Freezing temperatures, icy roads, numb face, and lots and lots of layers. If you guessed that we’re talking about winter half marathons running, you guessed right.
Despite the obvious annoyances that accompanies running in the winter, there are things I love about running in the winter. One benefit? Once you’ve run outside in the snow, you really come to appreciate when it’s not snowing.
But, what’s the incentive for braving the cold and getting outside for winter training?
Signing up for a winter half marathon might be just the way. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite cold weather and warm weather winter half marathons you can run in 2023 and 2024.
Bundle up and get ready for the ultimate winter of running with our list of the best winter half marathons.
Perks of Running a Winter Half Marathon
According to an old adage, winter miles equal summer smiles.
In case you’re not good at deciphering adages, the more work you put in during the winter, the more you’ll build your speed and endurance for a smoother running experience in the summer.
Here are a few more perks to running a winter half marathon:
- Training for a winter half marathon will help keep your fitness levels high in the winter when people tend to get out of shape.
- Running is a great way to release dopamine (the “happy hormone”) and fight off the winter blues.
- A winter half marathon is a great excuse to travel to a warmer place for a running vacation.
- Cold weather is better for distance running as heat and humidity can be taxing on the body.
- Before running, stock up on the best cold weather running gear.
The Best Winter Half Marathons in the US
While you won’t see popular running cities like Chicago or New York City on this list, there are plenty of other incredible winter half marathon destinations throughout America.
With these destination races in warm locations, regions like the Southeast, and big states like Texas, you can escape the cold and hit your winter running goals. From December to the beginning of March, here are our top picks for winter half marathons!
Kiawah Island Half Marathon
- Where: Kiawah Island, SC
- When: December 9, 2023
- The course: Flat sandy beaches & maritime forests
The perfect destination for a weekend getaway, Kiawah Island is home to sandy beaches, maritime forests, and a very flat half marathon course. If you’re looking to run a relaxed race, play a round of golf, and chill in paradise, this is the winter half marathon for you!
BMW Dallas Marathon
- Where Dallas, TX
- When: December 10, 2023
- The course: Flat, urban with great crowds
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes the BMW Dallas Marathon Festival. With several events and a huge expo, this is a race that you can easily turn into a full weekend trip. Plus, it’s hard to beat running through Dallas’s most lively neighborhoods in the mild winter weather.
Palm Beaches Half Marathon
- Where: West Palm Beach, FL
- When: December 10, 2023
- The course: Flat, ocean-front with portions in West Palm Beach & historic neighborhoods
Head to Florida for sunshine, lovely beaches, and the perfect winter race conditions. But be warned – you might never want to run in the cold again after running this race’s flat and scenic waterfront course.
Woodside Ramble Half Marathon
- Where: Redwood City, CA
- When: December 16, 2023
- The course: Hilly canopy-covered redwood trail
Finding a good winter trail run can be difficult due to snowy and slippery conditions. Luckily, the Woodside Ramble takes place on well-maintained trails that are perfect for a winter trail race. Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, this race allows runners to complete a trail half marathon while marveling at the towering redwood trees. Consider upgrading your trail running gear before this half.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- Where: Orlando, FL
- When: January 6, 2024
- The course: Easy but spectacular, festive themed race
Turn your half marathon into a family vacay at “The Most Magical Place on Earth!” The entertainment, creative costumes, and unique tour of the Disney Parks make this winter half marathon an incredibly fun run that your whole family will love!
Sarasota Half Marathon
- Where: Sarasota, FL
- When: January 13, 2024
- The course: Flat, mostly waterfront through scenic neighborhoods
Another race in Florida? Are you sensing a trend here?! The Sarasota Marathon takes place in a vibrant beach town, and its race course takes runners through the area’s most gorgeous neighborhoods and along serene waterfront paths.
Aramco Houston Half Marathon
- Where: Houston, TX
- When: January 14, 2024
- The course: Flat, fast, exceptionally produced half marathon for beginners
Known as the nation’s premier winter race, Houston attracts more than 25,000 participants for its race weekend events. With an incredibly flat course and ideal winter weather, the Aramco Houston Half Marathon is an excellent race with major PR potential.
