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Top 20 US Half Marathons To Run In 2027: From Big Cities To Stunning Coastlines
Updated: 3 hours ago
The United States has an incredible selection of half marathons, from major city races attracting tens of thousands of runners to coastal courses, famous sporting venues and events where the experience is just as memorable as the finishing time. Whether you're looking for a fast course or a destination worth travelling across the world to visit, there are plenty of possibilities.
For runners planning a race in 2027, the choices stretch from New York and Boston to California, Texas and Hawaii. You could cross the Brooklyn Bridge, complete a lap of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, experience the Las Vegas Strip after dark or enjoy the Pacific Ocean views around Honolulu's Diamond Head.
We've selected 20 established half marathons for their popularity, reputation, distinctive courses and the opportunity to explore some of America's most interesting destinations. The races are presented in calendar order rather than ranked, with dates included where they have been announced.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon: 9 January 2027
The Walt Disney World Half Marathon forms part of Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, one of America's best known running festivals. Held at Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, the event brings together runners of different abilities for several days of racing and Disney entertainment.
The course takes participants through parts of the resort, with Disney characters, music and themed entertainment contributing to the experience. Costumes are a familiar sight, and many runners see the event as an opportunity to combine a half marathon with a holiday.
The 2027 half marathon is scheduled for 9 January. Places at runDisney events sell out very quickly, making early planning particularly important for anyone travelling from overseas.
Houston Half Marathon: 17 January 2027
The Houston Half Marathon takes place alongside the Houston Marathon, bringing an international field to Texas for one of America's leading winter running weekends. Houston has established an excellent reputation for distance running, with elite athletes regularly producing impressive performances.
The relatively flat course starts in downtown Houston, passes through several of the city's neighbourhoods and returns towards the city centre. Its broad roads and limited elevation changes make it particularly attractive to runners hoping to achieve a personal best.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 17 January. Houston's position early in the calendar provides an opportunity to begin the year with a major event, although winter temperatures can vary considerably.
Miami Half Marathon: 31 January 2027
The Miami Half Marathon takes place alongside the Miami Marathon, combining a major running weekend with the waterfront scenery and tropical surroundings of South Florida. Its coastal setting makes it particularly popular with runners looking for a winter destination race.
The course traditionally starts in downtown Miami before crossing the MacArthur Causeway towards Miami Beach. Runners return towards the mainland via the Venetian Causeway, with views across Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline providing some of the most memorable sections.
The 2027 race takes place on 31 January. Although conditions are generally more comfortable than during Florida's summer months, warmth and humidity can still be factors, particularly for runners travelling from colder climates.
San Francisco Half Marathon: 7 February 2027
The San Francisco Half Marathon offers a scenic alternative to the city's more demanding road races, with a course focused on Golden Gate Park and the nearby Pacific coastline. It is a separate event from the half marathon distances offered during the San Francisco Marathon weekend in July.
The February course takes runners around the Panhandle, through Golden Gate Park and along Sunset Dunes. The combination of parkland and coastal surroundings provides a different experience from running through San Francisco's famous steep streets.
The 2027 event is scheduled for 7 February. The organiser describes the course as fast and flat, making it an interesting option for runners who want to experience San Francisco without tackling the hills associated with some of the city's other races.
Austin Half Marathon: 14 February 2027
The Austin Half Marathon takes place alongside the Austin Marathon, bringing thousands of runners to the Texas capital for one of the state's major running weekends. Austin is well known for its live music, independent restaurants and distinctive neighbourhoods.
The half marathon takes participants through central Austin and surrounding streets, with several hills adding to the challenge. The terrain provides a different experience from the flatter courses found in cities such as Houston.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 14 February. With plenty to explore around the city, Austin is a particularly good choice for runners who want to combine a half marathon with a longer visit to Texas.
Las Vegas Half Marathon: 21 February 2027
The Las Vegas Half Marathon is one of America's most distinctive destination races, offering participants the opportunity to experience the famous Las Vegas Strip without its usual traffic. Part of the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, the event combines running with the entertainment for which the city is famous.
The half marathon is traditionally held after dark, when illuminated hotels, casinos and entertainment venues provide a spectacular backdrop. Live music contributes to the atmosphere, while the broad streets of the Strip create an unusual setting for a major road race.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 21 February. Las Vegas has an enormous selection of hotels and attractions, making it an interesting destination for runners planning a longer trip.
Disney Princess Half Marathon: 28 February 2027
The Disney Princess Half Marathon is another major event at Walt Disney World Resort, but it has a distinctive identity of its own. The race forms part of Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, with entertainment inspired by Disney's princess characters.
Participants can expect themed costumes, character appearances and entertainment along the course. Despite its name, the event is open to runners of all genders, attracting both first time participants and experienced runners who enjoy the atmosphere of Disney races.
