November in Kentucky has a way of making a half marathon feel like a small adventure. The summer heat has finally let go, the mornings are crisp enough to keep you honest, and the tree lines are doing that gold-and-rust thing that makes even a long stretch on the pavement feel cinematic. It is a great month to chase 13.1 here — cool enough to settle in, mild enough that you are not layering up like a burrito, and late enough in the season that all those training miles are ready to pay off.
There are three half marathons on the Kentucky calendar in November 2026, and they spread nicely across the month: one to start it, one mid-month, and one right before the turkey hits the table. Whether this is your first half or one of many, here is a look at what is coming up and why each one is worth a spot on your calendar.
Louisville Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K — Sunday, November 1, 2026
Louisville gets the month rolling on the very first Sunday, which is a nice way to set the tone for everything that follows. It is a Runner Favorite on our scorecard at 80 out of 100, and the appeal is simple: a big-city race day in a city that knows how to host, with a half marathon distance tucked into a full weekend of running. If you like the energy of a start line with a crowd around it and a finish line worth sticking around for, this is a strong opener to November. It is also a friendly pick for anyone who wants their first 13.1 to feel like part of something bigger.
Honor Run Half Marathon — Sunday, November 15, 2026
Two weeks later, Florence hosts the Honor Run Half Marathon, another 80-out-of-100 race and a solid mid-month target. The timing here is worth noticing: it lands right in the sweet spot of fall training, after the worst of the heat and before the holidays start rearranging your weekends. If you have been building through October, this is a natural place to put a race on the calendar and give all those easy miles a purpose. Mid-November in Kentucky tends to serve up the kind of running weather that makes you glad you signed up.
The Gobbler Half Marathon, 10K & 5K — Sunday, November 22, 2026
Lexington closes out the November slate with The Gobbler, and it is the highest-rated of the bunch at 83 out of 100. The name tells you most of what you need to know — this one leans into the Thanksgiving-week mood, with a half marathon plus shorter distances that make it easy to bring along a friend or family member who is not quite ready for 13.1. A late-November race has a particular charm: the season is winding down, the stakes feel a little lighter, and there is usually something warm waiting at the end. If you want to finish your fall on a high note, this is a good place to do it.
Picking Your November Race
Three races, three weekends, one state — and they are close enough together that you could reasonably build a little November running story out of them. Start in Louisville if you want the big-city feel early, aim for Florence if mid-month fits your schedule better, or save it all for Lexington and make The Gobbler your season finale.
A few practical notes as you plan: November mornings in Kentucky can start cool, so think about layers you can shed at the start line, and give yourself a little extra warmup time than you would in September. And if you are eyeing your first half, none of these races require you to be a veteran — they just require you to show up and keep moving.
Ready to see everything Kentucky has on the calendar? Head to our full half marathons in Kentucky directory to browse upcoming races, compare dates, and find the one that fits your fall. From your first 13.1 to your next adventure, we are in it with you.