be real: Running is hard, no matter how well you follow a training plan. Chugging along for 13.1 miles — especially if it’s your first time — is usually way more enjoyable for beginners if you don’t have to pep talk yourself up hills or worry about pacing.
Also, because fast and flat half marathons are so accessible to so many people, the crowd at the starting line is usually down to clown.
Whether you’re looking for the right first race or to set a new PR this year, we think you’ll love these 30 fast and flat half marathons across the U.S.
Calendar: Best Flat and Fast Half Marathons in the U.S.
- Key West Half Marathon on January 18, 2026
- Surf City USA Half Marathon on February 2, 2025
- Mesa Half Marathon on February 8, 2025
- Brew City Half Marathon on April 19, 2025
- Park to Park Half Marathon on April 26, 2025
- IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 3, 2025
- Potomac River Run Half Marathon on May 3, 2025
- Ogden Half Marathon on May 17, 2025
- Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon on July 4, 2025
- Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon on July 12, 2025
- Nebraska State Fair Half Marathon on August 23, 2025
- Iron Horse Half Marathon on August 24, 2025
- Skagit Flats Half Marathon on September 7, 2025
- Surftown Half Marathon on September 7, 2025
- Air Force Half Marathon on September 20, 2025
- Fox Valley Half Marathon on September 21, 2025
- New Jersey Half Marathon on September 28, 2025
- Brooklyn Half Marathon on October 4, 2025
- Under the Oaks Half Marathon on October 11, 2025
- Mo’ Cowbell Half Marathon on October 5, 2025
- Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon on October 5, 2025
- Cocoa Beach Half Marathon November 2, 2025
- Spirit of Survival Half Marathon on October 5, 2025
- Baystate Half Marathon on October 19, 2025
- Atlantic City Half Marathon on October 19, 2025
- Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon on October 11, 2025
- Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on November 8, 2025
- White River Half Marathon on November 22, 2025
- Rehoboth Seashore Beach Half Marathon on December 6, 2025
- Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon on December 15, 2025
Key West Half Marathon
- When: January 18, 2026
- Where: Key West, FL
- Elevation Gain: 68 feet
Along this fast, flat and scenic route, runners have views of the ocean for virtually the entire course, and pass by local landmarks like famed author Ernest Hemingway’s house and the southernmost point in the United States.
Surf City USA Half Marathon
- When: February 2, 2025
- Where: Huntington Beach, CA
- Elevation Gain: 203 feet
Run mostly along the beaches of Southern California’s Pacific Coast Highway, this half is considered one of the best races of its kind in the country, where runners experience an elevation change of no more than 100 feet over the entire 13.1 miles.
Mesa Half Marathon
- When: February 8, 2025
- Where: Mesa, AZ
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
A gentle downhill makes this a great half marathon for first-timers. Descending through desert vistas and citrus groves, this race has a net elevation loss of almost 200 feet.
Brew City Half Marathon
- When: April 19, 2025
- Where: Milwaukee, WI
- Elevation Gain: 867 feet
Run along Milwaukee’s 118-mile Oak Leaf Trail, the 13.1-mile stretch of this half will keep you cooking over trails and paved roads alike. In true Milwaukee fashion, beer and a live band await you at the finish.
Park to Park Half Marathon
- When: April 26, 2025
- Where: Waterloo, IA
- Elevation Gain: 459 feet
With a net elevation of zero, this half marathon is the definition of flat and fast. The mostly wooded course doesn’t lend itself to spectators, but who has time for crazy signs when you are running so fast?
IU Health 500 Festival Mini Marathon
- When: May 3, 2025
- Where: Indianapolis, IN
- Elevation Gain: 83 feet
Recognized by US Today’s 10Best as ‘America’s Best Half Marathon’ and by Runner’s World as one of ‘America’s Most Iconic Races,’ the Mini continues to draw excitement year after year. Held just weeks before the iconic Indianapolis 500, the course is flat and fast (83 ft elevation gain), offering runners and walkers the unique experience of completing a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway at the halfway point before heading toward the finish line.
