You’ve decided to run your first half marathon – congratulations! And welcome to the wonderful world of long distance running. Training for your first half marathon can be one of the most grueling experiences of your life, but also the most rewarding. Just wait for the euphoria of hitting your first runner’s high, not to mention the sense of accomplishment you feel when you’ve run a distance you didn’t previously believe you could.
There’s no way around it: Your first half marathon will be difficult. But selecting the perfect race to sign up for can help. Your body is already going to be working overtime, so make it as easy for yourself as possible in your first outing.
I’m a longtime running journalist and the author of Marathoner: What to Expect When Training for and Running a Marathon. I’ve run many, many half marathons; for your first race, you want:
- A flat course
- Good weather
- Solid support (meaning, water stations, first aid on trails, etc.)
- A decent-sized field (it’s much easier to run a race with lots of people running around you)
I’d also recommend a road race over a trail race, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over roots. There’s a lot to think about when training for a half as a beginner, but throw some good scenery and a cool course in the mix, and you’ve basically found the dream race. Here are 20 of the best half marathons for beginners that are excellent picks for your first 13.1 finish line.
Calendar: Best Half Marathons for Beginners in 2026
- Brew City Half Marathon on April 18, 2026
- Fargo Half Marathon on May 30, 2026
- Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon on July 4, 2026
- The Nebraska State Fair Half Marathon on August 29, 2026
- Omaha Half Marathon on September 27, 2026
- Urban Bourbon Half Marathon on October 17, 2026
- Baystate Half Marathon on October 18, 2026
- Detroit Free Press Half Marathon on October 18, 2026
- CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon on November 7, 2026
- Revel Big Bear Half Marathon on November 7, 2026
- Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon on December 13, 2026
- Walt Disney World Half Marathon on January 9, 2027
- Aramco Houston Half Marathon on January 17, 2027
- Key West Half Marathon on January 17, 2027
- Surf City Half Marathon on February 7, 2027
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon on February 21, 2027
- Hampton Half Marathon on March 7, 2027
- Publix Atlanta Half Marathon on March 7, 2027
- United Airlines NYC Half Marathon on March 21, 2027
- The Hapalua on April 11, 2027
Key West Half Marathon
- When: January 17, 2027
- Where: Key West, FL
There are several reasons why a half marathon through the Florida Keys is ideal for a newbie. First, almost every Florida race features a flat course, and especially when you’re running along a beach, like you are here, there aren’t hills. Second, the Key West Half starts early in the morning, meaning you’ll be running in cool weather and get to watch a sunrise. The out-and-back course runs through a notoriously popular tourist destination, which means there will be plenty of fans cheering you on the whole way, plus with a 4-hour time limit and a large field size, it’s easy to register and avoid a sweeper van. There’s also key lime pie as a treat when you finish.
Walt Disney World Half Marathon
- When: January 9, 2027
- Where: Orlando, FL
The Disney halfs are always favorites for first-time runners, and while Disney offers a variety of themed races, I like their standard half, held the first Saturday after New Year’s Day each year, for beginners. Since it’s run in Florida, the course is flat, flat, flat. (The full marathon only features 266ft of elevation change.) Additionally, because the race directors aim to get the runners through the parks before they’re fully open, the start time is early in the morning, so you won’t be running into direct sun. Disney is also top-notch when it comes to on-route entertainment: You run through the Magic Kingdom, past characters from their films, and get a massive medal when you finish.
For all of these reasons, the Disney Half is a very popular race with first-time runners, but here are a few pieces of advice. First, while the field size is large (over 13,000 finishers in 2025), those spots fill up fast, so be ready to sign up the day registration opens. While the course cutoff time is 3.5 hours after the last runner starts (which means that many runners will have over 4 hours to run 13.1 miles), you’ll want to pace yourself as the on-course photo ops tend to have lines, which can slow you down.
Aramco Houston Half Marathon
- When: January 17, 2027
- Where: Houston, TX
Texas, like Florida, is flat, so if you want a course without any hills or bridges, this is the perfect choice. The Aramco Houston Half Marathon has made a name for itself nationally, with both the male and female American half marathon records set on this course. That’s largely due to an elevation change across the course of only 30 feet between the highest and lowest sections.
