Every year, thousands of runners across the US wake up before dawn, lace up their shoes, and head off to run the 13.1 miles they’ve spent months training for. Over the past decade, the half marathon distance has become increasingly popular, with nearly every major city (and many minor ones) hosting a race. From trail runs to road races, a handful of halves have amassed a following so large they’ve grown to accommodate fields of 10,000 runners – or more!
These races can be seriously fun to run, because big races mean big crowds to keep you motivated and a ton of runners pacing alongside you for 13.1 miles. Usually, it also means a big finish line party, too.
What follows is a list of the 20 most popular half marathons in the United States, ranked by how many runners completed the 13.1 in 2025. With races in all four seasons and all across the US, there is truly something here for everyone.
Racers will pass famous landmarks, world-class musical acts, and dozens of port-a-johns on their way to a coveted medal. Each of these is a bucket list race, perhaps you should try all 20.
#20: Austin Half Marathon
- When: February 14, 2027
- Where: Austin, TX
2025 Finishers: 10,917 | 2024 Finishers: 9,140 | 2024 Rank: 20th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 19.4%
Austin natives may say “Keep Austin weird” but thankfully their half marathon isn’t doing anything that wild and outlandish. The race, which starts and ends downtown near the Texas State Capitol, ventures out into Austin’s diverse neighborhoods. The Austin Half is known for especially exuberant fans, so don’t be surprised to find houses along the course hosting parties in their front yard and offering runners a shot of tequila. While I might skip the mid-run booze, if you have a friend wait in line at Franklin Barbecue when you start the race, you might be just in time to grab a sandwich when you finish.
#19: Detroit Free Press International Half
- When: October 18, 2026
- Where: Detroit, MI
2025 Finishers: 11,296 | 2024 Finishers: 10,677 | 2024 Rank: 18th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 5.8%
Fun fact: the Detroit Free Press Marathon actually hosts two half marathons each October to accompany its marathon, but the International Half is by far the more popular of the pair. Starting in downtown Detroit, the International Half sends runners over the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Canada, before sending them back to the finish, via a tunnel under the Detroit River. The Motor City Half, which follows the back half of the marathon course, stays stateside, for those unable to bordercross mid-race. While the International Half saw over 11,000 runners finish the 2025 race, the Motor City Half was only completed by just over 1,000.
#18: Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon
- When: No 2026 race due to construction
- Where: Anaheim, CA
2025 Finishers: 11,589 | 2024 Finishers: 11,196 | 2024 Rank: 17th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.5%
Unfortunately for West Coasters, if you want to complete a runDisney race in 2026, you’re going to have to head to Florida. That’s because construction is taking place in Disneyland, as the amusement park adds new Coco and Avatar sections, in addition to hotel renovations and other ride upgrades. With all the construction, Disneyland cancelled both the Halloween Half and their marquee half marathon for 2026. But never fear, once the new sections have reopened, runDisney will be back, and possibly with a whole new course.
#17: Flying Pig Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Cincinnati, OH
2025 Finishers: 11,762 | 2024 Finishers: 10,539 | 2024 Rank: 19th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 11.6%
No, the Flying Pig Half Marathon doesn’t really have anything to do with flying pigs (aside from a statue and Cincinnati’s history of being a pork-producing city), but yes, your half marathon dreams can come true here. And if its creative name signifies anything about the race, it’s how inventive it is. The course begins and ends in Ohio but crosses the Ohio River into Kentucky. The race organizers also offer Skyline Chili-themed medals for those who run a combination of the weekend’s races, including the 5K, 10K, and Marathon. While Cincinnati isn’t necessarily a small town, this half has all the small-town charm in all the best ways.
#16: Philadelphia Half Marathon
- When: November 21, 2026
- Where: Philadelphia, PA
2025 Finishers: 11,981 | 2024 Finishers: 11,606 | 2024 Rank: 13th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 3.2%
“Hey Siri! Play the soundtrack from Rocky.” If you’re going to run a race in Philadelphia (preferably clad in a gray-on-gray sweat suit), then you’ve got to make a running playlist full of Rocky songs. The Philadelphia Half Marathon is a sightseer’s dream race. As you zig-zag around the city, you’ll run past Independence Hall, the Delaware River (hi New Jersey), the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Schuylkill River, which you need to pronounce with a Philly accent. Plus, the race finishes near the Rocky Balboa statue and the steps he famously ran up while training, so you’ve got photo ops galore.
