Running Long Distance Spring U.S. Half Marathons By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on January 17, 2020 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF-certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Print You've already set your goal to run a half marathon this spring, so now you have to decide which half marathon to run. Half-marathons are a very popular race distance, so there's a good chance you can find a local one. But if you're looking for a unique experience or want to visit a new city, check out this collection of top U.S. spring half marathons that are worth the trip. 1 Anthem Shamrock Half Marathon Photo by Sami Sarkis When: MarchWhere: Virginia Beach, Va.Why do it: Designed to coincide with and commemorate the St. Patrick's Day festivities in this coastal Virginia beach town, the Shamrock Half-Marathon runs the same day as the Yuengling Shamrock full marathon. The half marathon race completes a fast, flat loop course before it ends on the Virginia Beach Boardwalk. The finish line celebration offers plenty of good music, Irish stew, and Yuengling Beer. 2 New York City Half Marathon Ghislain & Marie David de Lossy/The Image Bank/Getty Images When: MarchWhere: New York, NYWhy do it: If you don't think you'll ever participate in the New York City marathon, this other "crown jewel" of New York City running is a great option. You'll run the first half of the New York City Half Marathon in New York's famous Central Park and then take to the streets of the city, running right through Times Square and down the city's west side, along the Hudson River waterfront. Although it was held in the summer for its first four years, the New York City Half Marathon now takes advantage of cool March weather for fast running. 3 Run The Bluegrass Half Marathon Carlos Alvarez/E+/Getty When: MarchWhere: Lexington, KentuckyWhy do it: Dubbed the "prettiest half marathon" in the country and called a "must-run" half by Runner's World, the Run the Bluegrass half marathon takes you through the Keeneland Thoroughbred race course. Race perks include a vintage hoodie, craft beers and plenty of food at the finish, and lots of music and entertainment along the course. 4 Salt Lake City Half Marathon Getty Images When: AprilWhere: Salt Lake City, UtahWhy do it: The Salt Lake City half marathon is a point-to-point course that takes runners through the heart of Salt Lake City, offering beautiful views of the surrounding snow-capped Wasatch mountains. Starting at an elevation of just over 4800 feet, the half marathon course offers mostly flat and downhill running. Crowds of cheering spectators and live bands line the course all the way to the finish line at the Olympic Legacy Plaza at The Gateway in downtown Salt Lake. You can expect cool racing weather in mid-April. 5 Country Music Half Marathon Getty Images North America When: AprilWhere: Nashville, Tenn.Why do it: The Country Music Half Marathon goes off at the same time as the Country Music Marathon, so you can take advantage of the crowd support for more than 35,000 race participants while getting an ultimate tour of music city. All along the course, you'll be entertained by country, rock, jazz, blues, swing bands. For those who want to continue the party into the evening, there's a post-race concert in downtown Nashville. Past performers include Phil Vassar, Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Sarah Evans, Jo Dee Messina, and Kenny Rogers. 6 Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon Getty Images When: MayWhere: Cincinnati, OhioWhy do it: One of the biggest marathon/half-marathon combinations in the country, the Flying Pig Half Marathon always gets high marks from participants as a fun and well-organized race. The race course offers a diverse tour of some the best neighborhoods in the Cincinnati area, as it "flies" along the streets of Cincinnati, Covington, and Newport. 7 Rite Aid Cleveland Half Marathon Getty Images When: MayWhere: Cleveland, OhioWhy do it: The Cleveland Half Marathon course shares the same starting line and time as the full marathon, with the race for both starting in downtown Cleveland and then continuing along the shores of Lake Erie. Along the way, participants will be able to catch views of many of the city's most well-known sights, including Browns Stadium (home of the NFL's Cleveland Browns), the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and Jacobs Field, where the Cleveland Indians play. Although the course has a couple of hills, it's mostly flat and steady. By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit Advertiser Disclosure × The offers that appear in this table are from companies that partner with and compensate Verywell Fit for displaying their offer. These partnerships do not impact our editorial choices or otherwise influence our editorial content.