Potomac River Run Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2025
- Where: Washington, DC
- Elevation Gain: 216 feet
This race — which bills itself as the “easiest marathon and half marathon in America” — runs the C&O Canal Towpath trail alongside the 184-mile-long Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, which stretches all the way from the tidal basin in Washington to the mountains of western Maryland.
Ogden Half Marathon
- When: May 17, 2025
- Where: Ogden, UT
- Elevation Gain: 398 feet
This half marathon is flat, flat, flat! There is one caveat, though: It starts at 4,341 feet — so while you do only gain 398 feet, it’s not going to be a fast one if you’re coming from sea level. That said if you live at altitude, this low elevation gain race will be a breeze. Plus, the surrounding Wasatch Mountains are jaw-dropping at that 7:00 am start line.
Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon
- When: July 4, 2025
- Where: Portland, OR
- Elevation Gain: 53 feet
More than 2,000 runners come out to compete each year in this race, billed as one of the West Coast’s flattest and fastest running events with an elevation gain and loss of around 236 feet. Enjoy running through the wilderness of Sauvie Island, a 12,000+ acre island just to the northwest of Portland.
Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon
- When: July 12, 2025
- Where: New York, NY
- Elevation Gain: 218 feet
See all the sights on this loop course that has an elevation gain and loss of 218 feet. You’ll pass the iconic World’s Fair Unisphere, Fountain of the Planets, Queens Zoo, New York State Pavilion, and Queens Museum of Art along the route.
Nebraska State Fair Half Marathon
- When: August 23, 2025
- Where: Grand Island, NE
- Elevation Gain: 134 feet
Fans of the fair? Begin and end your race amidst the festivities on the Nebraska State Fairgrounds. This course is known for being one of the fastest and flattest in the nation with an elevation gain and loss of 134 feet.
Iron Horse Half Marathon
- When: August 24, 2025
- Where: North Bend, WA
- Elevation Loss: 880 feet
There’s no elevation gain with this race — in fact there’s an 880-foot loss! If you’re ready for an almost all-downhill run along a pair of riverside trails in the Seattle area, this point-to-point route that starts in Olallie State Park and finishes in nearby North Bend is for you. Make sure you consult your knees before signing up for this one.
Skagit Flats Half Marathon
- When: September 7, 2025
- Where: Burlington, WA
- Elevation Gain: 43 feet
Nestled among the berry farms, tulip fields and waterfront communities of Washington State’s Skagit Valley, Burlington plays host each fall to this fast and flat races that takes runners on an out-and-back course through beautiful rural countryside.
Surftown Half Marathon
- When: September 7, 2025
- Where: Westerly, RI
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
This race along Block Island Sound is not only pretty flat and fast, but it’s gorgeous too. You’ll run past rocky coastlines, Victorian summer homes, oceanfront marshes and beautiful cottages. There are a few tiny elevation changes, but nothing over 200 feet total. Oh, and did we mention it ends with a beach-themed beer and chowder party?
Air Force Half Marathon
- When: September 20, 2025
- Where: Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
- Elevation Gain: 450 feet
The flat, fast terrain of Ohio’s Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is the setting for this race, which takes runners past some of the most important historical sights in U.S. aviation history. With little elevation change, this course is prime for runners of all skill levels.
Fox Valley Half Marathon
- When: September 21, 2025
- Where: St. Charles, IL
- Elevation Gain: 170 feet
It’s not completely pancake flat, but the elevation changes at this race are quite minimal along the shady town streets and bike paths along the Fox River. It’s also a favorite for marathoners looking to qualify for Boston and for half marathoners looking to earn a PR.
New Jersey Half Marathon
- When: September 28, 2025
- Where: Jersey City, NJ
- Elevation Gain:
Known among locals as a great low-exertion training run for November’s New York City Marathon, this flat and fast race runs through the streets of Jersey City and offers plentiful views of the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and Ellis Island.