#15: Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
- When: February 21, 2027
- Where: Las Vegas, NV
2025 Finishers: 12,020 | 2024 Finishers: 11,958 | 2024 Rank: 12th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 0.5%
The Rock ‘n’ Roll series of races has made quite a name for itself by hosting fun, exciting marathons and halves with a party atmosphere (or as much of a party atmosphere as possible with knee braces and taped nipples). It makes total sense, then, that one of their most popular races would take place in Vegas, the party capital of the US. In addition to concerts before, during, and after the race, entrants also get access to exclusive after parties at some of Sin City’s hottest clubs. To take advantage of the lights on the Vegas strip (and avoid the desert heat), this race is also run in the evening, making it all the more one-of-a-kind.
#14: Long Beach Half Marathon
- When: October 11, 2026
- Where: Long Beach, CA
2025 Finishers: 12,179 | 2024 Finishers: 10,826 | 2024 Rank: 16th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 12.5%
In some of the least surprising news in the history of racing, those who sign up to run the Long Beach Half Marathon will spend much of their time running along the aforementioned Long Beach. The half, which takes place every year in a southern suburb of Los Angeles, is the West Coast’s answer to the Miami Half. It is a flat, easy course that provides plenty of gorgeous views while leading its runners to the finish line. A hat and some SPF 50 are a must for this run, but thanks to the temperate California weather, even when it’s sunny, it never gets too hot.
#13: Pittsburgh Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Pittsburgh, PA
2025 Finishers: 12,310 | 2024 Finishers: 10,167 | 2024 Rank: 15th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 21.1%
While running in Pittsburgh usually involves lots of agonizing hill climbs, the creators of the Pittsburgh Half have somehow managed to create a 13.1-mile-long course that stays relatively flat (something that cannot be said for the full version). Starting downtown, the race gives you a tour of Pittsburgh’s many eclectic neighborhoods, taking you through the Strip District, the North Shore, and the South Side before finishing blocks from where you started. You’ll get plenty of great views of the city’s skyline and cross multiple bridges as you run along its three rivers. Afterwards, you can head over to Primanti Brothers for a sandwich, Eat N Park for some cookies, or Sheetz for mozz sticks. If you’re a Wawa family, we don’t want to hear about it.
#12: Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC
- When: March 20, 2027
- Where: Washington, DC
2025 Finishers: 12,357 | 2024 Finishers: 12,787 | 2024 Rank: 10th | Year-Over-Year Growth: -3.4%
Since DC’s massive Marine Corps Marathon doesn’t include a half-marathon option, the biggest half in the nation’s capital is Rock ‘n’ Roll’s DC race. Similar to the Philadelphia Half, this race is not lacking in historical attractions along the race course. Starting near the Washington Monument on the National Mall, runners will pass by the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and the Potomac River before doing a big loop back to the finish line in front of the nation’s Capitol. The whole race won’t be nearly as grueling as running for office.
#11: St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville
- When: April 25, 2026
- Where: Nashville, TN
2025 Finishers: 13,025 | 2024 Finishers: 11,273 | 2024 Rank: 14th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 15.5%
If any city was going to have a music-themed half marathon, it makes sense that it would be Nashville or Music City, USA as it’s known. Like the other Rock ‘n’ Roll races, the Nashville event also includes concerts before, during, and after the race, but this time there’s a bit of a country twist to the acts. Starting the race downtown and trotting past the numerous Honky Tonks on Broadway just feels right, and the half weaves through some historic neighborhoods before returning downtown and sending runners over the Cumberland River to the finish. Then it’s a party with guitars and Nashville hot chicken. One of the most popular half marathons in the Midwest.
#10: Lifetime Miami Half Marathon
- When: January 31, 2027
- Where: Miami, FL
2025 Finishers: 13,007 | 2024 Finishers: 11,889 | 2024 Rank: 11th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 9.4%
Who wants to go island hopping? The Miami Half is a dream for anyone who loves sunshine and the beach. Set in downtown Miami, the race runs across a series of bridges to and from Miami Beach before taking a nice, long stroll along the city’s waterfront. The course is lined with well-wishers and palm trees as runners cruise to the finish on what is also a very flat course. This race can be a bit hot, though, so make sure to drink plenty of water at the aid stations, especially if it’s a warmer-than-average year. And don’t forget to bring sunscreen.
