18 Scenic Half Marathons Worth Traveling For (USA Edition)
Runners dream of participating in scenic half marathons – imagine running by the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. on the way to achieving a goal!
Why do runners love scenic half marathons? Great question.
We love them because they make the miles go by faster (after all, 13.1 miles is a long way!). Plus, it’s a great way to experience the world around us.
And…incredible scenery makes the race SO memorable!
Whether you love city views, mountain views or ocean views, there are scenic half marathons for everyone.
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Ok, ready to sign up for a race?
Here are our top choices for the 18 best scenic half marathons in the USA, listed alphabetically by state.
Sedona Half Marathon – Sedona, Arizona
Date: February 1, 2020
Cost: $55-$80 (depending on how early you sign up)
Course Description:
“The course will take participants through the scenic Coconino National Forest District, known for its magical iron-clad formations, and onto the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the Country…Scenic and hilly. The course is along one of Sedona’s most scenic paved roads (Dry Creek Road). Be prepared for a variety of conditions – loose rocks, dust, and the roads are open to vehicles.”
Sedona is known for it’s red-rock buttes and vibrant new age scene in town. You’ll love exploring the area before and after the race.
Not to mention, the climate is mild (especially in February) with an average high of 61 degrees – perfect for running one of the most beautiful scenic half marathons around!
1st Half Marathon or 2nd Half Marathon – San Francisco, California
Date: July 28, 2019
Cost: 1st Half Marathon is $177 and 2nd Half Marathon is $155
Course Description:
“Picture yourself racing as the California sun breaks through San Francisco’s iconic maritime fog. Bursting from the Embarcadero’s waterfront start line at the break of dawn. Racing through towering eucalyptus and redwood trees in Golden Gate Park where you’ll cross the 1st Half Finish Line. Then join over 27,500 runners at our Main Finish Line Festival.”
San Francisco is a fun, sprawling city filled with historic sites and beautiful waterfront scenery.
See the city the best way a runner knows how – by running through it!
Choose one of two scenic half marathons to get a run-by viewing of everything San Fran.
And did we mention the average high in San Francisco in July is only 67 degrees? A summer runner’s dream!
>>>NEED A HALF MARATHON TRAINING SCHEDULE? Read Half Marathon Training for Beginners: 7 Steps to Your First Half Marathon and find out how to train successfully in 7 steps!
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon – Sonoma, California
Date: July 20-21, 2019
Course Description:
“Napa-to-Sonoma sells out each year on the day of registration! The race starts at Cuvaison Carneros Winery and finishes in historic Sonoma Plaza in front of City Hall.
Enjoy vistas of the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Preserve, San Pablo Bay and Mt. Tamalpais as you wind through hundreds of rolling acres of vineyards and wineries on your way to the Finish Line!”
Rocky Mountain Half Marathon, Estes Park, Colorado
Date: August 1, 2020 (no 2019 date, they’re taking a year off)
Cost: Up to $135 (late pricing)
Course Description:
This high-elevation race offers spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and Estes Park, and a challenging 809 elevation gain. Start and finish by the lake at the fairgrounds in Estes Park. Registration comes with free high-elevation training plans (choose beginner or intermediate).
Scenic half marathons don’t get much better than this if you love mountain views!
>>>12 HALF MARATHON TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT 13.1
Miami Half Marathon – Miami, Florida
Date: February 9, 2020
Cost: $100
Course Description:
“Runners count on the course to pull them through each mile, and every year this course doesn’t let them down. Mile after mile, the views and sounds help propel runners to the finish line.”
Run through scenic Miami next to the ocean and over several bridges on this very flat, Boston-qualifying course!
Disney Princess Half Marathon – Orlando, Florida
Date: February 23, 2020
Cost: $199
Course Description:
“Gather your fellow Princes and Princess for a magical 13.1 miles through Walt Disney World® Resort for the Disney Princess Half Marathon! This spectacular race will feature some of your favorite Disney characters on course as you journey through Walt Disney World® Theme Parks toward the finish line where you’ll receive a medal fit for royalty.”
This could be you!
Run down Main Street USA and past your favorite EPCOT spots, and more.
Of all scenic half marathons, the Disney Princess Half Marathon is extra awesome because you get exclusive access to an empty park as you run through it, no crowds (except your fellow runners of course)! How much more scenic can you get in Disney?
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon – Orlando, Florida
Date: November 3, 2019
Cost: $199
Course Description:
Ok, we had to add a second Disney half marathon to this list because, come on…who can resist running through Disney parks? Plus, this one has wine afterwards 🙂
“How much fun can you pack into one day? Plenty when you set your course for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon featuring Chef Mickey! Your day begins with an early morning 13.1-mile run through the beautiful Walt Disney World®Resort. Then, celebrate your race later that evening at an exclusive Post-Race Party at the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival.”
>>>TRAINING FOR A FALL HALF MARATHON? Then read The Greatest Fall Half Marathon Training Plan Ever!
The Kaua’i Half Marathon – Kaua’i, Hawaii
Date: September 1, 2019
Cost: $85-$125 (depending on how early you sign up)
Course Description:
“The Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon begin in Poipu, the world-class resort community at the sunny southern end of the island, with routes sharing the first 11 miles. The courses follow the contour of the scenic coastline, offering magnificent views of the island’s picturesque beaches, rugged volcanic peaks, and green tropical rain forests. As dawn breaks, runners experience lush green vistas as they approach the shade of the century-old Tunnel of Trees before winding through misty Omao where the half marathoners enter Kukui’ula Resort offering spectacular ocean views for the last few miles. “
Chicago Half Marathon – Chicago, Illinois
Date: September 29, 2019
Cost: $115
Course Description:
“The Chicago Half Marathon gives you the chance to run on traffic restricted Lake Shore Drive! This scenic half marathon course starts in Historic Jackson Park, site of the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, and winds through the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood and University of Chicago campus. The course then takes runners along Chicago’s south Lake Shore Drive, taking in the views of Lake Michigan, Chicago skyline and the Science and Industry Museum campus before a triumphant finish at the golden Statue of the Republic.”