Brooklyn Half Marathon
- When: October 4, 2025
- Where: Brooklyn, NY
- Elevation Gain: 125 feet
This iconic course runs through Brooklyn icon. Staring in McCarren Park, runners head toward the water and then down along the Shore Road Promenade. Once you pass under the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll head down Flatbush and circle and finish in Prospect Park. With roughly 125 feet of elevation gain across the course, it’s an excellent one for setting a personal record (PR) time.
Under the Oaks Half Marathon
- When: October 11, 2025
- Where: Jekyll Island, GA
- Elevation Gain: 36 feet
You’ll take an out-and-back tour of one of Georgia’s most beautiful “Golden Isles” at this race, where moss-draped oak trees tower over grassy lawns and 65 percent of the island is kept in its natural, undeveloped state.
Mo’ Cowbell Half Marathon
- When: October 5, 2025
- Where: St. Charles, MO
- Elevation Gain: 549 feet
There is a small amount of elevation gain on the final miles of the course, but the first nine miles are flat, flat, flat! You’ll be encouraged by scores of spectators with cowbells as runners will fly through this loop course.
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon
- When: October 5, 2025
- Where: Hampton, NH
- Elevation Gain: 60 feet
A gorgeously scenic coastal setting isn’t the only nice feature of this race. With an elevation gain of around 60 feet it’s considered one of the easiest half-marathon courses in the region.
Cocoa Beach Half Marathon
- When: November 2, 2025
- Where: Cocoa Beach, FL
- Elevation Gain: 260 feet
With a course that features two and a half miles of running on the sands of Florida’s Cocoa Beach itself, this race offers a fast, flat route that’s open to both runners and walkers, and a chance to run with waves crashing over your shoulder.
Spirit of Survival Half Marathon
- When: October 5, 2025
- Where: Lawton, OK
- Elevation Gain: 138 feet
With just 138 feet of elevation change, the Spirit of Survival Half Marathon is one of Oklahoma’s fastest 13.1 mile races. The out-and-back course is great for runners of all abilities and only a few turns helps keep it incredibly fast.
Baystate Half Marathon
- When: October 19, 2025
- Where: Lowell, MA
- Elevation Gain: 507 feet
Well-known as one of the fastest and flattest running events in the northeast — and a popular qualifier for the Boston Marathon — this half marathon follows a double-loop course mostly along the banks of the Merrimack River.
Atlantic City Half Marathon
- When: October 19, 2025
- Where: Atlantic City, NJ
- Elevation Gain: 28 feet
This beginner-friendly course features oceanfront boardwalk miles with a max elevation of 28 feet. Established in 1958, the Atlantic City Marathon is the third oldest continuing marathon in the United States.
Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon
- When: October 11, 2025
- Where: Myrtle Beach, SC
- Elevation Gain: 283 feet
With a few miles of oceanfront running and only a few turns over 13.1 miles, this race lives up to its promise of being fast and flat. The point-to-point pancake flat course is actually almost a loop and runners finish just steps away from the ocean.
Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
- When: November 8, 2025
- Where: Indianapolis, IN
- Elevation Gain: 302 feet
Runners flock to Indianapolis in the fall for a half marathon on a nearly flat course — it has gentle hills throughout, but hardly noticeable. The loop course travels along the same route as the full until just past the midpoint and then racers begin their journey back towards the start/finish line.
White River Half Marathon
- When: November 22, 2025
- Where: Cotter, AR
- Elevation Gain: 247 feet
Limited to a few hundred participants, this race draws runners looking to run fast, and you’ll actually lose 210 feet of elevation over the course of 13.1 miles. The majority of the course is flat, but a quick downhill in the first mile gets racers into PR-mode fast.
Rehoboth Seashore Half Marathon
- When: December 6, 2025
- Where: Rehoboth Beach, DE
- Elevation Gain: 24 feet
There isn’t usually much reason to visit the beach in December, but the Rehoboth Beach Half is definitely a great one. The weather is cool, the course is flat, and PRs are definitely likely. Sign up early because this small race sells out quickly.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon
- When: December 15, 2025
- Where: Biloxi, MS
- Elevation Gain: 140 feet
Beachfront views meet a flat road course with a total of 10 feet in elevation gain. This race runs parallel to the beach and is a great winter option for all.