#9: Disney World Half Marathon
- When: January 9, 2027
- Where: Orlando, FL
2025 Finishers: 14,252 | 2024 Finishers: 13,504 | 2024 Rank: 7th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 5.5%
Like Rock ‘n’ Roll, runDisney also hosts several highly anticipated halves each year. Basically the same size as the Princess Half (more on that race soon), and with a very similar course, the original Disney Half Marathon is nearly indistinguishable from its sister race. The two main differences are 1) it’s not explicitly princess-themed, although you do run through Cinderella’s Castle and there will certainly be runners dressed as princesses participating, and 2) it takes place on Disney’s Marathon Weekend. That means Disney World will be bursting with opportunities to meet other runners and participate in running activities. Those brave enough can attempt the Dopey Challenge, which involves running a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon on four consecutive days.
#8: Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon
- When: October 25, 2026
- Where: Orlando, FL
2025 Finishers: 14,296 | 2024 Finishers: 12,524 | 2024 Rank: 9th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 14.2%
If you’re looking for a fall Disney option rather than a winter race, the Wine & Dine Half might be right for you. All of Disney’s half marathons are relatively similar when it comes to crowd size and course, but this race is timed to EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival. This means if you’d rather skip a princess costume and instead eat lots of bratwursts and tacos post-race, you’ve got an option. The festival showcases beverages and meals from around the world, and you can hop around EPCOT’s World Showcase to try cuisine from a dozen countries. Yum!
#7: Aramco Houston Half Marathon
- When: January 17, 2027
- Where: Houston, TX
2025 Finishers: 14,475 | 2024 Finishers: 14,148 | 2024 Rank: 6th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.3%
Perhaps the best thing about Houston’s largest half marathon is just how flat it is. While many races boast about being “mostly flat” with “just a few rolling hills,” the Aramco Half’s total elevation change is only 20 feet from the highest to lowest parts of the course. That means that if you’re looking for a fast course or an easy course, this is a great choice. Avoid pounding your knees on a steep downhill or groaning through a nasty uphill slog. The Houston half cruises along, AND since it usually falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, you’ll get to enjoy an extra day to recover before you head back to work.
#6: Disney’s Princess Half Marathon
- When: February 28, 2027
- Where: Orlando, FL
2025 Finishers: 15,885 | 2024 Finishers: 15,555 | 2024 Rank: 4th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 2.1%
Their most popular runDisney race in 2025 was the princess-themed half marathon they hosted in February. The Princess Half is VERY pro-costume, so if you’ve got a tutu, tiara, or pair of glass running sneakers, bring ’em. (On second thought, maybe not the glass sneakers.) The magical race starts near EPCOT, runs through Magic Kingdom, and then finishes back by the giant globe. As with all Disney races, there are photo ops galore, with plenty of characters lining the course. The MUST GET photo, however, is with the castle behind you. I mean, if you aren’t going to get a picture with the Cinderella Castle, then what is the point of running the Princess Half in the first place?
#5: San Diego Half Marathon (Rock ‘n’ Roll)
- When: May 31, 2026
- Where: San Diego, CA
2025 Finishers: 16,236 | 2024 Finishers: 12,759 | 2024 Rank: 8th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 27.2%
It’s hard to find a more beautiful place to run than San Diego, which is probably why their half is the most popular of the Rock ‘n’ Roll series. Starting in the renowned Balboa Park, the half curves through several of the city’s most historic neighborhoods before returning to cut through Balboa again and end downtown. As with all Rock ‘n’ Roll races, the finish area doubles as a concert, with a series of musicians playing while runners can eat snacks and sip beer with their medals proudly around their necks. If you’re looking for a summer half, San Diego is also a great choice to do its temperate climate with one of California’s most popular half marathons.