Houston also has the fourth largest population in the US (behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago), so there will be plenty of fans there to cheer you on. The loop course makes transportation easy, the aid stations are all well-executed, and the city is overflowing in queso.
Surf City Half Marathon
- When: February 7, 2027
- Where: Huntington Beach, CA
The Surf City Half is located along the shore of California, just south of Los Angeles, and offers another flat course. Most of the race is run along the beach so you get plenty of breeze, and the mostly straight course means you won’t have to do too much ducking and weaving. February So Cal weather is usually temperate, with an average temperature range between 50 and 64 degrees. With runners coming from Los Angeles, there’s always plenty of adoring fans to cheer you on, but unlike the Los Angeles Marathon, you don’t need to worry about this race selling out (although prices do increase the closer you get to race day. This is easily one of the best half marathons for beginners along the California coastline.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon
- When: February 21, 2027
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
Like the Disney, Rock ‘n’ Roll also hosts a series of incredibly popular races each year. If you’re looking for a half that doubles as a party, then these races are the ones for you. The Rock n Roll Las Vegas version, which starts in the evening after sundown, a fairly unique prospect for a long-distance race, sends runners up and down the strip before ending with a concert. Even though you’re in the heart of Las Vegas, the course limit here is still 4 hours, which relieves some pressure from the clock. There’s live music along the course, beers at the finish line, and if you want to play a few slots as a reward for finishing, who’s going to stop you? If you want something more than just a race, but aren’t keen on Disney, this is probably your best bet. Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas specializes in creating a unique, memorable experience, and because of its location in the United States’ entertainment capital, it positions itself as one of the best half marathons for beginners every year.
Publix Atlanta Half Marathon
- When: March 7, 2027
- Where: Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Track Club is one of the best race organizers in the world. They’ve hosted the Olympic Trials, they have an impressive roster of events every year, and they just generally know their stuff. Their premiere half marathon, therefore, can be easily relied on to impress. It’s an easy loop course, which can save you a lot of headache with transportation; the course is mostly flat, with only 200 ft between its highest and lowest points; and you get a scenic tour of Atlanta. And while Atlanta can certainly get muggy, February is pretty safe on the weather front, with an average high of 58 degrees. Publix Atlanta Half Marathon’s deep connection with the city, its large, boisterous crowds, and its beautiful scenery make it one of the best half marathons for beginners in the country.
United Airlines NYC Half Marathon
- When: March 21, 2027
- Where: New York, NY
With around 600 feet of elevation gain, the NYC Half is one of the hillier courses on this list, but what it lacks in an easy course, it makes up for in energy. No other half lets you run over the Manhattan Bridge, through Times Square, and to a finish in Central Park. And very few races boast crowds this large alongside the course. Also, to make up for the elevation changes, the time cutoff provides each runner 20 minutes to complete each mile. The hardest part about the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is honestly snagging a bib. It’s an extremely popular race with upwards of 100,000 people entering the lottery each year. If you don’t win the lottery, you can raise money for charity if you’d still like to run, but this is certainly more expensive than the entries for other races on this list.
The Hapalua
- When: April 11, 2027
- Where: Honolulu, HI
In Hawaiian, “hapalua” means “half,” so it makes sense that Honolulu would dub their half marathon “The Half.” While Hawaii is known for its steep volcanic mountains and humidity, this half is run along the coast, meaning that you’ll get breezes to cool you off and a fairly flat and amazingly scenic half marathon course. The course features several out-and-back segments after starting near the famed Waikiki Beach. Perhaps the best reason for beginners to sign up for The Hapalua, however, is that the race doesn’t have a cutoff time. You can walk the entire course and not worry for a second that a sweeper van will catch you or the finish line will shut down.
Brew City Half Marathon
- When: April 18, 2026
- Where: Milwaukee, WI
If you’re having trouble motivating yourself to sign up for and run a half marathon, perhaps a few tasty treats will be a good incentive. The Brew City Half Marathon, which is run in Wisconsin (i.e. flat) in the spring (i.e. cool), also provides finishers with both ice-cold beer and brats straight off the grill — hence why it’s one of our favorite Midwest half marathons, too. No one knows brats and beer like Cheeseheads, so you’re in for something special. Plus, the course runs along the Milwaukee River Greenway, and the time limit is 4.5 hours, so you can stop to enjoy some of the scenery if you’d like.
