Running is as good as (or better than) therapy for a lot of people. That’s not to mention the myriad physical benefits of staying in shape by engaging in the oldest exercise known to mankind. And if you can fit in some nice views of the American landscape? Well, life sure is grand. We’ve scoured the World Wide Web to find some of the best half marathons in the U.S., and our top 25 runs made the list below.
Our Criteria for the Best Half Marathons
We started by searching, simply, for highly rated road races across the U.S. Our staff wanted to include races of varying terrains and difficulties, along with some that included a bit of novelty (see the Rock ‘n’ Roll and STLC Frostbite runs below). Others that made the list have party-like atmospheres, because it’s important to have fun!
The 25 Best Half Marathons in the US: Our List
The first few road races on our list take place at some of our nation’s great National Parks. Let’s dive in!
1. Grand Teton Half Marathon – Jackson Hole, WY
The first half marathon on our list is also one of the easiest. The early-June race takes place in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, and over a relatively flat, paved road that takes you past the Snake River. The views of the Grand Teton Mountains remind you of the high elevation you’ll be dealing with.
2. Zion Half Marathon – Springdale, Utah
Zion National Park hosts a late-February half-marathon each year. The Park is known for slot canyons and towering sandstone features, which you can admire from the paved path that creeps steadily uphill throughout the race.
3. Yellowstone Half Marathon – West Yellowstone, Montana
We couldn’t include half marathons situated in National Parks without mentioning Yellowstone, the nation’s oldest and arguably best-known Park. The Yellowstone half marathon is of moderate difficulty and actually runs through the Custer Gallatin National Forest in the Greater Yellowstone area.
4. Joshua Tree Half Marathon – Joshua Tree, California
This nighttime run occurs on the first Saturday in November, so you’ll have plenty of time to register, train, and make travel plans. Don’t forget to bring your headlamp!
5. Rocky Mountain Half Marathon – Estes Park, Colorado
We’ll remain out west for our next half marathon, which takes place right on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. Although the increased elevation and incline make for a challenging run, you’ll get a smooth, paved road.
6. Yosemite Half Marathon – Bass Lake, California
Jog over a variety of terrains abutting Bass Lake in the picturesque Sierra National Forest for this early-May race. The second half is largely downhill.
7. Bryce Canyon Half Marathon – Bryce Canyon, Utah
Red rocks abound in this relatively easy half marathon that runs through the middle of Bryce Canyon National Park. You lose a net elevation of 1,800 feet during the run, which leaves you with breathing room to tackle the high elevation at the starting point.
8. Shenandoah Half Marathon – Luray, Virginia
After our extended stay out west, it’s time for a brief jaunt in the eastern U.S., and we’ll start at Shenandoah National Park. The Shenandoah Half Marathon offers spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a paved, rolling course.
9. Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon – Townsend, Tennessee
Towards the southwestern edge of the Appalachian Mountains lie the Smokies, a bucolic setting for a half marathon of moderate difficulty. Runners congregate near the Park’s entrance, not far from the Tennessee/North Carolina border.
10. Naples Half Marathon – Naples, Florida
We’ll take a break from the National Parks to highlight this wintertime jaunt in southwestern Florida. It’s made some international “best of” lists, and the palm trees give you motivation to finish and enjoy the white, sandy beaches—plus some excellent golfing, if you have any energy left.
11. Indy Mini Marathon – Indianapolis, Indiana
This half marathon is a great opportunity to enjoy the sights of downtown Indianapolis. Because 2.5 miles takes place on the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, you’ll get to say you raced in Indy.
12. Wineglass Half Marathon – Corning, New York
The Wineglass Half Marathon takes runners through a mostly downhill run in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. Ever wanted to know more about Corningware? Good news: you’ll pass right by the Corning Museum of Glass
13. Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon – California
Now that we mentioned wine, we must also mention the half marathon that starts at a winery and ends…at a wine festival.
14. Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon – Las Vegas, Nevada
Half marathons don’t get much glitzier and glammer than this one in the Entertainment Capital of the World. Try not to get distracted by all the attractions—there’s plenty of time after the race to live it up in Sin City.
15. Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon – Nashville, Tennessee
Despite its name, Nashville runners are sure to get a heavy dose of country and western music blasted along the route. You’ll pass by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Music Row, along with other landmarks.
16. Hampton Half Marathon – Hampton, New Hampshire
The temperature gets a little chilly in early March in New Hampshire, but most runners finish the race relatively quickly. Finishers get treated to hearty ales and warm soups and stews.
17. Smuttynose Rock Fest Half Marathon – Concord, New Hampshire
If the name of this half marathon immediately catches your attention, the after-race party in the beer garden just might seal the deal. It also gives you another excuse (as if you need one) to visit spectacular Hampton Beach.
18. Colt State Park Half Marathon – Bristol, Rhode Island
If you can’t get enough of seaside runs, we highly recommend this road race in eastern Rhode Island, which allows a maximum of only 400 runners. Participants enjoy the sights of Bristol Harbor and Narragansett Bay
19. Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon – Raleigh, North Carolina
Christmas shopping can be super stressful, but the Sir Walter Running club in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers the perfect release in early December at the Crabtree Creek Greenway. Tacky sweaters optional.
20. SLTC Frostbite Half Marathon – St. Louis, Missouri
If you thrive in freezing weather—we’re talking about folks who wear shorts in January—you might love this 13.1-mile run through Forest Park in downtown St. Louis.
21. Covered Bridges Half Marathon – Woodstock, Vermont
Runners seeking a more rustic feel to their half marathons need look no further than eastern Vermont in mid-June. The covered bridges offer much-needed shade along the way.
22. Run Crazy Horse Half Marathon – Hill City, South Dakota
The run starts at the Crazy Horse Memorial, a gigantic mountain carving of the late Lakota warrior, and ends in downtown Hill City, South Dakota.
23. Flying Pig Half Marathon – Cincinnati, Ohio
Now here’s a party! Runners get treated to an abundance of live entertainment along the way, plus bacon at aid stations (along with water, of course). Stick around for the complimentary Michelob after you cross the “finish swine.”
24. Kauai Half Marathon – Kauai Island, Hawaii
Here’s yet another reason to visit Hawaii (as if you really needed one). Runners soak in the natural beauty of the Garden Island and make a short trip near Waimei Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
25. Jack & Hill’s Downhill Half Marathon – North Bend, Washington
Just a little bit outside of Seattle lies this easy run through the Cascade Mountains. If you can get used to the increased elevation, you’ll handle the downhill course like a pro!
Looking for New Ways to Make Your Road Race Exciting?
These road races, while exciting and fulfilling on their own, can take on a new level of satisfaction by involving them in sneaker repurpose and recycling. Sneakers4Good, a for-profit social enterprise, works closely with individual runners, running groups, and specialty retail partners to give athletic shoes a second life.
After collecting gently worn, used and new sneakers and athletic shoes, Sneakers4Good re-directs the footwear to the reuse economy in developing nations. Micro-entrepreneurs use the sneakers to lift up their families and local economies sustainably.
Even better? You can keep perfectly good sneakers and athletic shoes, which take a minimum of 30 years to decompose, out of landfills.
Enjoy the Best Half Marathons in the U.S. with a Dose of Charity
Next time you or your fellow runners take on a new road race, consider using the opportunity to clean out your closet beforehand.
With no upfront costs, Sneakers4Good will send you mail-in reuse bags to start the process of giving your athletic shoes a second life. Our organization pays donors by the pound, so spread the word far and wide to maximize your impact.
We look forward to starting a marvelous partnership with you soon!
© 2025 Sneakers4Good. All Rights Reserved.