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Scenic Spring Half Marathons
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Dust off the racing cobwebs after a long, dark, cold winter at a spring half marathon. Revel in the warm weather as you tour the world-famous sights at the Hollywood Half, inhale the perfume of early springtime buds at the Big D Half in Dallas, or behold canyon scenery and stunning overlooks at the Desert RATS Trailrunning Festival in Fruita, Colorado. Whether you prefer racing through a New England college town or enjoying lakefront views after you conquer 13.1 miles, any of these events will get your legs back in racing shape.
Water of Life Half Marathon and 10K
March 23, 2014 - Marlow, United Kingdom
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If you're up for a trip to the England in mid-March, the Water of Life Half Marathon and 10K offers a multi-terrain tour of the English countryside. Run through the towns of Bisham, Marlow and Henley along the River Thames; you might even spot fallow deer along the way. Held on the closest Sunday to World Water Day (March 22), the race raises funds and awareness for water projects in Africa. Over the five-year history of the race, participants have raised over $814,000 (500,000 British Pounds) to support clean water projects. African drummers are placed at the start, halfway point and finish to entertain and remind everyone about the race's worthy cause.
Hollywood Half Marathon, 5K and 10K
April 5, 2014 - Hollywood, California
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Run through the heart of Hollywood at this 13.1 miler. The race starts in front of the Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards, and takes runners along Hollywood Boulevard, past sights like the Pantages Theater, to Sunset Boulevard and through the hipster mecca of Silver Lake before heading back along the same route to the finish at Hollywood and Vine. After you finish, take a short walk along Hollywood Boulevard to see the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater, the site of many movie premiers.
5th Annual Half Marathon, Relay and Kids K Powered by Back on My Feet
April 5, 2014 - Sparks Glencoe, Maryland
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Tour historic Maryland at this half marathon and relay that begins at Oldfields School, Maryland's oldest girls' boarding school, and continues on the North Central Railroad Trail, a path traveled by Civil War troops as well as the funeral train of Abraham Lincoln. In 1984, the former railroad became one of the first rails-to-trails projects. Hosted by Back on My Feet, an organization that uses running to help the homeless make real change in their lives that results in employment and independent living, runners can raise funds to support this cause since the event fee is only $30. The all-new Kids K takes kids around the scenic Oldfields School campus.
Big D Marathon and Half Marathon
April 6, 2014 - Dallas, Texas
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The 11th annual Big D Marathon and Half Marathon gives runners a taste of the best of Dallas, including the funky art-deco architecture of the State Fair of Texas, White Rock Lake, as well as the area's tree-lined streets and stunning homes. Enjoy the newly budded green leaves, tulips, roses and other flowers in bloom. Clean up after the race at the portable shower truck facility (towels and supplies provided) before heading over to the post-race party at the Grand Place Building.
Desert RATS Trailrunning Festival
April 18, 2014 - Fruita, Colorado
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The canyon scenery, stunning overlooks and Colorado River will take your breath away at the Desert RATS Trailrunning Festival. The race loop consists of the rolling hills and dirt trails of the Kokopelli Trail. Embrace the scenic solitude of the desert by camping (free of charge) under the stars near the start and finish line of the race. The festive weekend begins with a kick-off pasta dinner at the host hotel Friday night, followed by the marathon, 50K and double marathon on Saturday, and concluding on Sunday with the half marathon and 5-mile races. The event's charity partner is the Women's Wilderness Institute, a nonprofit that builds confidence, courage and leadership skills of girls and women through wilderness and community-based experiences.
Photo by Glen Delman Photography
Photo by Glen Delman Photography
Marin County Half Marathon, 5K and 10K
April 19, 2014 - San Rafael, California
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The seventh annual Marin County Half Marathon, 5K and 10K starts and finishes at McNear's Beach State Park, just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Each route runs along the water, and the half marathon and 10K are half road and half trail, with some hills through China Camp State Park to give runners a challenge. Hosted by the Sustainable Sports Foundation, the goals of the race are to have zero waste, be carbon neutral, and donate all net proceeds to charity--this year's event will help provide swim lessons to underprivileged youth in Marin County. The event uses power generated by solar energy, green portable toilets, reusable stainless steel water bottles, organic and locally sourced food and beverages, and recycled materials for race shirts and medals. Participants are encouraged to bring old running shoes to be recycled and race clothing to be donated to needy organizations.
La Jolla Half Marathon
April 27, 2014 - La Jolla, California
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Now in its 33rd year, this 13.1-miler boasts dramatic sea bluff and shimmering ocean views. The point-to-point course starts at the Del Mar Racetrack and ends with a spectacular oceanfront finale in La Jolla, a community of San Diego and Spanish for "the jewel." Along the way, the course hugs the curving Pacific coastline, first traveling through the quaint town of Del Mar before ascending into Torrey Pines State Park, a unique nature reserve and the highest point along the route. The final miles wind through La Jolla, offering even more sweeping ocean views, before finishing on the grassy expanse of Scripps Park, located just above the La Jolla Cove, one of the most picturesque spots in the country.
Cox Rhode Races
May 3, 2014 - Providence, Rhode Island
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Tour this quaint New England college town—one of the oldest cities in the United States—at the Cox Rhode Races Half Marathon. A mix of historic urban and rural neighborhoods, the course starts in downtown Providence, follows the Providence River to India Point Park to the tree-lined Blackstone Boulevard, through Pawtucket and back down the boulevard to a downtown finish. The event also includes a marathon, 5K and kids race.
Lansing Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K and Ekiden Marathon Relay
May 4, 2014 - Lansing, Michigan
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If you're looking for a place to run your half marathon PR, the Lansing Half offers a flat, fast and scenic course with aid stations every 2 miles. The course covers both urban and rural areas of the greater Lansing area. The event's charity partner is the Lansing Moves the World Foundation, which promotes community and educational opportunities at Lansing schools, supports tree planting in deforested areas in Kenya, provides security and education to abused children in Kenya, and supports entrepreneurial endeavors of East African women's groups.
Stony Creek Back to the Beach
May 18, 2014 - Shelby Township, Michigan
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If you like varied terrain and a serene, lakefront start and finish area, then the Stony Creek Back to the Beach Half Marathon could be your cup of tea. The single loop 13.1-mile course includes asphalt, trails, dirt roads, boardwalks and city streets, with the majority of the course running through Stony Creek Metro Park. The event's 10K and 5K courses run along the cross-country trails adjacent to Eastwood Beach. Runners can help raise funds for a variety of charities, including Medals4Mettle, which distributes race medals to handicapped, sick or challenged individuals, and several local organizations.
Windsor Green Half Marathon, 10K and 5K
May 18, 2014 - Windsor, California
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If running in the middle of Sonoma County Wine Country sounds like your idea of heaven, then you'll love the Windsor Green Half Marathon. Loop past vineyards, cattle farms and rustic country roads before tucking in to a post-race hot breakfast prepared by the Windsor Fire Department. The Windsor Green Half is the first event in a local, three-race half-marathon series, which also includes the Water to Wine Half and the Healdsburg Half. Complete all three events and you'll be rewarded with a bottle of wine with a customized label and a series finisher shirt.