When you decide to train for a half marathon, one of the very first things you have to do is pick a race. For some runners, the choice is easy—you sign up for the local hometown run that goes right past your neighborhood. But if you are looking to travel, chase a specific goal, or tackle the 50-state challenge, the sheer volume of options can be overwhelming.
Looking at US half marathons by the numbers reveals a running landscape that is massive, diverse, and ready for whatever kind of adventure you want to have next. We track the data so you can spend less time searching and more time training.
Here is a look at the state of the 13.1 distance across the country, and what these numbers mean for your next starting line.
16,459 Active Races Across 50 States
That is the headline number: 16,459 active half marathons happening across 50 states.
If you are training for your first half marathon, this number should be incredibly reassuring. It means you do not have to fly across the country or win a complicated lottery just to experience the magic of race day. With over sixteen thousand races on the calendar, there is almost certainly a starting line waiting within driving distance of your front door, right when your training plan says you are ready.
For experienced runners and 50-state challengers, this number is an invitation. The journey never really ends. You could run a new half marathon every single weekend for the rest of your life and barely scratch the surface of what is out there.
The Busiest States for Racing
It probably comes as no surprise that the biggest states host the most races, but the drop-off after the top three is steep.
California leads the pack by a wide margin with 1,539 races. If you want to run along the Pacific Coast, through the redwoods, or down the streets of Los Angeles, California half marathons offer something for every season and style.
Texas follows closely with 1,303 races, and Florida rounds out the top three with 995. These states benefit from massive populations and winter weather that allows for year-round racing when the rest of the country is snowed in.
After the big three, the numbers settle into a very healthy middle ground. Washington hosts 501 races, Georgia brings 476, New York offers 451, Colorado has 427, and North Carolina hosts 420. Whether you want high-altitude mountain air in Colorado or a humid, tree-lined route in Georgia, the options are plentiful.
1,816 Standouts and 471 Runner Favorites
With over sixteen thousand races, how do you actually choose a good one? That is where community wisdom comes in.
We look at how races are rated to help you find the ones that truly deliver a great experience. Out of the massive national calendar, 1,816 races earn a score of 60 or higher, marking them as a Standout or better. These are the races with great organization, fun courses, and solid support.
If you want the absolute best of the best, 471 races have earned the title of Runner Favorite, scoring an 80 or above. These are the bucket-list races. They are the ones with the best crowd energy, the most scenic routes, and the kind of finish-line festivals that make the months of training completely worth it. When you want to guarantee your travel budget is well spent, start with a Runner Favorite.
751 USATF-Certified Courses
For many runners, finishing is the only goal that matters, and a GPS watch buzzing a little early or late is no big deal. But if you are chasing a personal record, you want to know that your 13.1 miles is exactly 13.1 miles.
Across the country, 751 half marathons feature USATF-certified courses. This means the route has been officially measured and verified. If you are returning to the distance after some time away and want to test your fitness, or if you are an experienced runner trying to shave minutes off your finish time, looking for one of these 751 certified courses gives you the peace of mind that your finish time is exact.
Find Your Next Start Line
The data proves one thing above all else: there is a race out there that fits your goals, your budget, and your sense of adventure. You just have to find it.
Ready to see what is out there? You can browse all half marathons and start planning the next chapter of your running story today.