Looking or a Fall half marathon to test yourself? Potentially snag that new personal best. Good news, we’re going to help narrow down the list of possibilities!
The US has two big race seasons, spring and Fall. The Chicago Marathon and NYC marathon get a lot of the attention in the Fall, but oh boy are there some other super fun race experiences to be had.
Late September until Thanksgiving, means much of the US enjoying brisk, mild weather and the trees putting on their gorgeous autumn foliage, which all makes for a fantastic race day.
Did you know the perfect race temp is actually around 40 degrees?? That’s right, you’ll be able to run faster without your HR creeping up so quickly.
11 Fall US Half Marathons to Try
Some of these are bigger races, some are smaller, but we think all are going to give you something your looking for. Maybe you want to head out for the fastest possible course or maybe you just want to have a blast with your friends.
Take a look and let us know if there’s a race that needs to be added!
1. Beat the Blerch
Date: September 6, 2025
Location: Carnation, WA
Type: Loop
Profile: Uphill/Downhill
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This race was started by satire site The Oatmeal in 2014, and while encouraging running, it also encourages eating cake, building burritos out of donuts, and stopping to take a nap if you need to.
And get this – the slower you are, the harder people will clap.
The course is a gravel trail that winds through evergreen, mossy forests on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, and despite the lighthearted nature of the event, is a beautiful out-and-back run.
Here’s what racer nikkiwheelwright had to say about her experience there:
Possibly my favorite race to date! The comic book behind this race is hilarious, so I have been wanting to run in this race since 2014! And it lived up to ALL the hype!!
There was a huge amount of food before the race even started (burrito-donut bar, anyone?)
The race was along a trail and in the woods, we ran along a river and over a bridge, it’s a really great location!! The trails are super wide too, so no issues bumping into people (they had wave starts with like a minute in-between waves, to spread people out at the beginning, super smart!).
There were people dressed up along the trail, with a fat cherub (blerch!) Offering people rides in a little chariot!
There were couches in the middle of the woods and signs to “take a rest, you deserve it” …. and cake at the aid stations.
It was amazing! I appreciated every detail this race put into making it great. It was great.
And despite having to run at a slight uphill for miles and miles…. after halfway, we got to run downhill!! (Out and back course).
All the racers were in such good moods, even the fast people who are usually so serious at races!
2. Marine Corps Historic Half Marathon
Date: September 14, 2025
Location: Camp Lejeune, NC
Type: Loop
Profile: Mostly flat
Boston Qualifier: No
If you’ve ever wanted to check out a Marine Corps base without, you know, joining the Marines, then this is the race for you.
In addition to showing off Camp Lejeune, North Carolina shows off more of her scenic beauty along the way. This includes the New River, Morgan and Farnell Bay, and the Paradise Point Golf Course, where you can see the Heroes Mile for yourself.
You’ll also pass through some quaint neighborhood communities.
Runner gsnow96 thinks it’s worth doing again and again:
This is a challenging race as it’s in mid-September which means humidity and heat.
The course is relatively flat and scenic as you run through Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base.
The memorial mile honoring fallen Marines is always moving.
Definitely recommend this race. This was my second time running this one and it is still my PR race for half marathon distance.
3. Boulderthon
Date: September 28, 2025
Location: Boulder, CO
Type: Loop
Profile: Hilly
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This race is consistently ranked in the top five half marathons in the United States, and no one can argue that Boulder isn’t the perfect backdrop to just about anything you’d want to do.
It begins downtown and runs through town as well as the Flatirons foothills, before bringing you back to a one-of-a-kind finish on the historic Pearl Street Mall.
Boulder is known as the happiest (300 days of sunshine annually) and fittest city in America, and after conquering this pretty tough course, you’ll be feeling both of those things, too.
Here’s what first-timer Leah H. had to say about the race:
I loved this race the views were spectacular. It went by quick because I was just staring at the view.
There’s some nice size hills and aid stations every 2 -3 miles.There’s crowd support in some areas which was nice but overall not a ton of it.
The expo was huge and outdoor which I loved.
I would definitely recommend this race.
4. Lifetime Chicago Half Marathon
Date: September 28, 2025
Location: Chicago, IL
Type: Loop
Profile: Flat
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Most runners love racing in Chicago because it is flat and fast! The city is more than happy to give them ample opportunities to do so.
This is the city’s most established half marathon, and you can make a whole weekend of it with the Pre-Race Party. The live music, food, and entertainment will propel you to the starting line on Lake Shore Drive (reserved just for you!), and carry you through the historic Southside.