Key West Half Marathon
- Where: Key West, FL
- When: January 14, 2024
- The course: Tropical, coastal, cultural and historical with a few hills.
A strong contender for the most beautiful race in Florida, the Key West Half Marathon is a scenic race through tropical paradise. Moreover, Key West is an unbeatable winter vacation destination, so this half marathon is the perfect opportunity for a racecation!
Louisiana Half Marathon & Quarter Marathon
- Where: Baton Rouge, LA
- When: January 14, 2024
- The course: Flat through historic city sites and lakefront streets.
The Louisiana Marathon perfectly encapsulates the region’s festive vibe, making this race more than just another city run. Between the lively crowd support, scenic course, and delicious post-race gumbo and jambalaya, this winter half marathon is a party from start to finish!
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon
- Where: Tempe, AZ
- When: January 14, 2024
- The course: Mostly flat with scenic city and red rock landscapes.
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is known for “Bringing Fun to the Run,” and we can’t argue with them on that! Their exciting races take place all around the USA and feature upbeat music to keep your energy high with every step that you take.
Because of the comfortable southwestern weather, epic entertainment, and unique tri-city tour of Tempe, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Half Marathon scores a spot on our list. You just can’t beat the energy of this fun winter half marathon!
Carlsbad Half Marathon
- Where: Carlsbad, CA
- When: January 14, 2024
- The course: Out-and-back oceanfront flat coastal course.
Just north of San Diego, the city of Carlsbad is home to tons of kid-friendly attractions, incredible surfing beaches, and stunning waterfront paths. Since the Carlsbad Marathon takes place during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend, this race is a great way to enjoy a family getaway to California while also squeezing a race in.
Rose Bowl Half Marathon
- Where: Pasadena, CA
- When: January 21, 2024
- The course: An out-and-back mostly flat course with a start and finish at Rose Bowl Stadium.
For all the college football fanatics out there, you’ve gotta add the Rose Bowl Half Marathon to your bucket list! A part of the Conquer Los Angeles Challenge, this race has a fun yet competitive vibe to it. Best of all, runners get to cross the finish line in the same football stadium where the Rose Bowl takes place a few weeks beforehand.
3M Half Marathon
- Where: Austin, TX
- When: January 21, 2024
- The course: A net downhill tour of Austin’s neighborhoods with a finish in downtown.
What’s better than running in 60°F weather? Running on a net downhill course in 60°F weather! Thanks to its fast course through the heart of the city, the 3M Half Marathon has become one of Austin’s biggest running events. Plus, finishing the race at the Texas State Capitol building is pretty cool.
Life Time Miami Marathon
- Where: Miami, FL
- When: January 28, 2024
- The course: An out-and-back flat course along oceanfronts and rich Miami scenery.
Ready for some heat? Then the Life Time Miami Marathon is the race for you! Between the immersive tour of the city’s glamorous streets and gorgeous beaches and the vibrant energy of this event, this is truly a winter half marathon you won’t want to miss.
Read More | Register
Surf City Half Marathon
- Where: Huntington Beach, CA
- When: February 4, 2024
- The course: Slightly hilly tour of the Pacific Coast Highway.
Earning its name for its breathtaking course alongside one of California’s most beautiful surfing beaches just outside of Long Beach California, the Surf City Marathon receives rave reviews as a top winter half marathon year after year. With the majority of the course following the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll get to enjoy oceanfront views and a light sea breeze for almost the entire race.
Mesa Half Marathon
- Where: Mesa, AZ
- When: February 10, 2024
- The course: Net downhill through mostly picturesque desert.
Known for its impeccable production and fast downhill Boston-Qualifier marathon course, the Mesa Marathon is an extremely well-organized winter race option. During the half marathon, runners embark on a journey through desert passages, citrus groves, and peaceful residential areas.
Super Half Marathon
- Where: Colorado Springs, CO
- When: February 11, 2024
- The course: Out-and-back flat through Monument Valley Trail.
There’s no better way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday than with the Super Half Marathon in Colorado Springs. Despite being a smaller race, the local community shows up big time for this fun and relaxed half marathon.
