We love spring races — spring half marathons, in particular. We love running year-round, of course, but there’s something so invigorating about standing at the starting line in the first weeks after winter has broken. The weather is perfect for working up a sweat, and the energy from the runners around you has the static electricity of a long winter training indoors.
Now, there are a lot of properly rated spring half marathons. From New England to California to abroad in Europe, you really can’t go wrong with any 13.1 mile race March through May. But we love nothing more than discovering a hidden gem — and many of the half marathons on our list are races that fly below the radar. That means they aren’t as over-crowded, the registration fees aren’t astronomical, and everyone’s happy to be out for race day.
If you aren’t already, it’s time to start training. But whether you have 8 weeks to train or 20, one of these 20 spring half marathons is going to be the perfect culmination of your hard work — trust us.
Calendar: Best Spring Half Marathons of 2026
- Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon on April 18, 2026
- Vienna City Half Marathon on April 19, 2026
- TUI Rhodes Half Marathon on April 26, 2026
- Owens Corning Half Marathon on April 26, 2026
- Eugene Half Marathon on April 26, 2026
- The OC Half Marathon on May 3, 2026
- The Flying Pig Half Marathon on May 3, 2026
- UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon on May 3, 2026
- Twin Lights Half Marathon on May 3, 2026
- Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon on May 3, 2026
- Toronto Half Marathon on May 3, 2026 (added)
- Barns & Blooms Half Marathon on May 9, 2026 (date moved)
- Chianti Classico Half Marathon on May 10, 2026
- Bayshore Half Marathon on May 23, 2026
- Essentia Health Fargo Half Marathon on May 30, 2026
- Zion Half Marathon on February 27, 2027
- Antelope Canyon Half Marathon on March 6, 2027
- Myrtle Beach Half Marathon on March 6, 2027 (added)
- United Airlines NYC Half on March 21, 2027 (added)
- Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon on March 21, 2027
Essentia Health Fargo Half Marathon
- When: May 30, 2026
- Where: Fargo, North Dakota
If you’re looking to set a PB this spring — and have a great time while you’re at it — the Fargo Half is for you. One of the fastest half marathons in the region, this course follows tree-lined neighborhoods, riverside paths, and historic markers. What’s more, the 13.1 miles of this race are lined with live bands and DJs to keep you movin’ and groovin’ till you cross that finish line.
Zion Half Marathon
- When: February 27, 2027
- Where: Virgin, Utah
Zion National Park is one of the most unique sites in the United States, so to be able to run through it, step by step, for 13.1 miles is truly awe-inspiring. Located in southwestern Utah, the section you run in Zion sits at roughly 3,650 feet of elevation with a steady climb toward the main canyon, so this run will be a solid challenge for those coming from sea level. But with the other-worldly red walls towering all around, contrasted against the lush green river beds and desert terrain, in all likelihood the scenery will sufficiently distract you from the burn.
Barns & Blooms Half Marathon
- When: May 9, 2026
- Where: South Hamilton, Massachusetts
One of our favorite New England half marathons, Barns & Blooms gives a great taste of classic countryside beauty. Polo fields, historic barns, perfect springtime flowers, this race is a single-loop course that carries you through seriously serene landscape. You’ll run down tree-lined neighborhoods and by horse paddocks, by one of the oldest continuously operating farms in the whole country, Appleton Farms, and by homes that have been there since the early 1600s. Oh, and did we mention this course is nearly all flat and perfect for setting that springtime PR?
Chianti Classico Half Marathon
- When: May 10, 2026
- Where: Mercatale in Val di Pesa, Italy
The Chianti Classico is one of the most beautiful races out there, winding through Italy’s wine region outside Florence. There’s a 10km and 53km Ultra leg of this race, but the half marathon really hits the sweet spot of great views, great challenge, and a great excuse to indulge in the freshly-made carb-heavy local cuisine for your pre- and post-race meal. This trail race will take you over soft dirt roads, across ancient vineyards, and right by medieval villages, winding you through iconic Italian countryside. We also love the many, many historic sites nearby, like the ancient Abbey of Badia a Passignano and castles at Verrazzano and Gabbiano, to shake out your legs during recovery.
Antelope Canyon Half Marathon
- When: March 6, 2027
- Where: Page, Arizona
Antelope Canyon is a stunningly beautiful place that not many Americans are even lucky enough to visit, let alone run through. Another of the national park race series, the Antelope Canyon race series takes you up high on desert mesas and through tight red slot canyons. The ultra distances get the most time in the serene landscape, but the Half Marathon offers spectacular views of Lake Powell and Glen Canyon Dam and starts at 5:30 p.m. which means you’ll score sunset views.
Yuengling Shamrock Half Marathon
- When: March 21, 2027
- Where: Virginia Beach, Virginia
We love a themed race — especially one that involves green beer at the end! (Okay, it’s just regular-colored beer.) For the last 54 years, the spring streets of Virginia Beach have filled with festivities for this marathon weekend over St. Paddy’s Day. The costumes and crowd turn 13.1 miles into a fun run full of a whole lot of green and a very lively finish-line party on the beach with Yuengling beer and live music.
The OC Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Costa Mesa, California
In its 22nd year, the OC Marathon consistently makes it to the top of our “best” lists. Why? Most of us don’t live in places like Costa Mesa. We don’t get to experience the splendor of the Pacific Ocean, the rocky cliff sides of Newport Bay or the mega-mansions and yacht clubs of Southern California. Some races will give a taste of some of those, seldom do you find one that gives you all with exceptional race production and a finish festival to boot.
