Running a half marathon is a challenging yet incredibly rewarding goal, especially for beginners. One key to making your first 13.1 miles a success is to choose a beginner-friendly race—one that offers scenic views, manageable terrain, and a supportive atmosphere. Whether you’re new to half marathons or are looking for a fast course to set a new personal record, here are some of the best half marathons in the U.S. for beginners. Plus, get expert training tips from a running coach.
Miami Half Marathon (Miami, Florida)
The Miami Half Marathon offers an exciting course that goes through the streets of Miami Beach, past Star Island, and offers incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. The course is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, and the weather is typically warm but not too hot, making it a perfect winter race. You’ll also experience Miami’s cultural diversity through the spectators and entertainment along the course.
When: Early February
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Mostly flat and scenic course
- Warm, tropical climate ideal for winter training
- Lots of energy and spectators to cheer you on
- Opportunity to explore a vibrant, cosmopolitan city
Austin Half Marathon (Austin, Texas)
Austin is a vibrant city with a great running community, and the Austin Half Marathon is a perfect race for beginners. The course features scenic views of Lady Bird Lake and takes you through some of the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods. The weather in Austin is typically mild in February, making it ideal for a winter race. The crowds are energetic, and the aid stations are well-placed to keep you hydrated.
When: Mid-February
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Scenic course with a mix of city views and nature
- Friendly, welcoming atmosphere
- Mild February weather
- Well-organized race with plenty of support
Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon (Las Vegas, Nevada)
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon is a great choice for beginners due to its lively atmosphere and the fact that it’s a night race. This unique event takes place on the famous Las Vegas Strip, offering runners the chance to race in the city’s dazzling lights. The course is relatively flat, which makes it manageable for first-timers. Plus, the music along the route helps keep you motivated, and you’ll finish with a memorable celebratory vibe.
When: Late February
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Flat course
- Night race with cooler temperatures
- Fun, festive atmosphere with music and entertainment
- Opportunity to experience the Strip in a unique way
Disney Princess Half Marathon (Orlando, Florida)
For many runners, the Disney Princess Half Marathon is a dream come true. The course takes you through the iconic Disney World Resort, where you’ll run past Cinderella’s Castle and other famous landmarks. Disney’s exceptional race organization ensures a smooth and stress-free experience, and the race has a huge beginner-friendly crowd. The event is also family-oriented, so it’s a great way to make lasting memories while working towards your half marathon goal.
When: Late February
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Scenic, fun course through Disney World
- Enthusiastic spectators and race volunteers
- Plenty of aid stations and support along the route
- Tons of energy and excitement
Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington D.C. Half Marathon (Washington D.C.)
Washington D.C. offers a race course that’s mostly flat, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington D.C. Half Marathon is no exception. The course winds its way past major historic landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol and the National Mall, making for a race that’s both scenic and easy to run. The mostly flat route means that you can focus on enjoying the history, architecture, and great crowd support.
When: Mid-March
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Flat course with easy-to-navigate terrain
- Passes through Washington D.C.’s most iconic landmarks
- Great race logistics and enthusiastic crowds
Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon (Cincinnati, Ohio)
The Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati is one of the most beginner-friendly races in the Midwest. The course offers plenty of scenic views, including parts along the riverfront and through vibrant city streets. While there are a few hills, they’re manageable and allow runners to enjoy the charm of the city. The Flying Pig also has a fun, community feel with lots of encouragement from spectators and fellow runners.
When: First weekend in May
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Scenic course with variety
- Great spectator support
- Fun, motivating atmosphere with a community vibe
- Manageable hills that won’t overwhelm beginners
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon (San Diego, California)
The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series San Diego half marathon offers a combination of beautiful scenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and a fast, flat course. The race takes runners through the downtown area, along the waterfront, and through Balboa Park. The weather in San Diego is perfect for running, with mild temperatures that make for a comfortable race day.
When: First weekend in June
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Relatively flat course
- Gorgeous oceanfront views
- Great weather conditions for running
- Supportive crowd with music stations
Chicago Half Marathon (Chicago, Illinois)
The Chicago Half Marathon offers a wonderful introduction to running in the city of Chicago. The course is fast and flat, running along the beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront and through the scenic Chicago parks. This race is perfect for runners who want to enjoy the sights while tackling a relatively easy course that doesn’t have any challenging hills.
