This list of the best half marathons in the world are divided into the most beautiful, most famous, most popular, most fun, best for women, and best international!
There are so many great races out there and many are bucket list opportunities!
Do you have a favorite? Which ones are on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments!
List of the Best Half Marathons in the US & Around the World:
The Most Beautiful:
Maui Half Marathon - a trip to paradise and a race with jaw-dropping views of the island and Pacific Ocean. Who's NOT in?!
Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon - is held in Lexington Kentucky and starts where the movie Seabiscuit was filmed. It's a beautiful course with lots of sights of beautiful horses along the way!
The Key West Half Marathon - located in Florida it takes all the awards. Voted #7 of the best half marathons and #3 top destination half marathon. Ignore the miles and focus on the sunshine!
Big Sur International Half Marathon - as Jeff Galloway puts it, "I've not seen a more scenic marathon course than this one". Enough said.
The Most Famous:
The Atlanta Half Marathon -
held on Thanksgiving makes it such a popular, fun, and family friendly
race! You'll also get to run by the Olympic Park!
The Chicago Half Marathon -
it's the ONLY race (yep, not even the Chicago Marathon) that closes the
Lake Shore Drive for Runners. You will get magnificent views of the city!
Eugene Half Marathon - Run
along Hayward Field Track and imagine yourself as Steve Prefontaine. Maybe
break your own PR!
The Anthem Richmond Half
Marathon - touted as the "Friendliest Marathon" because of all
of it's goodness to runners along the way it also features beautiful
scenery and historical points of interest.
The Baltimore Half Marathon
Running Festival - a full on running festival with incredible crowd
support!
The Most Popular:
One America 500 Festival Mini Marathon - you will get a chance to take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the race!
P.F. Chang's Rock'n'Roll Arizona Half Marathon
The NYC Half Marathon (in March)
Washington DC Rock'n'Roll Half Marathon
Flying Pig Half Marathon
The Most Fun:
The Star Wars Half Marathon Race Weekends- a very family friendly race through Disney that also includes a 5K, 10K and kids race! They feature the "Light Side" Star Wars Races at the Disneyland, California and the "Dark Side" Race Weekend is hosted at Disney in Florida.
The Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon - okay, so you get beautiful views throughout the race and afterwards your own wine glass to taste samples at local wineries. Yes, please and thank you!
Country Music Half Marathon - take yourself to Nashville and get your country on. Get ready for some entertainment all throughout the race!
The Garmin Wickedly Fast Half Marathon - How could I not mention this! So close to home! Take a trip down yellow brick road and along some of the old Oregon & Santa Fe Trails! Bring your Dorothy shoes!
Hershey Half Marathon - a reason to celebrate chocolate? Sure! Plus you will get a goodie bag and 2 tickets to Hershey Park in the Dark!
Best Half Marathons for Women:
The Nike Women's Half Marathon
Disney Princess Half Marathon - we've all got a little Princess in us! Turn this into a fun girls weekend or sisters trip and don't forget your crown!
The Divas Half Marathon - not only is the course scenic but you are treated like a VIP diva with boas and tiaras. Stay for the after party!
Best International:
The Great Wall of China Half Marathon - this is a challenging race but what a race it is! Full of history, spectacular views, and in an exotic country!
Paris Half Marathon - a city of love and a race to fall in love with. See all of the major Paris sites during this race! It's a great way to explore without looking like a tourist. *wink
The Great North Run - it's the second largest half marathon in the world , attracting 54,000 runners in 2012! Held in northeast England.
Faherty,
by Emily. "The 50 Best Half-Marathons in the U.S." Life by Daily Burn The 50 Best
Half Marathons in the US Comments. N.p.,
12 Aug. 2016. Web. 27 Oct. 2016.
"The Best Half
Marathons in 2016." The Best & Most Fun Half
Marathons in 2016. Only Atoms Website,
n.d. Web. 26 Oct. 2016.
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Hi! I'm Molly! I combined my love for running with my Exercise Science degree to provide training plans and resources to help runners achieve their marathon goals!
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