A kid-friendly race runs alongside this one, making this race a perfect thing to combine with a weekend getaway to the city.
Here’s what joyruns had to say about her experience, which she will definitely repeat:
Expo: Race shirt is long sleeves, reusable bag with sunglasses, Gatorade 10pk, rain poncho, protein shake mix and cowbell in it.
Participants were bused to the start of the race (which was 7.5 miles out), the shuttle picked runners up in Belmont or Millenium Park.
Ample water station throughout the course with both water and Gatorade.
Crowd support on the highway, it was an out and back FLAT course.
Post-race food (water, Gatorade, pizza, bananas and chips). A HUGE finisher medal. I highly recommend this race.
5. Queen Bee Half Marathon
Date: October 11, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Type: Point-to-Point
Profile: Flat
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This women-only half marathon was created to promote fitness and raise funds for local women-focused charities. The weekend will be a great one to spend with your girls; including the race, there’s plenty of pampering and swag to be found.
The course winds through Cincinnati’s historic and scenic neighborhoods, and the sidewalks will be bopping with entertainment and unique refreshment zones tailored to the event.
The after party is just as cool, with chocolates and massages waiting for you at the finish line!
Here’s what runner DianaFazio had to say about her experience:
I love this race for women.
This is my 3rd time running the Queen Bee and I plan to run it every year. It’s one of my favorites.
It is very well organized, has great support along the entire route and the after party is fabulous. Great food and drink and Sunflowers.
The Snout and Stinger medal is an added bonus.
6. Las Vegas Half Marathon
Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Henderson, NV
Type: Loop
Profile: Mostly Flat
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This race kicks off at the luxury hotel M Resort Spa Casino, and follows a mostly flat bike path course with a few small hills. The spectators are enthusiastic and the race organizers are mindful about how the presence of the race affects the environment.
The weather in Vegas in the fall is typically perfect for running, and when you cross the finish line, a plate of free street tacos and beer will be waiting for every racer over the age of 21. Know that the finish can be crowded and it might take some time to get back to your hotel.
Just make sure you don’t have too much fun on your Vegas weekend before this event kicks off on Sunday morning.
This Reddit user says it’s definitely worth your time:
I would have to say that the Vegas half marathon is a very memorable race.
The only downside is the amount of walking you do unless you spend extra money on ubers.
Also, I would say its hard to chase PRs when you are walking everywhere and the amount of people can cause congestion and some points.
In my opinion, if you are just looking for a fun race then Vegas is definitely the answer.
7. Amica Newport Half Marathon
Date: October 12, 2025
Location: Easton’s Beach, Newport, RI
Type: Loop
Profile: Mostly Flat
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Newport, Rhode Island is one of the most picturesque and historic cities in the entire country. That said, you might need an excuse to get to the tiny northeastern state – and this half marathon is the perfect one.
The race kicks off at Easton’s Beach and carries runners along the seaside and through downtown Newport, passing the famous Newport mansions along the way.
The crowds are great and there’s no way you’ll forget your experience in the City by the Sea.
PhillyRunner1993 was clearly happy with his choice to visit:
This was easily one of the most scenic races I’ve run. The course takes you along the small city, the coastline, the mansions, and and rural roads—it’s a visually stunning from start to finish.
I didn’t find it that challenging. Don’t underestimate the hills. Particularly at mile 1 and miles 24. They’re manageable but will keep you on your toes. The views definitely make the effort worth it.
Organization was spot on, with seamless logistics and fantastic volunteers who kept the energy high. The swag was solid, particularly the medal. Shirt very nice quality, wear it often unlike other race shirts I’ve received.
If you’re looking for a scenic course, and a well-managed medium-sized full or half, this race is a must. I’ll be back for sure!
8. Baltimore Running Festival
Date: October 18, 2025
Location: Baltimore, MD
Type: Loop
Profile: Hilly
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Some runners tout this marathon/half marathon as one of the best races on the East Coast. Runners participating in the half will merge with the marathon runners when they’re halfway done, and the race ends at Baltimore’s iconic inner harbor.
You’ll get some great swag along with a couple of free beers for completing the race, which runners call “challenging” because of its many hills.
If you’re feeling frisky, you can add the 5K to your half marathon day and become a BaltiMORON-a-thon winner as well!
Here’s what participant cfconwayiii thought about his race in Baltimore:
Pre race communication was great, constant updates were emailed leading up to the race
Expo was at the convention center, super easy and had several booths with anything you might need.We stayed downtown a couples of blocks from start/finish line, walked everywhere.