#4: OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon
- When: May 2, 2026
- Where: Indianapolis, IN
2025 Finishers: 16,578 | 2024 Finishers: 14,614 | 2024 Rank: 5th | Year-Over-Year Growth: 13.4%
Indianapolis is now home to not one, but two iconic spring races. The first, of course, is the Indy 500, the 500-mile-long car race that watches the world’s most skilled Indy Car drivers take laps of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The newer race, the 500 Festival Mini-Marathon is a half-marathon that gives runners the chance to do a lap of the famed race track. Swapping tires for sneakers (and going ridiculously slower), racers will get up close and personal to where all the pitstop, car flip, and milk guzzling action will take place only a few weeks later. Fingers crossed that the weather is good and you won’t get a dreaded yellow flag. Not only one of the most popular half marathons, but like the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas half marathon, a bucket list race unlike any other.
#3: NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon
- When: April 26, 2026
- Where: Brooklyn, NY
2025 Finishers: 17,589 | 2024 Finishers: 16,893 | 2024 Rank: 3rd | Year-Over-Year Growth: 4.1%
The top three largest half marathons are all run in New York City, with NYCRUNS hosting one of the two major Brooklyn races. The NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half spends its time in the western sections of Brooklyn, closer to Manhattan. Starting in North Brooklyn, it winds its way south, passing under all three of the borough’s iconic bridges over the East River. It then pivots inward, and rather than starting in Prospect Park, like the RBC Brooklyn Half, it ends there. This race’s location is certainly more convenient for most runners, and the course is a bit more interesting as it weaves around. You will, however, have to trade the coney dogs for brunch in Park Slope, and I wouldn’t advise taking a dip in any body of water in Prospect Park.
#2: RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
- When: May 16, 2026
- Where: Brooklyn, NY
2025 Finishers: 27,478 | 2024 Finishers: 27,432 | 2024 Rank: 2nd | Year-Over-Year Growth: 0.2%
After two years topping this list, the RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon moves back down to the second spot on the list. The RBC Brooklyn Half is hosted by New York Road Runners, the same organization that puts on the NYC Marathon and the NYC Half. Like the NYC Half, this race also starts in Prospect Park, but rather than venture towards Manhattan, it travels in the opposite direction, heading deeper into Brooklyn. Part of the 5 Borough Series, it gives runners an in-depth look at areas of New York most tourists (and plenty of residents) don’t often travel to. This half also concludes on the Coney Island Boardwalk, the perfect place to go for a quick post-run dip in the Atlantic Ocean or scarf down a few hot dogs from Nathan’s. Plus, a ride on the rickety Cyclone roller coaster is basically the equivalent of a post-race massage chair.
#1: United Airlines NYC Half Marathon
- When: March 21, 2027
- Where: New York, NY
2025 Finishers: 27,690 | 2024 Finishers: 27,547 | 2024 Rank: 1st | Year-Over-Year Growth: 0.5%
The largest half marathon in the United States is New York City’s marquee half, which makes total sense. After all, its sister race, the NYC Marathon, holds the world record for marathon with the largest field. While the 26.2 length held every November traces a course through all five of New York’s boroughs. The half has an arguably glitzier route. Starting in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, runners cruise through downtown Brooklyn, over the Manhattan Bridge with its incredible view of the New York skyline, and up the East River. Then the course turns into Midtown. It sends runners right through the heart of Times Square, past the Plaza Hotel, and to a finish in the heart of Central Park. While it’s more difficult to enter than others on this list, it’s well worth the extra effort.
Calendar: The Most Popular Half Marathons in the United States of 2025
- St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville | April 25, 2026
- NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon | April 26, 2026
- OneAmerica 500 Festival Mini-Marathon | May 2, 2026
- Flying Pig Half Marathon | May 3, 2026
- Pittsburgh Half Marathon | May 3, 2026
- RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon | May 16, 2026
- San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll | May 31, 2026
- Long Beach Half Marathon | October 11, 2026
- Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon | October 18, 2026
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon | October 25, 2026
- Philadelphia Half Marathon | November 21, 2026
- Disney World Half Marathon | January 9, 2027
- Aramco Houston Half Marathon | January 17, 2027
- Lifetime Miami Half Marathon | January 31, 2027
- Austin Half Marathon | February 14, 2027
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas | February 21, 2027
- Disney’s Princess Half Marathon | February 28, 2027
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC | March 20, 2027
- United Airlines NYC Half | March 21, 2027
- Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon | No race in 2026
What are the most popular half marathons?
While the United Airlines NYC Half has the most registrations with over 25,000 runners, there are half marathons like Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth, Minnesota that sell out of their limited spots every year.
