Trying or a Fall half marathon to check your self? Probably snag that new private finest. Excellent news, we’re going to assist slim down the listing of potentialities!
The US has two massive race seasons, spring and Fall. The Chicago Marathon and NYC marathon get a variety of the eye within the Fall, however oh boy are there another tremendous enjoyable race experiences available.
Late September till Thanksgiving, means a lot of the US having fun with brisk, gentle climate and the bushes placing on their beautiful autumn foliage, which all makes for a incredible race day.
Do you know the proper race temp is definitely round 40 levels?? That’s proper, you’ll have the ability to run quicker with out your HR creeping up so rapidly.
11 Fall US Half Marathons to Attempt
A few of these are larger races, some are smaller, however we predict all are going to present you one thing your searching for. Perhaps you need to head out for the quickest doable course or perhaps you simply need to have a blast with your mates.
Have a look and tell us if there’s a race that must be added!
1. Beat the Blerch
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: Carnation, WA
Sort: Loop
Profile: Uphill/Downhill
Boston Qualifier: Sure
This race was began by satire web site The Oatmeal in 2014, and whereas encouraging working, it additionally encourages consuming cake, constructing burritos out of donuts, and stopping to take a nap if you want to.
And get this – the slower you might be, the tougher individuals will clap.
The course is a gravel path that winds via evergreen, mossy forests on the Snoqualmie Valley Path, and regardless of the lighthearted nature of the occasion, is a ravishing out-and-back run.
Right here’s what racer nikkiwheelwright needed to say about her expertise there:
Probably my favourite race up to now! The comedian ebook behind this race is hilarious, so I’ve been desirous to run on this race since 2014! And it lived as much as ALL the hype!!
There was an enormous quantity of meals earlier than the race even began (burrito-donut bar, anybody?)
The race was alongside a path and within the woods, we ran alongside a river and over a bridge, it’s a extremely nice location!! The paths are tremendous huge too, so no points bumping into individuals (they’d wave begins with like a minute in-between waves, to unfold individuals out at first, tremendous good!).
There have been individuals dressed up alongside the path, with a fats cherub (blerch!) Providing individuals rides in a little bit chariot!
There have been couches in the course of the woods and indicators to “take a relaxation, you deserve it” …. and cake on the support stations.
It was wonderful! I appreciated each element this race put into making it nice. It was nice.
And regardless of having to run at a slight uphill for miles and miles…. after midway, we bought to run downhill!! (Out and again course).
All of the racers have been in such good moods, even the quick people who find themselves often so severe at races!
2. Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon
Date: September 14, 2025
Location: Camp Lejeune, NC
Sort: Loop
Profile: Largely flat
Boston Qualifier: No
In case you’ve ever wished to take a look at a Marine Corps base with out, you realize, becoming a member of the Marines, then that is the race for you.
Along with displaying off Camp Lejeune, North Carolina exhibits off extra of her scenic magnificence alongside the best way. This consists of the New River, Morgan and Farnell Bay, and the Paradise Level Golf Course, the place you possibly can see the Heroes Mile for your self.
You’ll additionally go via some quaint neighborhood communities.
Runner gsnow96 thinks it’s price doing many times:
This can be a difficult race because it’s in mid-September which suggests humidity and warmth.
The course is comparatively flat and scenic as you run via Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base.
The memorial mile honoring fallen Marines is at all times shifting.
Positively advocate this race. This was my second time working this one and it’s nonetheless my PR race for half marathon distance.
3. Boulderthon
Date: September 28, 2025
Location: Boulder, CO
Sort: Loop
Profile: Hilly
Boston Qualifier: Sure
This race is constantly ranked within the prime 5 half marathons in the USA, and nobody can argue that Boulder isn’t the proper backdrop to absolutely anything you’d need to do.
It begins downtown and runs via city in addition to the Flatirons foothills, earlier than bringing you again to a one-of-a-kind end on the historic Pearl Road Mall.
Boulder is named the happiest (300 days of sunshine yearly) and fittest metropolis in America, and after conquering this fairly powerful course, you’ll be feeling each of these issues, too.
Right here’s what first-timer Leah H. needed to say concerning the race:
I cherished this race the views have been spectacular. It glided by fast as a result of I used to be simply staring on the view.
There’s some good measurement hills and support stations each 2 -3 miles.There’s crowd assist in some areas which was good however total not a ton of it.
The expo was big and out of doors which I cherished.
I’d positively advocate this race.
4. Lifetime Chicago Half Marathon
Date: September 28, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Sort: Loop
Profile: Flat
Boston Qualifier: Sure
Most runners love racing in Chicago as a result of it’s flat and quick! Town is more than pleased to present them ample alternatives to take action.
That is the town’s most established half marathon, and you may make a complete weekend of it with the Pre-Race Get together. The dwell music, meals, and leisure will propel you to the beginning line on Lake Shore Drive (reserved only for you!), and carry you thru the historic Southside.
A child-friendly race runs alongside this one, making this race an ideal factor to mix with a weekend getaway to the town.
