Late fall is a sneaky-good time to race in Washington, DC. The summer humidity is long gone, the trees are doing their thing, and the city settles into that crisp, quiet rhythm that makes a Saturday or Sunday morning miles feel a whole lot easier. Whether this is your first half or one of many, the District has four upcoming half marathons in November and December 2026 — and they come with a little holiday spirit baked in.
Here's what's on the calendar, plus what makes each one worth a look.
Turkey Tumble for Autism 5K, 10K, & Half
Sunday, November 15, 2026 — Washington, DC
This one kicks off the stretch with a race that gives you a few distances to choose from, which is handy if you're bringing along a friend who isn't quite ready for 13.1 yet. The half is the headliner, and there's something nice about a mid-November race that lands before the holiday chaos really sets in. It's a Solid Pick in our book — a straightforward, welcoming way to get a fall half on the calendar without overthinking it.
If you've been circling a first half and want a low-key entry point, this is a friendly place to start.
DC Turkey Trot 5K & Half
Sunday, November 22, 2026 — Washington, DC
A week later, the Turkey Trot brings that pre-Thanksgiving energy — the kind where you earn your mashed potatoes a few days early. Also a Solid Pick, it's a good fit for runners who like a race with a little communal buzz and a distance option for everyone in the group. If you're chasing a late-fall goal before the year winds down, this is a solid target to train toward.
Rudolph's Race 5K & Half
Saturday, December 19, 2026 — Washington, DC
Now we're into full holiday mode. Rudolph's Race lands on a Saturday in mid-December, which means you can race and still have your weekend. It's another Solid Pick, and the 5K option makes it easy to rope in family or a friend who'd rather keep it short. A December half is its own kind of adventure — cooler temps, quieter streets, and a finish line that feels like a small victory lap before the holidays.
Santa's Sleigh 5K & Half
Sunday, December 20, 2026 — Washington, DC
The very next day, Santa's Sleigh closes out the season. Back-to-back race weekends in December are a fun challenge if you're feeling ambitious, or a great excuse to pick the one that fits your schedule best. It's a Solid Pick with a 5K alongside the half, so there's room for every pace and every goal. If you want to end the year with a finish line and a story, this is your last call in the District for 2026.
Pick your race and get registered
Four races, six weeks, one city. That's a nice little window to squeeze in a fall or holiday half — and registering now means you've got a goal to train toward instead of a vague intention to "run more." Whether this is your first 13.1 or one of many, there's a distance and a date here for you.
See the full lineup and details on the District of Columbia half marathon directory to find your next start line.
Train together. Plan better. Keep the adventure going.