>>>1st HALF MARATHON? Read 10 THINGS I LEARNED RUNNING MY FIRST HALF MARATHON (learn from my mistakes!)
Run the Bluegrass Half Marathon – Kentucky
Date: March 30, 2019
Cost: $80-$125 (depending on how early you sign up)
Course Description:
The tagline says it all “American’s Prettiest Half Marathon”.
The Old Port Half Marathon – Portland, Maine
Date: June 22, 2019
Course Description:
“Enjoy spectacular views of lighthouses and civil war-era forts as you run along the waterfront of Casco Bay, then celebrate your finish with a block party featuring Shipyard craft beer, ice cream, pizza, and live music!
…you’ll run along beautiful tree-lined streets filled with 19th-century mansions while gradually climbing 120 feet to the course’s highest point. From there you’ll be treated to scenic views of the Fore River before a refreshing downhill that brings you to sea level, where you’ll begin an 8-mile journey along Portland’s waterfront.
…Along the way you’ll pass by the historic Grand Trunk Railroad trestle bridge, stuck in the open position since a fire in 1984, and the city’s urban art project showcasing modern graffiti art .
…in the last downhill mile you’ll pass the Shipyard brewery before heading back into the cobblestone streets of the Old Port district.”
Boston’s Run to Remember Half Marathon – Boston, Massachusetts
Date: May 26, 2019
Cost: $120
Course Description:
“…a truly historic tour of downtown Boston. Highlights include the State House, Government Center, Faneuil Hall, Boston Common, The Public Garden, the Old State House, and Post Office Square…additional Boston historical sections including Back Bay with the backdrop of the Boston skyline to inspire your every step. These USATF certified courses are fast, well supported and an amazing opportunity to experience historical Boston like no other.”
Run through the beautiful and historic city of Boston, past the Boston Harbor and the Charles River.
You’ll love the energy of this half marathon as you see all the scenic sites of Boston.
Missoula Half Marathon – Missoula, Montana
Date: June 30, 2019
Cost: $77-$127 (depending on how early you sign up)
Course Description:
“The Missoula Half Marathon course is flat, fast, and USATF certified. The race is point-to-point, beginning with a scenic route through the countryside, with a stretch along the river, and finishing in historic downtown Missoula….Run Wild Missoula is a non-profit, 501(c)3 running club with the mission to support and promote running and walking for people of all ages and abilities. “
Twilight Red Rock Half Marathon – Red Rock Canyon, Nevada
Date: October 19, 2019
Cost: $75-$100 (depending on how early you sign up)
Course Description:
“Majestically framing the west side of the valley, Red Rock Canyon is the most notable natural treasure in the Las Vegas area.
Commencing just before sunset, run through Red Rock Canyon while enjoying the stunning sunset as day falls into night. Sun is replaced by stars and moonlight guides the way. The omnipresence of the surrounding canyon under the moonlit starry night is magical! Joshua trees dance in the shadows and the neon lights of Las Vegas can be seen in the distance. An enchanted late summer evening run.”
>>>ARE YOU TRULY READY FOR LONG RUNS? Abide by these 12 Long Distance Running Tips (to keep your sanity during training!)
Newport Half Marathon – Newport, Rhode Island
Date: October 13, 2019
Cost: $65-$90 depending on how early you register
Course Description:
This scenic course features historic Downtown Newport, Fort Adams, Ocean Drive and the famous Bellevue Avenue mansions. Run past gorgeous Atlantic ocean views and big mansions with sprawling lawns, and experience rolling hills off an on throughout the course. Partially flat, partially rolling hills…all scenic half marathon awesomeness.
Bonus: double down and run the full marathon in this race instead if you want an extra challenge.
Galveston Half Marathon – Galveston, Texas
Date: February 9, 2020
Cost: $70-$95 (depending on how early you sign up)
Course Description:
Run this USAFT certified fast and flat Boston Qualifier half marathon by the ocean. Enjoy scenic views then food, drink and beer at the post-race party at Stewart Beach Park after your glorious finish!
Covered Bridges Half Marathon – Pomfret, Vermont
Date: June 2, 2019
Cost: $75
Course Description:
Run through scenic Vermont in this point to point half marathon! Pass by iconic covered bridges and know you’re doing good at the same time – the Covered Bridges Half Marathon is a non profit, community-based road race that supports local charities. Pro tip: 2018 registration sold out in 14 minutes so mark your calendar for when registration opens at 7pm EST on December 18, 2018 for the 2019 race.
Grand Teton Half Marathon – Jackson, Wyoming
Date: June 1, 2019
Cost: $149
Course Description:
“The Grand Teton Half Marathon takes place in the town of Jackson, Wyoming, just outside the entrance to Grand Teton National Park. It’s a beautiful course with captivating views of snow capped mountain peaks, huge gulps of crisp fresh air, and maybe even some wildlife…To be clear, this race doesn’t take place inside the National Park. (It’s difficult to get permission to conduct private business activities on national land, and rightly so.) Having said that, this is about as close to the park as it gets.”
What’s your favorite scenic half marathon? Are you running any of these halfs this year (or have you run them before)? Tell us in the comments!
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