The 2027 half marathon is scheduled for 28 February. Demand for runDisney events can be considerable, particularly among participants hoping to complete several races across the year.
NYC Half Marathon: 21 March 2027
The NYC Half Marathon is one of America's most recognisable half marathons, taking runners through New York City on a course connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan. Organised by New York Road Runners, it provides an opportunity to experience some of the city's famous streets without their usual traffic.
The 2027 course starts in Brooklyn, crosses the Brooklyn Bridge and continues along the FDR Drive before passing through Times Square and finishing in Central Park. The combination of waterfront views, famous landmarks and enthusiastic spectators makes this one of the country's standout city races.
The 2027 event takes place on 21 March. Entry opportunities include a non-guaranteed drawing and official charity places, with demand reflecting the race's international reputation.
The Hapalua Half Marathon: 11 April 2027
The Hapalua, Hawaii's largest half marathon, takes place in Honolulu and offers runners the opportunity to experience one of America's most beautiful island destinations. Starting beside Waikiki Beach, the event attracts thousands of runners and walkers, combining a major road race with Hawaii's welcoming atmosphere.
The course begins on Kalakaua Avenue near the Duke Kahanamoku statue before heading towards downtown Honolulu and Aloha Tower. Runners then return through Waikiki, passing the Honolulu Zoo before climbing Diamond Head Road, where there are views towards the Pacific Ocean. The race finishes in Kapiolani Park, with freshly made malasadas among the post race refreshments.
The 2027 race takes place on Sunday 11 April, with registration already open. There are no qualifying times or finishing time limits, making it an option for runners and walkers of different abilities.
Nashville Half Marathon: 24 April 2027
The Nashville Half Marathon takes place alongside the Nashville Marathon, combining a major running weekend with the live music culture that has made the Tennessee capital famous. Part of the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, Nashville's musical heritage is central to the event's identity.
The course passes through the city's streets and neighbourhoods, with musicians and spectators contributing to the atmosphere. Several hills add variety to the route, while the entertainment helps distinguish Nashville from more conventional city half marathons.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 24 April. Nashville's music venues, restaurants and attractions provide plenty of opportunities to extend the visit beyond race day.
Flying Pig Half Marathon: 2 May 2027
The Flying Pig Half Marathon forms part of Cincinnati's popular Flying Pig Marathon Weekend, an event known for its unusual name, enthusiastic spectators and playful approach to race day. The name reflects Cincinnati's history as a major centre of the American pork industry.
The course takes runners through Cincinnati and across the Ohio River into Kentucky, including Newport and Covington. The river crossings, city views and varied terrain provide plenty of interest, while themed entertainment and community support contribute to the atmosphere.
The 2027 half marathon is scheduled for 2 May. The wider weekend includes the full marathon and several shorter distances, making Cincinnati a good choice for groups and families with different running goals.
Pittsburgh Half Marathon: 2 May 2027
The Pittsburgh Half Marathon takes place alongside the Pittsburgh Marathon, bringing thousands of runners to a city famous for its three rivers, numerous bridges and hillside neighbourhoods. Its distinctive geography makes Pittsburgh an interesting setting for a major road race.
The half marathon traditionally crosses several bridges and passes through different neighbourhoods, providing views of the skyline and waterfront. The varied terrain adds character to the course, while local spectators contribute to the atmosphere.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 2 May, when Pittsburgh will also host the USATF Half Marathon Championships. The addition of national championship racing brings another dimension to an already established event.
500 Festival Mini-Marathon: 8 May 2027
The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is one of America's largest half marathons and has a connection with motorsport that makes it unlike almost any other event in this guide. Held in Indianapolis, it forms part of the celebrations surrounding the famous Indianapolis 500.
The defining feature is a lap of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, giving runners the opportunity to experience one of the world's most famous racing circuits on foot. The route also passes through the city, with entertainment and spectators contributing to the occasion.
The 2027 event is scheduled for 8 May. Despite its Mini-Marathon name, the race covers the full 13.1 mile half marathon distance and attracts a substantial field each year.
Brooklyn Half Marathon: 22 May 2027
The Brooklyn Half Marathon is one of the largest half marathons in the United States, regularly attracting tens of thousands of runners to New York each spring. Organised by New York Road Runners, it has established a reputation as one of the country's major mass participation races.
The course begins in Brooklyn, passes through Prospect Park and continues along Ocean Parkway towards Coney Island. The finish near the famous boardwalk provides a distinctive seaside conclusion, quite different from the Central Park finish of the NYC Half Marathon.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 22 May. Its substantial field and popularity make securing a place an important consideration, particularly for runners planning to travel to New York specifically for the event.
San Diego Half Marathon: 6 June 2027
The San Diego Half Marathon takes place alongside the San Diego Marathon, continuing a tradition that began when the city hosted the original Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in 1998. The event combines distance running with live music and entertainment.