Skidaway Island Half Marathon
- Where: Savannah, GA
- When: February 24, 2024
- The course: Slightly hilly, marshy reserve course.
Another small-town race option, the Skidaway Island Marathon takes place in a serene community filled with marshes, rivers, golf courses, and impressive estates. Its peaceful, flat course, lovely scenery, and friendly crowd support make this race a hidden gem.
Cowtown Half Marathon
- Where: Fort Worth, TX
- When: February 25, 2024
- The course: Mostly flat loop course through Fort Worth’s historic districts
Said to be the quintessential Texas race, the Cowtown Marathon offers a unique tour of some of Fort Worth’s most historic districts, including the Stockyards. Featuring an ultramarathon, full and half marathons, a 10k race, and even a 5k race for kids, this winter race is one of Texas’s largest running events.
Publix Atlanta Half Marathon
- Where: Atlanta, GA
- When: February 25, 2024
- The course: Some rolling hills through Marietta Street, Centennial Park & Atlanta’s popular parks.
While it might not be your first guess when you hear the slogan “Running City USA,” Atlanta has earned this title for having the most people registered in a running club out of any US city. That being said, the city knows how to put on a good race.
With the Publix Atlanta Marathon, you can enjoy the region’s southern charm and comfortable winter weather while participating in this well-organized running event. Starting in 2024, half marathoners will have the unique option to choose between two race courses. Plus, there are several kids’ events as well, making this an awesome opportunity to get the whole family running!
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
- When: February 25, 2024
- The course: A flat straightaway down the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Another race from the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, this half marathon provides runners with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run the Las Vegas Strip at night. A high-energy race featuring epic entertainment, upbeat music, and tons to see, this fun-filled party run will surely help you beat the winter blues. If you like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series, you might also want to consider the California version in San Jose.
Napa Valley Half Marathon
- Where: Napa, CA
- When: March 3, 2024
- The course: A point-to-point journey through Napa’s most famous vineyard terrain.
Claiming a spot on our list of the best half marathons in the world, the Napa Valley Marathon is an unbeatable winter half marathon for those who enjoy incredible scenery, gentle rolling hills, and of course, wine. Its excellent race day organization has also earned this race high praise and is part of the reason that this picturesque race attracts so many repeat runners.
Run the Alamo Half Marathon
- Where: San Antonio, TX
- When: March 3, 2024
- The course: An out-and-back flat tour of the city’s popular districts.
At the Run the Alamo Marathon, your race day will start with a bang thanks to a live cannon blast. However, the excitement won’t end there. Another uniquely Texas race option, you’ll literally be running through history as you tour some of San Antonio’s most iconic landmarks. Additionally, you’ll get to enjoy the warm weather of Texas right before it becomes uncomfortably hot and humid.
Portland Shamrock Run
- Where: Portland, OR
- When: March 17, 2024
- The course: A hilly course in Portland’s downtown, Willamette River, and Keller Woods.
Celebrate both your running achievements and Irish culture at the Portland Shamrock Run this upcoming St. Patrick’s Day. After racing around downtown Portland alongside runners decked out in shamrocks, enjoy the festive post-race party and a well-deserved green beer.
Related: Run Oregon’s Best Trails
Big Island International Half Marathon
- Where: Hilo, HI
- When: March 17, 2024
- The course: A hilly course but with the most beautiful scenery of Hawaiian rainforests and the North Pacific Ocean.
Any excuse to visit Hawaii is a good one, but participating in the Big Island International Marathon is an especially great reason to explore the Aloha State. Running on the island’s stunning waterfront paths and through its lush rainforests will make all of the cold winter training worth it!
Training for a Winter Half Marathon
There’s no better time than now to start training for a winter half marathon. With our training plans, you’ll be ready to run 13.1 miles before the season’s first snowfall!
You can also download the training app Runna for a personalized running plan. Use the code HALFMARATHON to get two weeks for free.
For more advice on winter running, check out this helpful guide!
Thanks for the great list of winter halfs! I can’t wait to run some of them! I enjoy reading about each race overview! Some I have run that you’ve shared in your posts, and you’re spot on! I look forward to your next postings!