Running is a relatively affordable sport — all you need is your health and new running shoes every 300-500 miles. Racing, on the other hand, can start to get expensive fast. While it’s understandable considering all the permits, logistics, and organizers needed to pull of a great rae, big name half marathons can cost upwards of $200. And if you’re signing up for multiple races per year, plus traveling to clock specific courses, well, it adds up fast.
Luckily for the penny pinchers among us, there are just as many well-organized races worth your training with registration prices under $100 – as low as $30, in fact. In all likelihood, there’s a race close to home that you can sign up for, maybe even set a PB, and take home great swag and memories, all without cutting into your budget too much.
It’s worth noting: Our list is delivering the best affordable races any time you catch the sign-up, all with full-price registration under $100. But many, many races offer early bird registration under $50 or $75 starting roughly six months out, so if you have your eye on a race, sign up for their newsletter to get notified when the first, cheapest pricing tier goes live.
Here, 26 of our favorite affordable half marathons you can run for as low as $30.
Calendar: Half Marathons Under $100
- Geoduck Gallop Half Marathon on February 14, 2026
- Snow Joke Half Marathon on February 21, 2026
- Northern Trails 17-Miler in March 2026
- Love Run Philadelphia Half Marathon on March 29, 2026
- Shamrock Half Marathon Run Fest on March 15, 2026
- San Diego Beach and Bay Half Marathon on April 11, 2026
- Outlaw Half Marathon on April 11, 2026
- Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon in May 2026
- IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon on May 2, 2026
- Uff‑Da Run Half Marathon on May 30, 2026
- North Shore Classic Half Marathon on May 31, 2026
- Utah Valley Half Marathon on June 5, 2026
- St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon on July 26, 2025
- Gopher to Badger Half Marathon on August 9, 2025
- The NewBo Run Half Marathon on August 30, 2025
- Log Run Half Marathon on September 20, 2025
- PortRun Half Marathon on September 28, 2025
- Squash Blossom Classic Half Marathon on September 17, 2025
- Groom Creek Classic Half Marathon on September 23, 2025
- Bay Ridge Half Marathon on October 7, 2025
- Mystery Mountain 12‑Miler on October 12, 2025
- Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon on October 21, 2025
- Run Like a Nut Half Marathon on November 4, 2025
- Savannah Half Marathon on November 15, 2025
- Run To Stay Warm Half Marathon on November 23, 2025
- VA Runner Blue & Gray Half Marathon on December 7, 2025
Uff‑Da Run Half Marathon
- Where: Woodville, Wisconsin
- When: May 30, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $30
Tackle a flat, fast half along Wilson Creek’s abandoned rail grade with the Uff‑Da Run Half Marathon in Woodville, WI. You’ll breeze through forested countryside on crushed stone, framed by casual small-town support from the Baldwin-Woodville SnoHawks — complete with post-race beer at the Garagebar. With a chilled Midwestern vibe, race-bib pickup in a local church, and a total cost under $60, it’s a scenic steal that hits under $100 with room to spare.
Mystery Mountain 12‑Miler
- Where: Fort Mountain State Park, Chatsworth, Georgia
- When: October 12, 2025
- 12-Miler Price: $45
Tackle rugged single-track on Fort Mountain in this race named for an 855-ft. wall atop Fort Mountain believed to have been constructed in 500 A.D. by Native Americans. Runners will travel on mountain bike trails, horse trails, and hiking trails with nearly 3,000 ft of scrambling climbs and descents, three stocked aid stations, and an intimate lakeside celebration. You’ll run the legendary ancient stone wall loop, push your fitness — and still have change left for a post-race cabin getaway or local brew.
Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon
- Where: Rockland Lake State Park (Congers), New York
- When: October 21, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $48.70
The Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon glides around Rockland Lake on a pancake-flat, USATF-certified path that practically dares you to chase a PR. Fall foliage and lake views unfold over four easy loops, all while aid stations pop up every mile. Post-race? A stack of pancakes fuels your ride home. Tiny entry fee, big finish line celebration — no frills, just pure pace.
Snow Joke Half Marathon
- Where: Seeley Lake, Montana
- When: February 21, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $53
The Snow Joke Half Marathon throws down a sub-$60 challenge on Seeley Lake’s frosty, snow-plowed roads. Expect a brisk 11 a.m. start, chip timing, and one free post-race beer — perfect fuel for a cold-weather PB. Wind through wintery alpine vistas at 3,300 ft elevation, rub elbows with dogs (dogbone award!), and soak in small-town Montana support. Big scenic payoff for little cash.
The NewBo Run Half Marathon
- Where: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- When: August 30, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $65
Part of the NewBo Run Half Marathon & 10K festival, this fast and flat half marathon course is a mixture of out-and-back and a loop with a asphalt and crushed-limestone path — ideal for setting that personal bests. Runners begin at the NewBo City Market in downtown Cedar Rapids. Though the majority of the course is run on pavement, there is a section from miles 6.5 to 10 that is along the Sac and Fox Trail featuring a crushed limestone path.
