When it comes to long-distance running, the half marathon is the go-to race. In fact, more than two million people run this distance each year. And for good reason: It’s a challenging effort that’s totally achievable.
Think you’re ready to go the distance but not sure what race to choose? Well, we’ve done the legwork work for you (see what we did there) to find some of the best half marathons for beginners. From big city races to international runs to just plain old good times, these races are well worth the 13.1 miles. The best part: Each has a generous course time limit, with the shortest one being three hours and 30 minutes, which translates to a 16:02-per-mile pace.
And just in case you feel a little shy about toeing the line with everyone else, many races, including some of the ones we listed, offer a virtual option, meaning you can log the distance on your own time and still walk away with some hardware (read: medal!) for your running efforts.
Just be sure to take your training leading up to the big event seriously. Not sure where to begin? We have just the plan, right here. Now, lace up and let’s go!
1. Aramco Houston Half Marathon
Date: January 19, 2025
Location: Houston, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas and this winter season race is no exception. Newbies will love this flat and fast course that winds its way through the fourth largest city in the U.S. You’ll run alongside those conquering the full marathon for the first 7.5 miles and meet up with them again at your mile 11 and their mile 24.
What really stands out is that after 14 years, this race runs like a well-oiled machine. Logistically it won’t leave you scratching your head because everything from packet pickup to the postrace party is conveniently located downtown, the transportation is super easy, and the race’s production is well-organized. Bonus points for the super supportive atmosphere that helps make every single runner, whether you are an elite or not, feel like a star.
2. The Lifetime Miami Half Marathon
Date: February 2, 2025
Location: Miami, Florida
This energetic race toggles between downtown Miami and Miami Beach for 13.1 miles of fun in the south Florida sun. The flat course isn’t too taxing, but it is a very popular race, so the route will be jam-packed.
One thing runners really love about this route is the jaunt over the MacArthur Causeway Bridge as the sun rises and reflects upon water at your sides. There are plenty of aid stations and a few earmarked cheer zones too, though lots of spectators line the course throughout. Participants also find the day-of-the-race navigation, from gear check and pickup to finding your corral, a breeze.
3. Disney Princess Half Marathon
Date: February 23, 2025
Location: Orlando, Florida
If channeling your inner child while running from Epcot through Cinderella’s Castle in the Magic Kingdom and back again sounds like fun, then mark this women’s-focused foot race on your calendar (men can join, but the majority of participants are women!).
Not only will you find a sea of runners decked out as their favorite Disney princess (or in sparkly shirts and tutus), but those who are more focused on fun memories than finishing times, can be found pausing for playful portraits at every mile marker with fan favorite leading ladies like Tiana, Snow White, Mulan, and more. And because it takes place in February you won’t have to worry (too much) about pounding the pavement in that unforgiving Florida heat.
4. Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas
Date: February 23, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
What’s better than walking the Las Vegas strip? Running it! This 13.1 out-and-back route at the end of February lets you do just that. As the sun sets on this city, you’ll tour the famous sites along Las Vegas Boulevard, including the Golden Nugget (hello Old Vegas!), the 540-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower and the iconic Las Vegas sign.
The best part: The finish line at the iconic Bellagio fountains doubles as the entrance to a not-to-be-missed nighttime party in Sin City, complete with champagne, entertainment and tons of dancing. Now who is ready to run the #stripatnight?
5. Napa Valley Half Marathon
Date: March 2, 2025
Location: Napa, California
We aren’t saying you should sip and stride, but we are saying that running 13.1 along the iconic Silverado Trail from Rutherford to Napa while taking in the picturesque vineyard views is not exactly a shabby way of spending a Sunday morning. Even better, you’ll be running the mostly flat terrain (okay, there are a few gentle rolling hills) for more than just yourself: Proceeds, which typically account for about $75,000, help fund college scholarships for Napa County high school seniors, as well as allow for donations to other community endeavors from non-profit organizations to sports teams to service-based groups.
6. Paris Half Marathon (Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris)
Date: March 9, 2025
Location: Paris, France
There’s nothing like a spring running adventure with 48,000 of your closest “friends” through the City of Lights! Super beginner-friendly—about 41 percent of participants are first-time half marathoners—this flat course will take you to some of the city’s most famous locations, including stretches past boulevard Saint Germain, quais de Seine, Bibliothèque Nationale de France, château de Vincennes, Hôtel de Ville, rue de Rivoli, and place de la Bastille. Plus, once the race is done, you can eat your way through this French city, which makes the trek overseas even more worth it.