Right here’s what joyruns needed to say about her expertise, which she will certainly repeat:
Expo: Race shirt is lengthy sleeves, reusable bag with sun shades, Gatorade 10pk, rain poncho, protein shake combine and cowbell in it.
Individuals have been bused to the beginning of the race (which was 7.5 miles out), the shuttle picked runners up in Belmont or Millenium Park.
Ample water station all through the course with each water and Gatorade.
Crowd assist on the freeway, it was an out and again FLAT course.
Publish-race meals (water, Gatorade, pizza, bananas and chips). A HUGE finisher medal. I extremely advocate this race.
5. Queen Bee Half Marathon
Date: October 11, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Sort: Level-to-Level
Profile: Flat
Boston Qualifier: Sure
This women-only half marathon was created to advertise health and lift funds for native women-focused charities. The weekend will likely be a fantastic one to spend along with your ladies; together with the race, there’s loads of pampering and swag to be discovered.
The course winds via Cincinnati’s historic and scenic neighborhoods, and the sidewalks will likely be bopping with leisure and distinctive refreshment zones tailor-made to the occasion.
The after occasion is simply as cool, with candies and massages ready for you on the end line!
Right here’s what runner DianaFazio needed to say about her expertise:
I really like this race for girls.
That is my third time working the Queen Bee and I plan to run it yearly. It’s certainly one of my favorites.
It is extremely effectively organized, has nice assist alongside all the route and the after occasion is fabulous. Nice food and drinks and Sunflowers.
The Snout and Stinger medal is an added bonus.
6. Las Vegas Half Marathon
Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Henderson, NV
Sort: Loop
Profile: Largely Flat
Boston Qualifier: Sure
This race kicks off on the luxurious resort M Resort Spa On line casino, and follows a largely flat bike path course with just a few small hills. The spectators are enthusiastic and the race organizers are aware about how the presence of the race impacts the surroundings.
The climate in Vegas within the fall is usually excellent for working, and while you cross the end line, a plate of free road tacos and beer will likely be ready for each racer over the age of 21. Know that the end could be crowded and it would take a while to get again to your resort.
Simply be sure you don’t have an excessive amount of enjoyable in your Vegas weekend earlier than this occasion kicks off on Sunday morning.
This Reddit consumer says it’s positively price your time:
I must say that the Vegas half marathon is a really memorable race.
The one draw back is the quantity of strolling you do except you spend extra cash on ubers.
Additionally, I’d say its exhausting to chase PRs if you find yourself strolling in every single place and the quantity of individuals could cause congestion and a few factors.
For my part, in case you are simply searching for a enjoyable race then Vegas is certainly the reply.
7. Amica Newport Half Marathon
Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Easton’s Seashore, Newport, RI
Sort: Loop
Profile: Largely Flat
Boston Qualifier: Sure
Newport, Rhode Island is without doubt one of the most picturesque and historic cities in all the nation. That stated, you would possibly want an excuse to get to the tiny northeastern state – and this half marathon is the proper one.
The race kicks off at Easton’s Seashore and carries runners alongside the seaside and thru downtown Newport, passing the well-known Newport mansions alongside the best way.
The crowds are nice and there’s no approach you’ll neglect your expertise within the Metropolis by the Sea.
PhillyRunner1993 was clearly blissful together with his alternative to go to:
This was simply probably the most scenic races I’ve run. The course takes you alongside the small metropolis, the shoreline, the mansions, and and rural roads—it’s a visually beautiful from begin to end.
I didn’t discover it that difficult. Don’t underestimate the hills. Significantly at mile 1 and miles 24. They’re manageable however will preserve you in your toes. The views positively take some time price it.
Group was spot on, with seamless logistics and incredible volunteers who stored the vitality excessive. The swag was strong, notably the medal. Shirt very good high quality, put on it typically in contrast to different race shirts I’ve acquired.
In case you’re searching for a scenic course, and a well-managed medium-sized full or half, this race is a should. I’ll be again for certain!
8. Baltimore Operating Competition
Date: October 18, 2025
Location: Baltimore, MD
Sort: Loop
Profile: Hilly
Boston Qualifier: Sure
Some runners tout this marathon/half marathon as the most effective races on the East Coast. Runners taking part within the half will merge with the marathon runners once they’re midway finished, and the race ends at Baltimore’s iconic internal harbor.
You’ll get some nice swag together with a few free beers for finishing the race, which runners name “difficult” due to its many hills.
In case you’re feeling frisky, you possibly can add the 5K to your half marathon day and turn into a BaltiMORON-a-thon winner as effectively!
Right here’s what participant cfconwayiii considered his race in Baltimore:
Pre race communication was nice, fixed updates have been emailed main as much as the race
Expo was on the conference heart, tremendous simple and had a number of cubicles with something you would possibly want.We stayed downtown a {couples} of blocks from begin/end line, walked in every single place.
We cherished the inter harbor space, from the previous ships to the scrumptious crab truffles.