We loved the inter harbor area, from the old ships to the delicious crab cakes.
Course was on city streets, with plenty of well staffed aid stations.
Crowd support was great.
It was a hilly course but it was not as bad as I thought it would be.
Swag was a long sleeve dri-fit shirt and a super cool crab medal.
9. Garmin Kansas City Half Marathon
Date: October 18, 2025
Location: Kansas City, MO
Type: Loop
Profile: Some hills
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Named the “Best Marathon in Missouri” by RaceRaves and one of the top 20 US Marathons overall, you’re not going to want to miss this iconic run through Kansas City.
You’ll get the full tour, including the WWI Museum and Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Waldo, Westport, and many more beautiful neighborhoods that make Kansas City so loved.
Runner hjrosa definitely enjoyed his time there:
This is a mid size race with about 3000 runners for the half running together with another 1500 for the full marathon. Expo was at Union Station, which I found architecturally beautiful. It had about 30 vendors, mostly locals.
I divide the race in 4 parts. The first 5 miles is a gradual incline most of the way.
From 5 thru 7 is downtown hell, I mean hill(sss) … and those are long steep steps.
From 7 thru 9 the course flattens considerably.
Thankfully, after mile 9 the gradual descend goes on and on …until the very last 2/10th of a mile, with this annoying short climb to a flat finish line.
I’m sure that last hill isn’t as steep as it felt, but after 12.9 miles, c’mon bruh!
The race takes you to the main highlights of the city core.
10. Run Disney Wine and Dine
Date: October 26, 2025
Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL
Type: Loop
Profile: Mostly Flat
Boston Qualifier: Yes
This run is themed to different eats, so you’ll have fun and be eating (and drinking) well before, during, and after your race.
The course winds through the Walt Disney World Resort and ends with an after-hours access party at EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival. Just remember that with all Dinsey races you’ll be getting up VERY early and spend some time running in the dark on roads outside the park.
If you’re a Disney lover, you’ll also enjoy character sightings and Disney-themed entertainment along the race.
Disney doesn’t do anything halfway, this half marathon included.
Shullrd says it’s worth the money (which isn’t insubstantial):
My favorite part was the run around the lake through the pavilions. There is a stretch of about 7 miles where you’re on roads which was much less exciting.
Disney promises magic at every mile and they delivered. There were plenty of character photo ops – although if you’re a slower runner it’s hard to take advantage of them and complete the course before it closes.
The music was great. There were ample water and aid stations throughout the course.
My one beef… the food station was broken down before we got there. This happens often, but is frustrating. I think the slower runners probably need it more than the faster ones.
The swag is great and the post race food was well selected to aid with recovery.
11. Route 66 Half Marathon
Date: November 23, 2025
Location: Tulsa, OK
Type: Loop
Profile: Hilly
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Route 66 is the Mother of all Roads, so how could this half marathon miss?
Downtown Tulsa, where the race begins, is home to the largest concentration of Art Deco architecture outside of Miami, and the rest of the city (and college campus) are as vibrant as they are diverse.
The local community comes out to support the runners and the race, with block parties lining the course and plenty of cheers to spur you forward.
Local runner freundmarkj was glad he decided to participate:
The one word that kept coming back to me to describe this race was “experience”. I signed up for the half marathon on a whim — four days before the race — and I am so glad I did. This race was a blast. The expo was big with many great vendors and nice people. Packet pickup was so easy, and I love the puffer vest that we received with our race registration. Really good start.
Then, the race. It leaves downtown Tulsa pretty quickly, but weaves its way through really pretty neighborhoods and parks, then onto a long road with these cool tunnels, and then of course on the nation’s most famous highway, Route 66, before finishing back downtown. I loved the variety this course had to offer, but be warned — the hills are brutal! I was not anticipating so many hills, and had not trained for them, and they are TOUGH. Even still, I really liked this course.
Put simply, this whole race is a party. Each corral got its own confetti shower upon starting. There were a good amount of spectators most of the way, and I’ve never seen so much alcohol out on the course! There were so many people offering beers and shots, I couldn’t believe it! It really added to the vibe, even if I didn’t partake myself. The finish area is so fun too, in a city park with a stage and a band playing with finish line pizza and beers. And a cool medal!
I had an awesome time running this race, and I’m so glad I pulled the trigger on this. It was an experience worth remembering. Make this your Oklahoma race!
We hope this list of best half marathons in the US gave you some inspiration.
So check out your schedule for later this year and start filling it up!
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