7. United Airlines NYC Half
Date: March 16, 2025
Location: New York, NY
When you toe the line at this wildly popular spring race, you’ll be one of more than 27,000 runners from around the country making their way through the 13.1 mile-journey in the Big Apple. Beginning in Brooklyn and finishing in Central Park, your mini city tour offers the chance to run through Prospect Park, over the Manhattan Bridge, by Grand Central and through iconic Time Square. (Fun fact: Time Square is only closed to traffic on two days, and this is one of them!)
What’s more: the spectators are second to none, cheering you along from start to finish. Unfortunately getting into this race isn’t as easy as just singing up. You’ll have to enter a lottery, raise money through its charity partner or, if traveling from outside of the NYC, sign up for one of the approved race-included travel packages. But boy is it worth it!
8. Hapalua Hawaii’s Half Marathon
Date: April 13, 2025
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Much like the uber-relaxed nature of the island culture itself, this half marathon, which begins as the sun rises over the island, is as low stress as you can get. With no course time limits, you can feel free to run (or walk) your way from Waikiki to Kapiolani Park, while taking in the sites of downtown. You’ll also get an up-close view of the extinct volcanic crater and tuff cone, Diamond Head, which was once the site of an ancient ceremonial structure dedicated the war god Ku. When you reach the finish line, you’ll feel nothing but maholo nui loa a.k.a. gratitude for being able to complete the largest half marathon in Hawaii.
9. Flying Pig Paycor Half Marathon
Date: May 4, 2025
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
While the course’s steep hills may be a deterrent, if you’re up to the challenge, this journey through Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington is a great way to kick off your foray into the half marathon distance. That’s because this race, which also finds you stepping briefly into Kentucky, is just plain old fun thanks to those runners sporting pig ears and snouts and the crowd support from city dwellers who really get behind the race participants. Did we mention this fun run was also voted best half marathon of 2024 from RaceRaves? So go on and lace up your kicks and run your little piggy heart out. The “finish swine” is waiting for you.
10. Royal Parks Half Marathon
Date: October 13, 2024
Location: London, United Kingdom
Make your trip across the pond that much more meaningful by signing up for a fast and flat 13.1 miles through central London. For more than 25 years, this high-ranking race has treated runners with stretches through four of London’s royal parks: Hyde Park, The Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. Don’t worry you’ll also get a glimpse of iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square, too.
While a super popular race—there are about 16,000 runners—past participants say there is room to run, and you won’t feel overcrowded. You’ll also get plenty of on-course support and entertainment which will make the miles fly by. A green bonus: Funds raised from this event help keep eight vital green spaces alive and care for wildlife, among other things.
11. Carmax Richmond Half Marathon
Date: November 16, 2024
Location: Richmond, Virginia
This 13.1-mile effort, which is filled with amazing scenery, lots of spectators and some nice swag, provides a great opportunity to explore historic Richmond, including the James River, which is where the first permanent English colony in Jamestown in 1607 was established.
Touted as a fast course that’s great for beginners, you can expect everything from lively entertainment and DJs to junk food stops and pickle juice—and plenty of aid stations too. Did we mention the top-notch course crowd will fuel your spirit when things get tough? While this race, a mini version of the full distance which has been dubbed “America’s Friendliest Marathon,” does have a few hills, the good news is it ends on a downhill. Once your cross the finish line you’ll celebrate your big accomplishment with a beer and pizza party.
12. Kiawah Island Gold Resort Half Marathon
Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina
If you are more of a small-town runner or would rather just be around less people, this South Carolina-based race may be the way to go. Sublimely scenic and serene, runners will traipse through tree-lined neighborhoods and gaze upon maritime forests, marshes and, if you are lucky, one of the more than 200 species of birds (great egrets and Oystercatchers and ruby-throated hummingbirds, to name a few!) while enjoying that fresh costal sea air. With only 1,400 spots, and that number includes full marathoners, bibs go fast, so if you fancy running around this private island, register early.
Rozalynn S Frazier is an award-winning, multimedia journalist, and certified personal trainer living in New York City. She has created content for SELF, Health, Essence, Runner's World, Money, Reebok, Livestrong, and others.
