New York in late fall and the dead of winter is not a quiet season for runners — it's a season with a finish line already penciled in. The holiday stretch and the first day of the new year give you a reason to keep lacing up when the mornings get cold and the calendar gets crowded. There are five upcoming half marathons in New York in this window, and we've pulled out four worth planning around now. Whether this is your first half or one of many, here's where the next 13.1 could take you.
2026 Brookhaven Trail Half Marathon — Sunday, November 15, 2026
Wading River, New York
If you like your miles with a little dirt underfoot, this one earns a look. It's the earliest race on this list, which makes it a good target for anyone who wants to close out the fall season on trails rather than pavement. A solid pick for runners who are curious about off-road racing and want a low-pressure way to try it.
Pelham Half Marathon and 10K — Saturday, November 28, 2026
Pelham, New York
Thanksgiving weekend running has a certain appeal: you've earned the leftovers, and a Saturday race gives the holiday a shape. Pelham lands the weekend after the holiday and brings a 10K along with the half, so it's an easy one to share with a friend who isn't ready for 13.1 yet. Our score for this one is 78 out of 100 — a runner favorite in our book, and a strong pick for a late-fall goal race.
NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon — Sunday, December 13, 2026
New York, New York
A December half in the city is its own kind of holiday tradition. This one scores 77 out of 100, putting it right alongside Pelham as a runner favorite. If you've been meaning to test yourself on a bigger stage, or you just want a reason to keep training through the darkest weeks of the year, this is the one to circle.
Sri Chinmoy New Year's Day Half-Marathon — Friday, January 1, 2027
New York, New York
Start the year with 13.1 miles and everything after that feels like a bonus. This New Year's Day race scores 73 out of 100 — a standout in our ratings — and it's the kind of goal that makes December training feel purposeful instead of obligatory. Fair warning: the post-race pancake stop is a rumor we fully support.
Pick your race, then pick your plan
Four races, four different flavors: trails, a holiday weekend, a city winter classic, and a New Year's Day start line. Registration windows for late-fall and winter races tend to close earlier than you'd think, so if one of these is calling, don't sit on it.
For the full list — including the fifth upcoming half in this window — head to our New York half marathon directory and find the race that fits your season. From your first 13.1 to your fiftieth state, we're in it with you.