When: Late September
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Flat and fast course
- Stunning lakefront views
- Motivating crowd support
Portland Half Marathon (Portland, Oregon)
Portland is known for its beautiful parks, eco-conscious vibe, and welcoming communities, and the Portland Half Marathon is a perfect reflection of that. The course offers scenic views of the city, bridges, and the Willamette River, with a relatively flat and beginner-friendly route. The event is well-organized, with enthusiastic volunteers and great crowd support, making it a wonderful choice for first-timers.
When: First weekend in October
Why it’s great for beginners:
- A scenic, flat course through Portland’s parks and bridges
- Friendly, supportive crowds and volunteers
- An eco-conscious race with sustainability efforts
- A laid-back atmosphere without too much pressure
Wineglass Half Marathon (Corning, New York)
If you’re looking for a scenic, smaller race with a supportive atmosphere, the Wineglass Half Marathon is an excellent choice. Set in the picturesque Finger Lakes region of New York, this race boasts beautiful views of the countryside, vineyards, and charming small towns. The event is well-organized, with a relaxed vibe and plenty of volunteers to support you along the way. Plus, the race is mostly downhill, making it a slightly easier challenge for beginners.
When: First weekend in October
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Stunning countryside views
- A mostly downhill course
- A friendly, welcoming atmosphere
- Wine-themed post-race festivities (perfect for unwinding after the race)
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (Orlando, Florida)
If you love Disney but want an alternative to the Princess Half, check out the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. As you run through the Walt Disney World Resort, you’ll be treated to immersive entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and some of the most spirited crowd support. Plus, the course is mostly flat, and there’s always plenty of water and energy-filled volunteers along the way.
When: Late October
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Fun and supportive environment
- Flat course
- Memorable race experience, with character appearances and themed entertainment
Philadelphia Half Marathon (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The Philadelphia Half Marathon offers a scenic route through the heart of this historic city. Known for its flat course, it allows you to maintain a steady pace throughout the race. You’ll run through some of Philadelphia’s most famous landmarks, including the Schuylkill River Trail, the iconic Philadelphia Art Museum (where Rocky famously ran), and the beautiful Boathouse Row. The course is also well-supported with water stations and enthusiastic crowds, making it a fun and motivating event.
When: Late November
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
- Flat terrain
- Historic setting
- Supportive atmosphere and fun post-race party at the finish line
Richmond Half Marathon (Richmond, Virginia)
The Richmond Half Marathon is often praised for its small-town charm and friendly atmosphere. The race features a scenic course that takes runners along the James River, through historic districts, and past beautiful parks. The event’s volunteers are known for being incredibly supportive, making it feel less overwhelming for those new to racing. It’s a moderately flat course, making it achievable for beginners.
When: Mid-November
Why it’s great for beginners:
- A scenic, relatively flat route along the river
- A community-oriented atmosphere with great volunteer support
- A smaller, more intimate race experience (not too overwhelming)
- A post-race party with food and local beers
Sarasota Half Marathon (Sarasota, Florida)
The Sarasota Half Marathon is another fast, flat course located in sunny Florida. The race takes runners along the beautiful Gulf Coast, with views of the Sarasota Bay and tropical landscapes. The course is mainly flat, which makes it ideal for those aiming for a new personal best or for those who want to enjoy a comfortable run in pleasant temperatures.
When: Mid-December
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Beautiful coastal course with waterfront views.
- Mostly flat with a few minor inclines.
- Warm, sunny weather makes it an appealing destination race.
Choosing the Right Half Marathon for You
As a beginner, the right half marathon can make all the difference in your training and race-day experience. Whether you’re drawn to a scenic course, a fun atmosphere, or a flat route, each of these races offers something unique for new runners. Remember to choose a race that aligns with your running goals, your fitness level, and what excites you most about the experience.
Tips for Half Marathon Training and Race Day
- Start Slow: If you’re new to running, it’s important not to overdo it early in your training. Follow a training schedule and gradually build up your mileage, focusing on consistency rather than speed.
- Fuel Properly: Long runs require fuel. Make sure to practice taking energy gels, snacks, or sports drinks during your training to see what works best for you.
- Cross-Train: Strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness by adding cross-training activities like cycling, swimming, or yoga to your weekly routine.
- Rest: Give your body time to recover. Incorporate rest days into your schedule to avoid burnout or overuse injuries.
- Have Fun: A half marathon is an exciting and celebratory experience. Stay positive, enjoy the atmosphere, and remember that crossing the finish line is the ultimate reward.
More on Half Marathon Running
- Half Marathon Beginner Training Schedule
- 13 Half Marathon Mistakes to Avoid
- Best Half Marathon Spectator Signs
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
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