Geoduck Gallop Half Marathon
- Where: Olympia, Washington
- When: February 14, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $65
Winding through the Evergreen State College grounds just outside Olympia, the Geoduck Gallop Half Marathon delivers big value. Runners’ cold-weather training will pay off with this gently rolling campus and park-loop course. All runners will receive t-shirts and a finishers award and awards will be given out three deep in all age group categories.
Gopher to Badger Half Marathon
- Where: Stillwater, Minnesota
- When: August 9, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $62
The Gopher to Badger Half Marathon kicks off in historic Stillwater, MN, and finishes in Hudson, WI — crossing the I‑94 bridge over the scenic St. Croix River. You’ll race the flat, USATF-certified course in a friendly state‑pride competition: Gopher vs. Badger. Oh, and earn post-race brews at Lift Bridge Brewing. Quality race experience, charming river towns — and still affordable.
St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon
- Where: Stillwater, Minnesota
- When: July 26, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $62
As the name implies, the St. Croix Crossing Half Marathon opens in western Wisconsin and finishes across state lines under Stillwater’s historic Lift Bridge. The course blends rolling country roads, riverbank trails, and a dramatic stretch across the brand-new St. Croix Crossing bridge, offering endless photo ops and pace-friendly terrain. With pacers, ample support, and a finish-line festive vibe at River Valley Athletic Club, it’s a regional gem well worth the trip.
Log Run Half Marathon
- Where: Stillwater, Minnesota
- When: September 20, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $62
Stillwater is the perfect place to kick off fall in Minnesota, and this classic Stillwater race keeps its pedal to the metal with a mostly downhill, PR-friendly course straight into historic downtown. Chip timing, pacers, and a personalized bib make it feel upscale, while the bundled finisher medal and collect‑‘em‑all series medal add extra swag.
Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon
- Where: Boise, Idaho
- When: May 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $70+
The point-to-point course of the Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon races along Boise’s flat, fast Greenbelt — ideal for PB hunters and BQ seekers on a budget. The course runs parallel to the Boise River for lovely spring views, and finishers will be rewarded with a medal and a Idaho spud-themed finish line with baked-potato bar.
Run Like a Nut Half Marathon
- Where: Florence, South Carolina
- When: November 4, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $70
Timed to coincide with this small South Carolina city’s late-autumn Downtown Florence Pecan Festival, this neighborhood race features lots of gently rolling hills through historic downtown streets on a flat, fast, USATF-certified course — ideal for a post-season PR push. With bib pickup the morning of, a scenic out-and-back route, and post-race live music, food stalls, and community buzz, it’s an autumn race that delivers both pace and party.
Fredericksburg Blue & Gray Half Marathon
- Where: Fredericksburg, Virginia
- When: December 7, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $70
Line up in historic Fredericksburg and cruise along the Rappahannock River waters on this mostly flat, USA‑certified course with just one satisfying hill, all peppered with downtown energy and riverside charm. Pay under $80 and get a long‑sleeve tech shirt, finisher medal, and a community‑driven post‑race atmosphere — ideal for a reflective December run.
Squash Blossom Classic Half Marathon
- Where: Gallup, New Mexico
- When: September 17, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $71.40
If you love high-desert trails, this scenic out-and-back packs single-track climbs over red rock mesas and expansive Southwestern skies. Runners enjoy four stocked aid stations and the buzz of a weekend festival downtown. Tough terrain, strong community support, and unforgettable vistas make it a smart choice for trail-loving bargain hunters.
Northern Trails Race
- Where: Greensboro, North Carolina
- When: March 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $73
Kick off trail running season with this race that winds you through single-track paths around Lake Brandt and Lake Townsend. While they don’t have an explicit half distance, runners can choose between the 5 mile, 10 mile, or 17 mile race. Runners will be challenged with 500 feet of rollers, snag a custom tech shirt, chip timing, post-race food and beer, and earn a piece of the NC Trail Mega Medal — big return on small entry.
Run To Stay Warm Half Marathon
- Where: Eugene, Oregon
- When: November 23, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $75
An affordable turkey trot, this race takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving. This half marathon follows a loop course along the banks of the Willamette River for a flat, fast, and community-charged race. Expect a snug tech beanie, kid’s dash, lively after-party at City Hall Plaza, and support local causes — all while logging a scenic late‑fall miles through Eugene’s riverside park.
IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
- When: May 2, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $75
This isn’t your typical budget half: At just $75, the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon delivers iconic big-city energy with a downtown start, IndyCar-filled sidelines, before crossing into the famed Motor Speedway for the legendary “kiss the bricks” moment. The flat, fast route brims with nearly 100 bands and cheer zones and one of the best finish lines in the U.S. Afterwards, you’re welcomed by a massive post-race party featuring free massages, beer, chocolate milk, and live music. Yep, all that for under $100.
