There's a stretch of the year when Arkansas quietly turns into one of the best places in the country to run 13.1 miles. Fall slides into winter, the summer heat finally lets go, and race mornings arrive with that crisp air that makes the first mile feel like a gift. From Halloween through early December 2026, there are four half marathons on the calendar here — enough to pick one, or string a couple together if you're feeling ambitious.
Whether this is your first half or one of many, here's a look at what's coming up and what makes each race worth a spot on your list.
Creep N' Crawl - Half Marathon, 5K, Lil Monsters Kids' Dash — Saturday, October 31, 2026
Little Rock
If you've ever wanted to race in costume and pretend it's a strategic choice, this is your moment. The Creep N' Crawl lands on Halloween itself, which means a half marathon with a little built-in mischief. There's a 5K and a Lil Monsters Kids' Dash too, so it's an easy one to turn into a family morning out. A fall holiday race is a low-pressure way to test your fitness before the season gets serious — and honestly, the finish-line photos alone are worth the entry fee.
Mid-South Races for Hope (Mid-South Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K) — Saturday, November 7, 2026
Wynne
A small-town race with a big-hearted name. The Mid-South Races for Hope bring a marathon, half marathon, and 5K to Wynne in early November, and there's something genuinely special about lining up in a community where the whole town seems to show up. If you're chasing a calm, friendly race day without the big-city crowds, this one fits. Early November in Arkansas usually means comfortable running weather, which is its own kind of encouragement.
Hope for the Holiday Half Marathon and 5k in Memory of Garrett Yeager — Saturday, December 5, 2026
Batesville
A December half marathon in Batesville, run in memory of Garrett Yeager — the kind of race that reminds you running is about more than splits. It's a holiday-season event, so expect a warm, community feel and a reason to keep training through the shorter days. If you've been looking for a meaningful way to close out the year, this is a strong pick. It's also the highest-rated race in this bunch, which tells you runners come away happy.
Fayetteville Half Marathon — Saturday, December 5, 2026
Fayetteville
Same day, different corner of the state. The Fayetteville Half Marathon brings 13.1 miles to one of Arkansas's most energetic college towns in early December. Fayetteville has a lively downtown and plenty of places to celebrate afterward, so it's a nice excuse to make a weekend of it. If you've got friends or family who want a race-day trip, this one offers a little more to do before and after the finish line.
Two races, one Saturday
Worth noting: Hope for the Holiday and the Fayetteville Half Marathon both fall on Saturday, December 5, 2026. That's a nice problem to have — you get to choose based on which part of the state you'd rather explore, or which race vibe fits your goals. Either way, you're closing out the year with a finish line.
How to pick
If you want a fun, costume-friendly fall race, start with the Creep N' Crawl on Halloween. If you'd rather build toward something in November, the Mid-South Races for Hope give you a friendly small-town option. And if you're planning a December goal race, you've got two strong choices on the same day — one with a community memorial heart, one in a lively college town.
Whichever you choose, the nice thing about Arkansas in this window is that the season does a lot of the work for you. Cooler mornings, quieter roads, and a finish line that feels earned.
Find your next Arkansas race
This is just the October–December 2026 window. To see everything coming up across the state, browse our full directory of half marathons in Arkansas — filter by what fits your schedule, your goals, and your sense of adventure. Your next 13.1 is waiting.