California has hundreds of half marathons. These are the 10 we would send a friend to. We picked them from finish results: runners who come back year after year, real turnout, measured courses and a long track record. Then an editor checked every one. No race can pay to be here.
Published November 10, 2026
#1Pasadena, California · Next race January 17, 2027
29% of last year's runners had run it before
One of the biggest halfs in the state, and close to 3 in 10 runners come back the next year. That is rare at this size.
#2Berkeley, California · Next race November 15, 2026
22% of last year's runners had run it before
A big-city fall half with a real national draw: runners come from 29 states.
#3West Sacramento, California · Next race March 14, 2027
28% of last year's runners had run it before
A March favorite in the Sacramento area. More than a quarter of the field are repeat runners.
#4Carlsbad, California · Next race January 17, 2027
Runners from 51 states and territories
The destination pick. Runners travel from every corner of the country for this January race on the coast north of San Diego.
#5Big Sur, California
Runners from 46 states
Sold out in 2026. Runners from 46 states, and a quarter of the field comes back.
#6Redlands, California · Next race March 7, 2027
26% of last year's runners had run it before
A hometown race with decades of history. Small field, big loyalty: a quarter of runners return.
#7Ventura, California · Next race February 21, 2027
Runners from 35 states
A mid-size coastal race that pulls runners from 35 states.
#8Palm Desert, California · Next race February 14, 2027
Runners from 32 states
Small and friendly, yet runners come from 32 states for a February half in the desert.
#9Oakland, California · Next race March 19, 2027
20% of last year's runners had run it before
The Bay Area's big spring city race, with runners from 27 states.
#10Riverside, California · Next race January 9, 2027
29% of last year's runners had run it before
A January race in Riverside where nearly 3 in 10 runners come back.
Big, long-running races lead the top 10. These picks are for the runner who wants something smaller or more local.
Best Small RaceUnder 500 finishers a year
Davis, California · Next race November 21, 2026
24% of last year's runners had run it before
Most turkey trots are 5Ks. This one has a full half marathon and a loyal local field: a quarter of runners come back.
Most Loyal RunnersHighest share of returning runners
Fontana, California
33% of last year's runners had run it before
One in three runners comes back the next year. That is the best return rate of any race with 1,000+ runners on this list.