Fargo Half Marathon
- When: May 30, 2026
- Where: Fargo, ND
While there’s certainly something to be said about large city races, because of their size and scope, smaller races often provide a more unique running experience. Nicknamed “America’s Best Small-Town Race,” the Fargo Half is the best of both worlds: Enough entrants so that you don’t feel like you’re running alone, but also plenty of scrappy small-town charm. The half caps the number of entries at 6,500, but the number of runners usually falls closer to 2,500, meaning you can easily register and maneuver the course. Cheering is an endeavor taken on by the whole town, with many throwing block parties and passing out candy and shots of liquor (maybe not great for a first-timer) to keep the mood festive. Also, with a late May date (because the average temp is still in the 50s then), you might be able to avoid training in the snow if you sign up for this one.
Detroit Free Press Half Marathon
- When: October 18, 2026
- Where: Detroit, MI
The only half I can fully endorse for first-time half marathoners is the Detroit Half, because it was the first I ever ran. I loved every second of it, and think it’s still too underappreciated. Detroit actually has two halves on race day, a US version that stays in Michigan and an international one that crosses the border into Canada. I’d personally recommend the international version. You get to run over the Ambassador Bridge during sunrise, zig-zag through Windsor, and then return to Downtown Detroit via a tunnel under the river. The course is one of the most exciting and inventive on this list (or any list, for that matter). The International Half does have some logistical hurdles you’ll need to watch out for. Because you cross the border, there’s additional paperwork/ID checks at bib pick up. The cutoff time of 4 hours is also strictly observed, because the bridge and tunnel have to be reopened promptly. The course also has a few hills, and it can get hot running in the tunnel, but I think the visual interest really does keep it interesting.
Keesler Federal Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon
- When: December 13, 2026
- Where: Biloxi, MS
There’s something to be said for ending a year with a big accomplishment, and finishing your first half marathon is certainly a big accomplishment. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Half is run just a few days before Christmas, meaning you’ll be heading into the new year with a medal around your neck and the knowledge that you’ve checked something major off your bucket list. A December date in the south also means you’re most likely going to get some cool weather (the average temps are in the 50s), especially along the shoreline. And, as I’ve said before, shoreline also usually equals flat. In this case, the elevation never rises above 25 feet above sea level.
The Nebraska State Fair Half Marathon
- When: August 29, 2026
- Where: Grand Island, NE
You know what state is known for being flat? Nebraska. You know what state is known for having a fun state fair? Nebraska. The Nebraska State Fair Half Marathon, therefore, combines a flat course with a lot of interesting activities happening both before and after the race. You can carb load with a giant pretzel and celebrate your 13.1-mile distance with a funnel cake and a ride on the Ferris wheel. The race starts at 6:30 a.m. to keep things cool, and the loop course will be lined with visitors in town for the fair, so you’ll have plenty of encouragement when things get tough as well. Because the half marathon is run on the full marathon’s course, you’ll also have a robust six hours to finish.
Omaha Half Marathon
- When: September 27, 2026
- Where: Omaha, NE
In 2025, the Omaha Running Club rebranded their half from the Heartland Half Marathon to the Omaha Half Marathon, but the race still boasts the same flat course with only 269 ft of elevation gain. You get to run over the Missouri River not once, but twice, which gives you some incredible views. This course also includes a lengthy out-and-back in the second half, which means that final stretch won’t include any surprises. The race is easy to enter, there’s a four-hour cut off time, and it starts at 7 a.m. to beat the heat.
Urban Bourbon Half Marathon
- When: October 17, 2026
- Where: Louisville, KY
Every half marathon has some sort of post-race festivities whether that be the meager banana and a Gatorade or something more exciting with live music, pizza, and beer. As I’m sure you’ve guessed from its title, the Urban Bourbon Half in Louisville offers an after party with a little extra kick. Finishers of the half get to enjoy some of the city’s famed bourbon while they cool down, and if you’ve just finished your first half, you certainly deserve a bit of a celebration. The Kentucky course includes less than 100 feet of elevation gain, but you do have to be over 21 years old in order to sign up (and drink the bourbon). The temperature can climb into the 60s during race day, but if you think enough about the bourbon, you probably won’t even notice.
