The half marathon is perhaps the most remarkable of the running distances. To cover a distance of 13.1 miles, you need to be physically fit, but at the same time, training for a “half” will not require as much effort as a full marathon.
The most popular US half marathons routes are planned in such a way as to demonstrate to participants from all over the world the beauty of the host city. The variety of races will make any traveler dizzy, so we decided to list the best half marathons to visit!
1. One America Mini-Marathon (Indianapolis, USA)
Date: first Saturday in May
Number of participants: 35,000
Registration fee: $65
It can be said that the city of Indianapolis is a bit obsessed with hosting high-speed races and mass sporting events. This passion for speed and athletics is confirmed by the annual One America Mini-Marathon held here, which has become one of the iconic half marathons in the world.
For 20 years, runners from all over the world have been flocking to the start of this epic and emotional event, giving the race a sort of running holiday atmosphere. The race director claims that its contest volunteers are some of the best in the state, and the event’s program includes more than 100 recreational items.
The track is one lap around the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the famous Indy 500 motorcycle racing championship. There is an interesting tradition here: upon reaching the so-called Brick Yard, all participants stop and kneel down to kiss the bricks that pave a small section of the track. Perhaps, such an unusual tradition is the only hindrance to establishing a “personal record” because the track itself, designed for Formula 1 format races, is fast and smooth.
After the finish, a party, a free massage, a concert program, a bottle of chocolate milk, and many other pleasant surprises await you! If you are looking for an unforgettable and fun half marathon, the One America Mini-Marathon is a perfect choice!
2. New York Airlines Half Marathon (New York, USA)
Date: the beginning of March
Number of participants: 21,000
Registration fee: $145
New York’s midtown streets are filled with the footprints of tens of thousands of athletes, including legendary athletes such as Haile Gebreselassie, Paula Radcliffe, and American half-marathon record holder Ryan Hall. New York Airlines Half Marathon is one of the best half marathons to run.
The route of the New York Airlines Half Marathon is laid out in such a way that participants are given the opportunity to get acquainted with the main attractions of the city, including Central Park, a favorite place for running. Athletes cross Seventh Avenue, Wall Street, and Times Square, blast past the Hudson River and enjoy views of Manhattan.
Be careful when planning your trip: the cost of accommodation and air travel during the event increases significantly, so make sure to arrange accommodations well in advance of the event. It is best to book a hostel in Brooklyn or Manhattan.
At EXPO, on the eve of the half marathon, runners can purchase or test innovative equipment, many of which exceed all expectations.
3. Miami Marathon and Half Marathon (USA)
January 29, 2023
Number of participants: 25,000
Registration fee: $115-$130
Miami is a top destination for outdoor athletics thanks to the year-round warm weather and an abundance of palm-fringed parks surrounded by water. While training and endurance events take place all year in sunny Miami, nothing beats the excitement around the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon.
The Life Time Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is one of the biggest endurance events of the year. More than 25,000 people from all 50 states and over 80 countries around the world will compete in the 26.2-mile marathon and the 13.1-mile half marathon that runs through the city. With such a great racetrack, it’s easy to see why the Miami Marathon and Half Marathon have become the go-to race for international runners, and it is one of the most famous half marathons in the USA.
This is an exciting event not only for the athletes who compete but also for the spectators who line the streets in the early hours, cheering friends and family with drums, signs, and good wishes. The Miami Marathon and Half Marathon is full of runners looking to test their endurance and beat their personal bests. It is sure to create many inspiring stories.
“It has grown into one of Miami’s iconic events, not only for locals but also for visitors,” said Miami Marathon co-founder Frankie Ruiz. “One of the most appealing things about this race is that you connect with so many people and the city at the same time. You form a special bond.”
The race is USTAF certified, a flat, one-loop course with every mile showcasing the best of Miami’s iconic landmarks and breathtaking views.
“It’s the same route you could take a friend or family member to show them what Miami is all about,” Ruiz said. “From Miami Beach to Coconut Grove to downtown Miami, this course offers a unique Miami experience for everyone.”
Runners participating in the marathon and half marathon start together in Downtown Miami across from American Airlines, home of the Miami Heat. They follow the same scenic route for the first 12.8-mile race: over MacArthur Road to Miami Beach as the sun rises over the Atlantic Ocean, then down Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue before crossing back to downtown via scenic Venetian Road.
As the half marathon runners race to the finish line at Bayfront Park, marathon runners continue their journey through downtown and popular local areas like Brickell, Key Biscayne, and Coconut Grove – before looping around to the Bayfront Park finish line. All runners are welcomed at the finish line by a unique colorful medal designed by a different artist each year and a festive post-race celebration.
4. Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon
Date: September 17
Number of participants: 20200
Fee $79
Rock ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon is an annual road running half marathon event held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the third Sunday in September.
The competition was established in 1978 as the Philadelphia Distance Run, founded by Gene H. Martenson, and ran under that name until 2009. Since 2010, when Competitor Group Inc. bought the rights to the race, it has been known as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series running competition. It is now organized by the IRONMAN Group, part of Wanda Sports Holdings.
The 13.1-mile course starts and finishes near the Eakins Oval, which is close to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Next is a four-mile loop through Philadelphia’s downtown area, passing by landmarks such as City Hall, the headquarters of the American Philosophical Society, and Philadelphia’s Washington Square, where runners will turn left and head down Arch Street back toward the Oval, along rivers. Here, the race demonstrates some of the city’s most beautiful areas, as athletes run along the south bank of the Schuylkill River, along Martin Luther King Jr. Street, and then along its north bank. After crossing the river at the waterfall bridge, runners follow Kelly Drive back south towards the Art Museum to the finish line of the race, just beyond the Oval.
5. The Chicago Half Marathon
Date: September 25
Number of participants: 6000
Fee $95
The Chicago Half Marathon is an annual half marathon held in September on the South Side of Chicago. The race runs primarily on a circuit track along Lake Shore Drive with views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
The race is considered a first-class half marathon, which Runner’s World named one of the top 10 half marathons in the US. Susan Nicholl is the race director and founder of the event. With 20,000 registrants and 13,537 finishers in 2009, the race is the fifth largest half marathon in the United States and 21st largest running event in the country.
The course passes through several of the most prominent parts of the Chicago Park District on the South Side, including Midway Pleasance, Jackson Park, and Burnham Park, and through several public areas, such as Woodlawn, South Bank boundary, Hyde Park, Kenwood, Auckland, and Douglas.
