California currently has 25 upcoming half marathons on the calendar, and the timing could hardly be better. Late fall is when the state's race season really hits its stride: the long, bright days of summer are behind us, race mornings feel easier to get out the door for, and a 13.1 suddenly sounds like something you want to do rather than something you have to survive.
Whether this is your first half or one of many, this stretch of the calendar gives you four races worth circling right now — one in the East Bay, a same-weekend pair on the coast, and a holiday-season run in San Diego to close out the year. All four land in the Runner Favorite range in our ratings, which is our way of saying runners who've actually done them keep saying good things. Here's what's coming up, and why each one is worth a look.
Berkeley Half Marathon — Berkeley, Sunday, November 15, 2026
If you're choosing by the numbers alone, start here. The Berkeley Half Marathon scores 97 out of 100 in our race ratings — the highest of the four on this list — and it sits comfortably in the Runner Favorite tier. It's a Sunday race in Berkeley, which puts it in the middle of a proper fall training block: late enough that you can build toward it from where you are right now, early enough that you're not squeezing long runs between holiday commitments. For a first-timer, a race this well-liked by the people who've run it is a very good place to begin. For a veteran, it's a strong excuse for a Bay Area weekend.
Monterey Bay Half Marathon — Monterey, Sunday, November 8, 2026
The Monterey Bay Half Marathon scores 92 out of 100 — another Runner Favorite — and takes place on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Monterey. It's the earliest date in this group, which makes it the race to pick if you want your season to peak sooner rather than later and still leave room for one more goal before the year ends. Monterey is a genuinely great place to spend a race weekend, and November 8 means you're training through some of the best running weather California offers all year. If you've been on the fence about signing up for something, this is the one with the least waiting involved.
Santa Barbara Half Marathon & 5K — Santa Barbara, Sunday, November 8, 2026
The Santa Barbara Half Marathon & 5K scores 89 out of 100, also Runner Favorite tier, and also lands on Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Santa Barbara. Yes — same day as Monterey Bay. That's a good problem to have and a genuinely difficult decision, so here's the honest way to make it: choose the city you'd rather wake up in, and choose the race that fits your travel plans. If you have family or friends in one of them, that's usually your answer.
There's a bonus to the same-day situation, too. Whichever one you skip this year is a ready-made goal for next year, and that's the kind of thing that keeps a running year interesting.
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K — San Diego, Saturday, December 19, 2026
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K scores 85 out of 100 — the fourth Runner Favorite in the group — and it's the odd one out in the best way. It's on a Saturday, December 19, 2026, in San Diego, and it's the only December race here. That timing matters more than it might seem. A December goal gives you a reason to keep running through the busiest, most schedule-wrecking month of the year, instead of trying to cram training in around everything else. Plenty of runners treat a late-December race as the reward at the end of the season rather than one more obligation.
How to Choose Between Them
If two of these are calling your name, here's a simple way to sort it out:
- Want the soonest goal? Monterey Bay, November 8.
- Want the strongest all-around pick? Berkeley, November 15 — 97 out of 100.
- Want a weekend away? Monterey Bay or Santa Barbara, both on November 8. Pick your city.
- Want to finish the year strong? San Diego, December 19.
And if none of these four fits your calendar, don't stop here. Four races is a small slice of what's actually available — there are 25 upcoming half marathons in California right now, spread across the state and across the next few months. That's the nice thing about California: there's almost always another start line within driving distance.
See the Full California Race Calendar
Dates, cities, and race intel for every upcoming half in the state live in one place. If you're ready to pick your next adventure — or just want to see what a full season of options looks like — start here: Half marathons in California.
From your first 13.1 to your fiftieth state, the goal is the same: find a race that fits you, and give yourself something to train toward.