11 Best (and Most Scenic) Half Marathons in the U.S. – Best Half Marathons in the U.S. by state

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Yes, there are some serious elevation changes as well as some technical trail running. But the hills are worth the spectacular vistas and brilliant fall colors. Another race for fall foliage lovers, the Newport Half Marathon starts at Easton Beach and then takes you on an incredible tour of Newport, with beautiful waterfront views and those spectacular Bellevue Avenue mansions that Newport is known for. Starting in the picturesque village of Northeast Harbor, the Mount Desert Half Marathon course gently rolls along the mouth of the only true fjord on the Atlantic Coast, which is lined with the pink granite that makes up most of the area.

With its breathtaking vistas of Maine’s rugged coast, the race has been called the prettiest in the Northeast. The natural beauty and small-town feel make the numerous hills worthwhile.

The Myrtle Beach Half Marathon has a flat, fast course that features the best of Myrtle Beach with over five miles of oceanfront running. Often called the world’s most beautiful marathon, the Big Sur Marathon is high on many runners’ bucket lists.

But if you have no interest in running a full marathon, the Big Sur half offers equally stunning views. Like the full, you’ll run most of the course along the untouched, rugged coast, with spectacular vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Tagged as: Georgia Half Marathons. Photo by Ashley Knedler on Unsplash. How to Nail Your Long Runs. Unless of course, if it was also downhill. And it is! This tour definitely beats any double-decker bus! Southern Fried Half Marathon Location: Nags Head, NC Date: Sunday, November 11, We love the sound of this point-to-point half-marathon — especially with the promise of southern fried sweet taters at the finish line!

Starting and finishing inside the Fargodome smile for the jumbotron! It also promises a pizza and margaritas at the finish line. Who can argue with that? Get ready for a fast though pretty hilly first half run among Art Deco architecture, bustling neighborhoods and a cross over the famous Route 66 — twice! Finish strong on those last yards on the track — just like Pre himself! You can become a champ too with Plan a getaway to this luxurious golf resort for a relaxing retreat and its 41st annual half-marathon.

The flat-as-can-be race attracts more than 3, to run around the island community, among oak, maple and pine tree-lined streets and scenic marshlands. Oct 29, Saturday. Nashville NC Running Festival Oct 8, Saturday. Arkansas Marathon Georgetown Half Marathon Washington, DC City Location.

Jacksonville Marine Corps Half Marathon Little River Canyon Half Marathon Long Hunter Trail Runs 50K, Paris Mountain Half Marathon Salem Half Marathon Salem, VA City Location.

The Middle Half Under the Oaks Run

Best half marathons in the south – best half marathons in the south.The Best Spring Half Marathons & Best Spring Marathons

 
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Runners Choice: Best Half Marathons in the U.S. | RaceRaves.South East Half Marathons – Half Marathons in the South East

And some of the top worldwide best half marathons are in the USA! When choosing a race from among the best US half marathons, think views, morale and camaraderie, surrounding attractions, and a course that is both challenging and rewarding enough to earn its place after your months of hard work and dedicated training!

Here are the 25 best US half marathons that fit the bill! From big cities, to rolling hills, to seaside scenery, to nocturnal runs and National Park courses, you are guaranteed to not go wrong with any of them! Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. Get ready to be tempted with an awesome collection of the best half marathons across the USA! Each one will have you itching to lace up your running shoes! Free cancellations on most hotels when you book now and stay later.

Best For : Destination runners, outdoor lovers, small towners, animal lovers. This race holds two claims to fame. Enjoy the surrounding views of Denali and forested trails, and get ready to celebrate with the extra daylight all things summer! This course has a small town feel to it, with portions of trail running, and even the chance to run across a moose or bear!

Best For : red rock lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and quirky, eclectic Southwestern charmers. There are few places in the world where you can appreciate red rock scenery more than in Sedona, Arizona. And what better way to appreciate these stunning views, then to run through them.

This course has some challenging terrain and elevation, due to its surrounding red rock hewn habitat, but you may not even notice with views like these! When you are done running, there is an over-abundance of outdoor opportunities to explore, from tons of Sedona hikes, to further explorations into the Verde Valley, or Grand Canyon National Park! More information on the Run Sedona Half Marathon. Surrounding Attractions : California wine country and wineries. Do you like running and wine? This race concept is simple — run, sip!

Work hard on the course, relax afterwards in the best place in the country to enjoy a post race glass of superb wine. This half marathon is a perfect way to enjoy the iconic rolling hills, pastures, and valleys of California. Surrounding Attractions : outdoor opportunities in Aspen and Snowmass Village, downtown Aspen, neighboring mountain towns. Best For : backcountry trail runners, high elevation runners, outdoor appreciators, small town Colorado seekers, mountain appreciators.

Nothing says Colorado running like backcountry trails and elevation gains! If you are looking for rugged trail running, characteristic of Colorado, then this challenging course is for you! More information on the Golden Leaf Half Marathon. Best For : your inner child at heart, all things Disney, high energy, whimsical, and costumed crowds! Disney characters abound along this course, so get ready for lots of childhood memories to be cheering you on! The energy of this one is high, the costumes will keep you chuckling, and the spectator support will keep you energized.

Your inner child will not be disappointed in this magical and fun running experience! More information on the Disney Princess Half Marathon. Best For : remote destinationers, off the beaten path runners, uphill and high elevation runners, rugged outdoor appreciators.