Course was on metropolis streets, with loads of effectively staffed support stations.
Crowd assist was nice.
It was a hilly course nevertheless it was not as unhealthy as I assumed it could be.
Swag was an extended sleeve dri-fit shirt and a brilliant cool crab medal.
9. Garmin Kansas Metropolis Half Marathon
Date: October 18, 2025
Location: Kansas Metropolis, MO
Sort: Loop
Profile: Some hills
Boston Qualifier: Sure
Named the “Finest Marathon in Missouri” by RaceRaves and one of many prime 20 US Marathons total, you’re not going to need to miss this iconic run via Kansas Metropolis.
You’ll get the complete tour, together with the WWI Museum and Memorial, the Nation Membership Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Artwork, Waldo, Westport, and plenty of extra lovely neighborhoods that make Kansas Metropolis so cherished.
Runner hjrosa positively loved his time there:
This can be a mid measurement race with about 3000 runners for the half working along with one other 1500 for the complete marathon. Expo was at Union Station, which I discovered architecturally lovely. It had about 30 distributors, largely locals.
I divide the race in 4 components. The primary 5 miles is a gradual incline many of the approach.
From 5 via 7 is downtown hell, I imply hill(sss) … and people are lengthy steep steps.
From 7 via 9 the course flattens significantly.
Fortunately, after mile 9 the gradual descend goes on and on …till the final 2/tenth of a mile, with this annoying quick climb to a flat end line.
I’m certain that final hill isn’t as steep because it felt, however after 12.9 miles, c’mon bruh!
The race takes you to the principle highlights of the town core.
10. Run Disney Wine and Dine
Date: October 26, 2025
Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
Sort: Loop
Profile: Largely Flat
Boston Qualifier: Sure
This run is themed to completely different eats, so that you’ll have enjoyable and be consuming (and consuming) effectively earlier than, throughout, and after your race.
The course winds via the Walt Disney World Resort and ends with an after-hours entry occasion at EPCOT’s Worldwide Meals & Wine Competition. Simply keep in mind that with all Dinsey races you’ll be getting up VERY early and spend a while working at midnight on roads outdoors the park.
In case you’re a Disney lover, you’ll additionally take pleasure in character sightings and Disney-themed leisure alongside the race.
Disney doesn’t do something midway, this half marathon included.
Shullrd says it’s well worth the cash (which isn’t insubstantial):
My favourite half was the run across the lake via the pavilions. There’s a stretch of about 7 miles the place you’re on roads which was a lot much less thrilling.
Disney guarantees magic at each mile they usually delivered. There have been loads of character picture ops – though in the event you’re a slower runner it’s exhausting to make the most of them and full the course earlier than it closes.
The music was nice. There have been ample water and support stations all through the course.
My one beef… the meals station was damaged down earlier than we bought there. This occurs typically, however is irritating. I feel the slower runners most likely want it greater than the quicker ones.
The swag is nice and the put up race meals was effectively chosen to help with restoration.
11. Route 66 Half Marathon
Date: November 23, 2025
Location: Tulsa, OK
Sort: Loop
Profile: Hilly
Boston Qualifier: Sure
Route 66 is the Mom of all Roads, so how might this half marathon miss?
Downtown Tulsa, the place the race begins, is dwelling to the biggest focus of Artwork Deco structure outdoors of Miami, and the remainder of the town (and faculty campus) are as vibrant as they’re numerous.
The local people comes out to assist the runners and the race, with block events lining the course and loads of cheers to spur you ahead.
Native runner freundmarkj was glad he determined to take part:
The one phrase that stored coming again to me to explain this race was “expertise”. I signed up for the half marathon on a whim — 4 days earlier than the race — and I’m so glad I did. This race was a blast. The expo was massive with many nice distributors and good individuals. Packet pickup was really easy, and I really like the puffer vest that we acquired with our race registration. Actually good begin.
Then, the race. It leaves downtown Tulsa fairly rapidly, however weaves its approach via actually fairly neighborhoods and parks, then onto an extended highway with these cool tunnels, after which after all on the nation’s most well-known freeway, Route 66, earlier than ending again downtown. I cherished the variability this course needed to supply, however be warned — the hills are brutal! I used to be not anticipating so many hills, and had not educated for them, and they’re TOUGH. Even nonetheless, I actually appreciated this course.
Put merely, this entire race is a celebration. Every corral bought its personal confetti bathe upon beginning. There have been a great quantity of spectators many of the approach, and I’ve by no means seen a lot alcohol out on the course! There have been so many individuals providing beers and pictures, I couldn’t imagine it! It actually added to the vibe, even when I didn’t partake myself. The end space is so enjoyable too, in a metropolis park with a stage and a band enjoying with end line pizza and beers. And a cool medal!
I had an superior time working this race, and I’m so glad I pulled the set off on this. It was an expertise price remembering. Make this your Oklahoma race!
We hope this listing of finest half marathons within the US gave you some inspiration.
So try your schedule for later this 12 months and begin filling it up!
In search of some further working ideas?