TUI Rhodes Half Marathon
- When: April 26, 2026
- Where: Rhodes, Greece
A flat course run almost entirely along the oceanfront — and on a Greek island for peak rest and recovery afterward? Yes, please! The ancient city of Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is full of beach resorts, ancient ruins, and medieval architecture. The Rhodes Half Marathon takes you along the northern tip of the island by landmarks like the 5th century B.C.E Acropolis of Rhodes. Set in late April to beat peak tourist season, this race is truly a dream runcation for history buffs out there.
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon
- When: April 18, 2026
- Where: Roanoke, Virginia
This isn’t the time for your personal bests. But, for the last 15 years, the Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Half Marathon has struck the perfect balance between “really hard” and “worth it.” Every year, the scale is more heavily weighted towards worth it. The race carries its title as “America’s Toughest Road Race” with nearly 1,900 feet of elevation gain over the 13.1 mile run. At the peak, you’ll find yourself at the top of Mill Mountain, considered one of the most iconic mountains in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. You’ll be hard pressed to find another half marathon on the east coast with this quality of views.
Eugene Half Marathon
- When: April 26, 2026
- Where: Eugene, Oregon
Eugene, Oregon has a special place in the hearts of track and field athletes as the home of the University of Oregon. While the University of Oregon currently breeds the most successful Olympic track and field athletes, it also was home to Bill Bowerman for 24 years – one of the co-founders of Nike. There are 4,000 runners for the half marathon and 10,000 total compete in the full, half and 5K. Most reviews cite the race finish at Hayward Field as the most special part. This is one of the best spring half marathons you can find in the country.
Vienna City Half Marathon
- When: April 19, 2026
- Where: Vienna, Austria
Sometimes you want a runcation, and while we’ve found that the Berlin Marathon receives a lot of attention and praise, the fastest marathon that’s been run in human history (Eliud Kipchoge’s sub-2 hour marathon) was run in Vienna due to its ideal running conditions. We love the half marathon distance so as to not take over your whole vacation. Plus, we’re also a sucker for a race that starts on a bridge which is exactly what this race gives you with its starting line on the most famous bridge in Vienna, the Reichsbrücke.
The Flying Pig Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Cincinnati, Ohio
Race organizers have touted for years that the Flying Pig Half Marathon might be the most popular for first-time marathon and half marathon runners. While welcome to runners of all skill levels, the race is hilly. Between the fifth and the eighth mile, you’ll experience 300 feet of elevation gain. But, with 40,000 other runners by your side, the crowds will help sustain you through the thirteen miles.
Owens Corning Half Marathon
- When: April 26, 2026
- Where: Toledo, Ohio
Only three hours away from Cincinnati is Toledo where you’ll find the Glass City Marathon and its half marathon counterpart. The name is derived from Toledo’s own nickname which came as it was the center of glass production for the automotive industry. More than 4,000 runners take part in the half marathon and it’s been touted for its organization, good crowd support, and supportive city vibe. The race is an out and back and has a majestic finish at Glass Bowl Stadium, home of the University of Toledo football team.
Bayshore Half Marathon
- When: May 23, 2026
- Where: Traverse City, Michigan
The Bayshore Half Marathon takes place on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend and has been reviewed as “absolutely beautiful.” Traverse City sits nestled into Grand Traverse Bay along Lake Michigan. With only 2,700 runners, the Bayshore Half is smaller than the other underrated half marathons but packs a winning combination of beautiful sights and beautiful weather to make it onto our list.
Twin Lights Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Gloucester, Massachusetts
We love a small race for low pressure and a healthy competition with yourself instead of thousands of runners around you. Twin Lights Half has less than 700 runners annually, but also spectacular views of the New England seashore for all 13.1 miles. Located in America’s oldest seaport, Gloucester has deep maritime history — and a mostly flat course race.
UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Toledo is known for its glass, and Pittsburgh is known for its rivers and steel. The race is mostly flat and will take you across the confluence of the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers. In case you’re unfamiliar, Pittsburgh is home to 446 bridges but luckily on this course you’ll only get exposure to the most popular three. There are some uphill stretches in the back half of the course, but not so significant that it isn’t welcome to first time runners.
Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Weott, California
There are a few sites in the United States that will help you feel like a speck of dust in the universe. The Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, and the Redwoods in Northern California. Lucky for you, there’s a half marathon that will take you right through the awe inspiring terrain. The course itself is hilly and more challenging than the others on the list, so don’t expect to PB, but do expect to BA (be amazed!).
United Airlines NYC Half
- When: March 21, 2027
- Where: New York City, New York
While New York City’s marquee half marathon can be difficult to enter (you’ll most likely need to win the lottery or run for charity if you don’t live in NYC), that’s because it boasts one of the most iconic courses in the world. Starting in Prospect Park, runners will cruise over the Manhattan Bridge with an early morning view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Then it’s up along the East River before the course steers runners past Grand Central Station and through Times Square. The race then ends in Central Park, conveniently located within walking distance of about 100 bagel shops.
Myrtle Beach Half Marathon
- When: March 6, 2027
- Where: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
There’s no better way to escape those winter blues than a nice spring break trip to the beach, and the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon offers the perfect excuse to get away. The loop course sends runners on an out-and-back journey through the beloved resort town, with the return trip running along the Atlantic coastline. You’ll get plenty of ocean breezes, scenic views, and the chance to run under Myrtle Beach’s iconic Ferris Wheel.
Toronto Half Marathon
- When: May 3, 2026
- Where: Toronto, Canada
Toronto is home to two major half marathons each year, with the TCS Toronto Waterfront Half Marathon run in the fall. Toronto’s spring half, however, starts miles north of Lake Ontario, with runners heading south through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, before looping through the downtown (Look! The CN Tower!), and back to the finish at Queen’s Park. The course provides a stellar tour of Canada’s largest city and the perfect excuse to carb load with poutine.