The half marathon takes runners through San Diego's urban neighbourhoods, with musicians and spectators contributing to the atmosphere. The city's coastal setting and generally mild climate are additional attractions, although June weather can still bring warm conditions.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 6 June. San Diego's beaches, waterfront and nearby coastal communities provide plenty of opportunities to explore Southern California after the race.
Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon: 6 June 2027
The Chicago 13.1 Half Marathon offers an opportunity to experience a different side of Chicago from the famous October marathon. Rather than focusing on the downtown streets associated with the full marathon, this event celebrates the city's West Side neighbourhoods.
The course starts and finishes in Garfield Park, with sections through Humboldt Park and Douglass Park. Local entertainment and community involvement are important features, while the route introduces visiting runners to areas of Chicago that are less familiar than the city's main tourist attractions.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 6 June, with general registration sold out. Official charity entries provide another potential route into the event, making it particularly relevant for runners who want to combine their half marathon with fundraising.
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon: 19 June 2027
The Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon takes place alongside Grandma's Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota, and is one of the largest half marathons in the American Midwest. Held on the shores of Lake Superior, the event attracts thousands of runners each year and has developed a reputation for its scenic course and enthusiastic local support.
The point to point course follows the northern shoreline of Lake Superior towards Duluth, offering runners views across one of the world's largest freshwater lakes. The route follows the latter half of the Grandma's Marathon course before finishing near Canal Park, where spectators gather to welcome runners across the line.
The 2027 race is scheduled for 19 June. With a field of several thousand participants and a course combining lakeside scenery with a major marathon weekend atmosphere, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon offers a distinctive alternative to the big-city races elsewhere in this guide.
Detroit International Half Marathon: 17 October 2027
The Detroit International Half Marathon forms part of Detroit Marathon Weekend and offers one of the most unusual experiences in American distance running. Its international course takes participants between Detroit in the United States and Windsor in Canada, allowing runners to visit two countries during the same race.
The route traditionally crosses the Ambassador Bridge before returning to Detroit through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Views of the Detroit River and both city skylines add to the experience, while the international crossing makes this an event that stands apart from conventional city half marathons.
Crossing an international border on foot is a rare opportunity for runners, and the Detroit International Half Marathon makes it a central part of the event. Participants must meet the entry requirements for both the United States and Canada, including carrying the appropriate travel documentation. Unlike a typical city half marathon, the race involves two separate border crossings, giving participants the unusual experience of running through two countries within a single 13.1 mile event.
B.A.A. Half Marathon: November 2027 Date To Be Confirmed
The B.A.A. Half Marathon is organised by the Boston Athletic Association, the organisation behind the world famous Boston Marathon. Although it is a separate event, it provides another opportunity to experience Boston's considerable road running heritage.
The course has traditionally included sections of the city's Emerald Necklace park system and surrounding neighbourhoods, offering a different setting from the Boston Marathon's famous point to point route. The autumn timing also adds to the experience, with Boston's parks and streets providing the backdrop.
The 2027 date has not yet been announced by the Boston Athletic Association. Runners interested in taking part should follow the organiser's official announcements for confirmation of the event and its entry arrangements.
Philadelphia Half Marathon: November 2027 Date To Be Confirmed
The Philadelphia Half Marathon forms part of Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, attracting runners to one of America's most historic cities. The event has developed a strong following among participants who want to experience a major autumn road race without taking on the full marathon distance.
The course traditionally combines central Philadelphia with sections near the city's parkland and historic landmarks. Its broad streets, architecture and enthusiastic spectators contribute to the experience, while the November timing provides an opportunity to finish the racing year with a substantial event.
The organiser has not yet announced a confirmed date for the 2027 half marathon. Philadelphia also hosts the separate Philadelphia Distance Run in September, so runners should make sure they are looking at the correct event when investigating entry arrangements.
Which US Half Marathons Should You Choose In 2027?
The right race depends on what you want from your 13.1 miles. Houston and San Francisco stand out for their relatively flat courses, while the NYC Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon and 500 Festival Mini-Marathon offer the scale and atmosphere of some of America's biggest running events. Austin, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati provide more varied terrain for runners looking for a different challenge.
Some races are particularly memorable because of their surroundings. Las Vegas offers the spectacle of running along the illuminated Strip, the Disney events combine running with themed entertainment, and Indianapolis gives participants the opportunity to complete a lap of a famous motor racing circuit. The Hapalua in Hawaii combines coastal scenery with a climb around Diamond Head, while Detroit's international crossing is another experience that few other half marathons can match.
Entry arrangements are worth considering alongside the course and destination. Some events sell out quickly, others use drawings, and several provide opportunities to run for charity through official programmes. With races spread across the calendar, there are plenty of possibilities for runners planning one or more US half marathons in 2027.
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