USA TODAY 10Best
10 best half-marathons across the nation for 2023
Best Half-Marathon (2023)
The half-marathon is the fastest-growing race distance in the U.S., with some 2 million runners now participating annually. USA TODAY 10Best editors and a panel of expert runners compiled a list of their top events, then readers voted for their favorites – and the results are in. Here are the 10 best half-marathons in the United States for 2023.
Photo courtesy of vgajic // Getty Images
No. 10: Key West Half Marathon - Key West, Florida
Taking place in January, the Key West Half Marathon makes a perfect winter escape for runners seeking refuge from freezing weather. The unique racecourse runs along the ocean and through historic neighborhoods, highlighting the tropical beauty and charming architecture of Key West. The race ends in a big beach party.
Photo courtesy of jacoblund // Getty Images
No. 9: United Airlines NYC Half - New York City , New York
Starting near Brooklyn's Prospect Park, the United Airlines NYC Half follows an iconic route that offers runners stunning views of the New York City skyline and passes some of the city's most famous landmarks before finishing in Central Park. The race attracts thousands of runners from around the world, from elite runners to first-time half-marathoners, and tends to fill up quickly.
Photo courtesy of Halfpoint // Getty Images
No. 8: Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - Multiple locations
Owned and operated by the Ironman Group, the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon is a popular running event that takes place in various cities around the world, from Washington D.C. to Madrid to Mexico City. The courses usually wind through city streets and, true to the name, often feature live music along the way. These events are open to runners of all levels.
Reviewed: The Best Running Shoes of 2023
Photo courtesy of brazzo // Getty Images
No. 7: Disneyland Half Marathon - Disneyland - Anaheim, California
Runners can join Mickey and Minnie on this 13.1-mile course through Disneyland properties and the streets of Anaheim, California. Many participants dress up as their favorite characters, enjoying music and other fun elements along the run. The weekend event also includes several kids races, including an adorable Diaper Dash, making this a great event for the entire family.
Photo courtesy of Dwayne DeBardelaben
No. 6: Rocket City Half Marathon - Huntsville, Alabama
Taking its name from Huntsville's nickname, the Rocket City Half Marathon offers runners a beautiful route that winds through scenic neighborhoods and parks. It's a popular race, thanks to its flat and fast terrain.
Photo courtesy of Nenad Stojnev // Getty Images
No. 5: Skinny Raven Half Marathon - Anchorage, Alaska
Like its full marathon sibling, the Skinny Raven Half Marathon is part of the Anchorage Runfest weekend. This race is an out and back on the lovely Tony Knowles Coastal Trail in Anchorage, Alaska. According to 10Best contributor, Amy Bushatz, "Runners may even encounter wildlife like moose and bear on their journey!"
Photo courtesy of Eric Patrick Marr
No. 4: RunTheBluegrass Half Marathon - Lexington, Kentucky
The RunTheBluegrass Half Marathon is an annual race held in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for being "America's prettiest half marathon," the scenic course winds through picturesque horse farms and rolling hills. In addition, this race honors Kentucky-born Abraham Lincoln, with tours to his boyhood home offered during the race weekend.
Reviewed: The Best Running Socks of 2023
Photo courtesy of skynesher // Getty Images
No. 3: Wegmans Wineglass Half Marathon - Corning, New York
The Wegmans Wineglass Half Marathon takes place annually in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Starting in Campbell, the course winds through picturesque countryside and passes through small towns before finishing in downtown Corning.
Photo courtesy of RF Events
No. 2: Hippie Half - Gregory, Michigan
This late summer race takes place in Gregory, Michigan and is part of the Run Woodstock weekend of events. For the most part, this is a single-track wooded trail race with lots of ups and downs, climbing a total of 1,138 ft overall. Many of the participants camp for the weekend and enjoy a festive atmosphere complete with live music.
Photo courtesy of Banayote Photography Inc.
No. 1: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon - Indianapolis, Indiana
The OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon, also known as the Indy Mini, is a half-marathon that takes place annually in Indianapolis, Indiana. The course takes runners through downtown Indianapolis, past historic landmarks and famous sites like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. One of the largest half-marathons in the United States with around 35,000 runners each year, it is part of the larger 500 Festival of events leading up to the iconic Indianapolis 500 car race.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Amy Bushatz
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans... Read More
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans Outside podcast.A news reporter and editor based in Palmer, Alaska, Amy spends her time ultra running and recreating in the Alaskan wilderness, volunteering in her small town and experiencing everything Alaska has to offer. Her work on outdoors, travel and fitness has appeared in the Washington Post, Runner's World and Market Watch. She is the executive editor of Military.com. Find her at Humans Outside on Instagram.
Amy Bushatz
Amy Bushatz is the host and producer of the Humans Outside podcast.A news reporter and editor based in Palmer, Alaska, Amy spends her time ultra running and recreating in the Alaskan wilderness, volunteering in her small town and experiencing everything Alaska has to offer. Her work on outdoors, travel and fitness has appeared in the Washington Post, Runner's World and Market Watch. She is the executive editor of Military.com. Find her at Humans Outside on Instagram.
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen... Read More
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do... Read More
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.