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Best half marathons in each state
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A half-marathon is the perfect stepping stone race if your goal is to run a full marathon. Here are the 50 state-by-state half marathons below. If you have any half marathons that might be worthy please share them in the comments at the bottom of this page. If you have a great one to add please use the format shown in each state. In the description field, please add the reason why the race you chose is worthy of a bucket list. Description : Have you ever wanted to run past a space rocket?
This course takes you past some fantastic Alabama scenes, including the U. Space and Rocket Centre and gorgeous historic homes from the antebellum period.
Description : This summer solstice run brings together hundreds of people worldwide to race around the beautiful scenery and wildlife around Anchorage. This is a Boston qualifier with reasonably flat, highly runnable roads. Running on the Bay Bridge will give you plenty of picture-perfect opportunities. The course has many flat stretches with a few hilly spots thrown in. Description : This race takes place on one of the largest running weekends in the Rockie Mountains.
The path is a mostly paved asphalt course except for a brief stretch of gravel road. Description : The race has a beautiful start with fantastic ocean views at the starting line.
The mostly flat route is lined with entertainment stations to keep you motivated. Description : This race is consistently ranked one of the best in the country. The course begins beside the beach in Waikiki, loops around Diamond Head, and finishes in Kapiolani Park with a festival, concerts, and fresh malasadas. Description : Previously known as Onward Shaw! The course is flat and stays clear of downtown, and the race itself is always well organized. Description : Run through historic Indianapolis and past some of the cities most exciting landmarks.
Proceeds from the race are donated to public education. Description : The Gobbler Frind is a great fall race to get you ready for your Thanksgiving feast. The course is semi-flat and features a relatively easy route through local scenery, woods, and paved trails. 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? Why it's a great race: The course features breathtaking scenery in a historic Old West town. Why it's a great race: Runners begin in the rural countryside, then pass through suburbs and finish in view of Milwaukee's downtown skyline.
Why it's a great race: The race benefits a program that supports veterans seeking employment. Why it's a great race: Part of the Rock 'n' Roll series, the marathon features a festive atmosphere with live music and a post-race concert. Why it's a great race: Runners enjoy Richmond's scenic neighborhoods along the James River as well as pizza and cold beverages at the finish line.
Why it's a great race: The marathon offers to match runners with similarly paced competitors so that groups of participants can race together. Why it's a great race: Race-day activities include a cheer and entertainment zone competition, arts and crafts and a bounce house for kids, and a beer garden.
Why it's a great race: Runners enjoy enthusiastic crowds along the way and a fireworks show at the race's conclusion. Why it's a great race: The course takes runners through several of Knoxville's most beautiful neighborhoods while they enjoy live music. Why it's a great race: The course takes runners through scenic parks around Sioux Falls. Why it's a great race: The marathon benefits the Kiawah Island Conservancy, which supports nature on the scenic island. Why it's a great race: The race takes place on the shady East Bay bike path, which features beautiful Rhode Island scenery.
Why it's a great race: Participants in this large-scale race enjoy fall weather, historical Philadelphia landmarks, and the company of thousands of other runners.
Why it's a great race: The course takes runners through Yaquina Bay State Park, which features some of the state's most breathtaking scenery. Why it's a great race: The race commemorates the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing, and runners pass by banners in their honor.
Why it's a great race: Runners enjoy a scenic course through Cleveland, featuring the city's landmarks and Lake Erie. Why it's a great race: It's a massive event, with more than 20, participants and over 40 live bands.
Why it's a great race: The course takes runners through secluded scenery, and they're rewarded at the end with homemade chicken and dumplings. Why it's a great race: Runners pass through all five of New York's boroughs amid cheering crowds. Why it's a great race: The race is one of New Mexico's premier events, and thousands of runners participate.
Why it's a great race: The race has a great small-town feel, and amenities include entertainment and post-race massages. Why it's a great race: Runners enjoy breathtaking views of the canyon as they pass through the course. Why it's a great race: Runners run a scenic route through Omaha, with aid stations located every two miles. Why it's a great race: The summertime race, which is Montana's oldest marathon, takes runners through scenic country back roads, finishing in downtown Helena.
Why it's a great race: Runners travel between Missouri and Illinois, passing through the historic downtown district of St. Louis and Forest Park. Why it's a great race: Runners are treated to live blues music before, after and even during the race. Why it's a great race: Participants enjoy beautiful scenery when they run around four lakes and along both sides of the Mississippi River.
Why it's a great race: Bring your passport – this race briefly takes runners across the border into Canada.
The 25 Best Half Marathons in the United States | ACTIVE.
Welcome to beautiful Berkley, California, where you will run one of the most beautiful courses in the United States. Why it's a great race: Runners pass through the historic Churchill Downs race course, where the Kentucky Derby takes place. When you get to the turn point, check out some of the incredible stone dike formations before flying back down to grab a negative split. The entire weekend is filled with activities like princess yoga, the epic expo, and of course, time to explore the theme parks.
The 25 Best Half Marathons in the United States | ACTIVE.10 Best Half Marathons in the United States – The Wired Runner
Why it's a great race: The summertime race, which is Montana's oldest marathon, takes runners through scenic country back roads, finishing in downtown Helena. The course is so packed full of Bay Area landmarks that locals and visitors alike see sites they never have before. Then you run along the foothills of the Flatirons. This community race benefits many local Vermont charities.