San Diego Beach and Bay Half Marathon
- Where: San Diego, California
- When: April 11, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $83
Soak up San Diego’s signature sunshine on the Beach & Bay Half Marathon, where a fast, flat USATF-certified route hugs the coast from Tecolote Shores through Mission Bay, past sea lions, SeaWorld, and Belmont Park. You’ll cross a beachside finish line into a vibrant festival — think live music, a craft-beer garden, vendor village, and your first beer on the house. With scenic ocean views, warm spring temps, and high-energy post-race vibes, this one delivers coastal bliss for your next half.
Outlaw Half Marathon
- Where: Luckenbach, Texas
- When: April 11, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $85
Celebrate winter training and wildflower season in Texas hill country: The Outlaw Half Marathon winds through the wildflower-speckled backroads of Fredericksburg. You’ll start and finish in downtown Luckenbach — home to a quirky dance hall and storied outlaw-country history — before tackling rolling country roads with longhorn sightings and scenic outlooks. Post-race, chow down hearty sausage rolls, sip a complimentary Shiner beer, and soak in live country tunes. It’s a laid-back, soul-soothing entry into the spring race season.
Shamrock Run Portland Half Marathon
- Where: Portland, Oregan
- When: March 15, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $84
Portland’s Shamrock Half Marathon Run Fest offers a sprightly mid-March backdrop of early spring blooms and city charm. The fast, largely flat course snakes through scenic Willamette River pathways, past historic bridges and energetic crowd zones. Suites of live Irish music on the course, generous finisher swag (think leprechaun gold medals), and a festival atmosphere at the finish — plus post-race pints — give runners a lively St. Paddy’s celebration without straying from fitness.
Bay Ridge Half Marathon
- Where: Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York
- When: October 7, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $85
It’s hard to score a good deal on anything in New York City anymore, but this race delivers waterfront views and big-city energy for under $100. The course takes you along the scenic Shore Road Promenade just west of Lower Manhattan, with stunning views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and Upper Bay. This flat, fast double-loop course starts and finishes at the historic 69th Street Pier, making it PR-friendly and spectator-welcoming. And you’ll even have a few dollars left over for a post-race slice.
Savannah Half Marathon
- Where: Savannah, Georgia
- When: November 15, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $90
2025 is this race’s very first year – and it’s a course we know runners will love for years to come. This race winds its way through 13.1 miles of live-oak-lined streets, pastel porches, and 14 of Savannah’s quaint city squares. The race even finishes in front of the iconic Forsyth Park fountain. Views aside, this race is entirely flat, well-timed to avoid the heat, and offers you a fabulous town to make a full race-cation out of.
Groom Creek Classic Half Marathon
- Where: Prescott, Arizona
When: September 23, 2025 - Half Marathon Price: $90
Immerse yourself in Prescott’s famous Ponderosa‑pine forests in this eco-friendly race. The course mixes gentle climbs and descents over smooth forest roads and paved sections — challenging yet beginner-friendly and capped at 100 runners for an intimate feel. You’ll leave with a tech tee, foldable hydration bottle, and finisher medal — all for under $100 in a scenic, cupless eco-friendly format that rewards racers and the forest.
Utah Valley Half Marathon
- Where: Provo Canyon, Utah
- When: June 5, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $94
A very cool race with big views (voted one of our most scenic half marathons, in fact), the Utah Valley Half Marathon is an almost-entirely downhill course, dropping you into Provo Canyon. Runners will follow the Provo River on this USATF-certified route featuring Bridal Veil Falls and canyon vistas. With minimal turns and a net elevation loss of about 1,400 feet, it’s primed for PBs. Post-race, celebrate downtown at the Provo Historic Courthouse with fellow runners. A spring canyon cruise that balances scenery, speed, and a strong finish-line buzz — all in one.
Love Run Philadelphia Half Marathon
- Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- When: March 29, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $95
A race with big city love, the Love Run Philadelphia Half Marathon weaves through Philly’s iconic neighborhoods and parkways, launching and finishing at the majestic Art Museum steps. The flat, fast route brings you past City Hall, down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and along the Schuylkill River — making it ideal for scoring a spring PR. With downtown energy, live bands, and a finish-line festival complete with free beer, pancakes, and hometown support, it’s a gem that proves big-city races can still deliver great value.
North Shore Classic Half Marathon
- Where: Chicago, Illinois
- When: May 31, 2026
- Half Marathon Price: $99
Run through lush north‑shore neighborhoods and leafy Highland Park roads with the North Shore Classic Half Marathon. You’ll soak in rolling streets framed by lake vistas and tree tunnels, capped by a festive post-race picnic with live music, grilled food, and local brews. With room for every runner — from casual weekenders to PR chasers — it’s a relaxed, community-backed summer half worth the trip.
PortRun Half Marathon
- Where: Newburyport, MA
- When: September 28, 2025
- Half Marathon Price: $99
We love fall in New England – even moreso if we’re setting PBs on a flat route that finishes at RiverWalk Brewery. Cruise through charming coastal streets and salt marsh views of Newburyport, then enjoy your post-race beer in the onsite beer garden. With a custom medal, race bag, live music, and room to stroll charming waterfront shops afterward, this small-town gem delivers big-city vibes on a scenic autumn day.