This iconic US half marathon race is an oldie but goodie, having existed now for almost half a century! Get ready for some uphill climbs and 2, feet of total elevation gain on this one! Afterwards, enjoy the one of a kind down to earth Boise atmosphere! Surrounding Attractions : museums, restaurants, city tours, Lake Michigan, city parks, sporting venues and events.

Best For : big city appreciators, lake lifers, sports junkies. A big name in US half marathons, in one of the biggest cities in the country! This half marathon lives up to its big city reputation, and running this course is a great way to experience Chicago up close and personal, from a very unique perspective! Lake Shore Drive is one of the most reputable roadways in Chicago, and it is completely shut down for runners on this day! This is a course filled with skyline and lake views, a pleasant mix of big city Chicago, as well as some of its outdoor offerings.

More information on the Chicago Half Marathon. Best For : southern charmers, outdoor appreciators, small towners, horse enthusiasts. Run a half marathon in the state that made bluegrass famous. This race embodies what many have come to know Kentucky for — a rural course through the dappled farmland, rolling pastures, and thriving thoroughbred establishments of Kentucky.

There are over a dozen thoroughbred farm establishments along these hilly 13 miles! More information on Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon. Louis Cathedral, and Cafe Du Monde. Best For : eclectic city runners, Cajun foodies, southern charmers, outdoor appreciators, high energy course and camaraderie. This flat and fast half marathon course comes with all the eclectic funk, gusto, and high energy that New Orleans brings to just about everything!

This course weaves through several well loved neighborhoods, including the French Quarter, Charles Avenue, and the stately Garden District, all accompanied by the sounds of New Orleans jazz along the course!

And afterwards, take your time exploring the unique New Orleans sights like the Mississippi River, the French Quarter, and the cemeteries. Eat a beignet, listen to jazz, and take a swamp tour to unwind! Surrounding Attractions : New England coastline, colonial architecture, scenic waterfront. Best For : nautical appreciators, beachers and coasters, slow and storied pace, quintessential New England, history buffs.

If you appreciate New England and its slow pace, cute small towns, lighthouses, historic war sights, and miles of beaches and coastline, then you will appreciate this nautical themed US half marathon! Run through this bay of Portland and enjoy 13 miles of boating sights, colonial architecture, a cobble-stoned finish, and panoramic expanses of New England waterfront!

Surrounding Attractions : sporting venues, Boston Harbor, historical buildings, tours, and sights. Best For : big city runners, history buffs, high morale and pride. This long standing half marathon is held in remembrance of law enforcement and first responders lost in the line of duty.

Spirits and morale are high, and runners can nominate a hero to run in honor of. In honor of that, this course winds past several historic and cherished Boston landmarks, including the State House, Boston Common, and the Charles River. Best For : outdoor appreciators, rugged and rural runners, high elevation runners. Montana has a LOT of untouched expanses, and on these 13 miles, you can experience a glimpse of the best of Montana, in one of its beloved small towns with strong western roots.

This rural course parallels the Bitterroot River, passing through serene Montana countryside, to finish in Missoula, whose local residents do a fantastic job of offering support to its runners! Get ready for some scenic, high elevation, Rocky Mountain views! More information on the Missoula Half Marathon. Surrounding Attractions : Route 66, downtown Tulsa, Tulsa riverfront. Best For : history buffs, Americana, high energy. This high energy course embraces its namesake, Route 66, with two separate sections of running on this iconic roadway!

Though Oklahoma may be known as a relatively flat state, this course is surprisingly hilly, so be ready! Spectator and crowd support is one of the best aspects of this US half marathon, so embrace the high energy of this race! More information on the Route 66 Half Marathon.

Best For : maritimers, New Englanders, ocean view appreciators. This coastal course packs the oceanside views, as well as paths through historic Rhode Island neighborhoods and New England countryside! The course views of Easton Beach and Bay are arguably hard to beat! More information on the Amica Newport Half Marathon. Best For : outdoor appreciators, history buffs, off the beaten path.

The Crazy Horse Memorial is one of the most impressive monuments in the state of South Dakota, if not the entire country! There is also nothing to complain about when running through the spire-filled Black Hills region of South Dakota. The bonus of this rugged, outdoorsy course? After a short, initial, uphill climb, its smooth sailing with a mostly downhill course! Surrounding Attractions : downtown Nashville, country music venues.

Best For : southern charmers, country music lovers. Follow this course through the streets of Nashville, filled with the sights and on course sounds of country music and honky tonk, for a finish at the home of the Tennessee Titans! Nothing quite says Nashville like this energy packed course! Best For : history appreciators, Americana, outdoor lovers. What do you think of when you think of the American Northeast? Not only do runners have a chance to run through covered bridges, characteristic of this region, but they also get to enjoy plenty of farmland and river views in this quintessential New England race!

Need another reason? Need still one more reason? Vermont maple syrup and cheese are the prizes for the top finishers! More information on Covered Bridges Half Marathon. Surrounding Attractions : beaches, jungle, resorts, outdoor opportunities. Best For : island lovers, tropical adventurers, beachers. As stunningly beautiful as this Hawaiian favorite is, be ready for some potentially intense heat and humidity! Best For : National Park lovers, outdoor sight-see-ers and appreciators, mountaineers, rugged runners, uphillers and high elevation gainers.