Baystate Half Marathon
- When: October 18, 2026
- Where: Lowell, MA
If you’ve never heard of Lowell, MA, you are certainly not alone. It’s a tiny town north of Boston up near Massachusetts’ border with New Hampshire. And while most of the races on this list are in larger cities because bigger crowds are more fun for first-time runners, the Baystate course is known for being a flat runner-friendly option. There’s less than 100 feet between the course’s highest and lowest points, and the weather usually sits in the 40s or 50s. There’s not nearly as many bells and whistles as Disney and Rock ‘n’ Roll, but the double loop course allows you to know exactly what’s coming in the second half before you get there. Often crowds are motivational, but if you’d prefer to run your first half a little less out of the spotlight, this lowkey race might be a nice choice as well.
CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
- When: November 7, 2026
- Where: Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon is one of the most popular and well-established running events held in the midwest. The race takes participants on a journey through the vibrant streets of downtown Indianapolis passing iconic landmarks like Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument and the picturesque White River State Park. The Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon has a notable flat and fast course with the full marathon sending 20.4% of the field with Boston Qualifying times in 2022. Beyond the race itself, Indianapolis is a vibrant city with plenty to offer visitors like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway or the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This blend of a well-organized event and a lively host city makes the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon an appealing choice for beginners seeking a memorable and enjoyable racing experience.
Hampton Half Marathon
- When: March 7, 2027
- Where: Hampton Beach, NH
If you’re not familiar with New Hampshire geography, there is a small 13-mile stretch of coastline between the Massachusetts and Maine borders. It’s here that runners will find the Hampton Half Marathon, the state’s flat oceanside half with just 130 feet of elevation gain. The race has been repeatedly named both a great race for beginners and one of the best half marathons to earn a personal record at. The breezes from the Atlantic Ocean make this a chilly course with temperatures usually in the 30s or 40s on raceday, but if you layer up, you should be able to ride that cool air to the finish.
Revel Big Bear Half Marathon
- When: November 7, 2026
- Where: Big Bear, CA
The Revel Big Bear Half Marathon includes 3,161 feet of elevation change, but it’s entirely downhill, making this one of the fastest half marathon courses in the country. The race is so fast that the average finishing time for the marathon is just 4 hours and 8 minutes (over an hour slower than the nearby Los Angeles Marathon). The race starts up in the mountains of Big Bear and descends through the wooded hills down towards Redlands, California, where crowds and the finish line await. With under 1,600 finishers in 2025, this is a smaller race than some on the list, but the beautiful scenery makes up for a thinner pack of runners.
Foot Traffic Flat Half Marathon
- When: July 4, 2026
- Where: Sauvie Island, OR
If you’re looking for a flat half marathon, you might as well go with the race that has “flat” in its name. Run on Sauvie Island, just north of Portland, Oregon, this half sends runners on one loop around the island, starting and ending at the Pumpkin Patch. The race website boasts that the course is “VERY flat with just two small inclines,” which is certainly a draw for first-timers. While the field isn’t very large, that means registration is easy and runners can enjoy the stunning wildlife in peace. While Oregon summers can get hot, the half marathon starts at 6:30 a.m. to avoid the heat, and with a five-hour cut-off, you’ll have plenty of time to cross the finish.
FAQs
How Many Weeks Should a Beginner Train for a Half Marathon?
A beginner should expect to train between 6 and 20 weeks for a half marathon. The specific time allowed is dependent on your level of overall fitness prior to training.
How Do I Choose My First Half Marathon?
Your first half marathon should be picked based on what you’re trying to prioritize in your running experience. The most common factors runners consider when selecting a half marathon are – proximity, accessibility, and an easy course.
Can I Run a Half Marathon Without Training?
While it’s possible to do a half marathon without training, any physician or running coach will tell you it’s not advised! Your muscles, tendons, and ligaments need to adapt to the mechanics of running – therefore requires training to build the strength and endurance to run the thirteen miles.
