Fall in North Carolina has a way of making the miles feel easier. The heat backs off, the mornings get crisp, and suddenly that long run you dreaded in July sounds like a good idea. If you've been circling a half marathon on the calendar, this is the window to commit — there are 15 upcoming half marathons in North Carolina between November and December 2026, and the four below are worth planning your season around.
Whether this is your first 13.1 or one of many, here's a look at what's coming up, where it is, and why it might be your next start line.
Parkway Subaru Battleship Half Marathon & GFL 10K|5K
Sunday, November 15, 2026 — Wilmington
Wilmington in mid-November is a good place to be. This one earns a score of 86 out of 100, and it's a strong pick if you want a coastal race before the holidays take over your calendar. The weekend also includes a 10K and 5K, which makes it an easy one to share with a friend or family member who isn't quite ready for 13.1 yet. If you've been looking for a reason to get a fall race on the books, this is a solid one.
Greensboro Half Marathon
Saturday, November 21, 2026 — Greensboro
With a score of 91 out of 100, the Greensboro Half Marathon is the highest-rated race in this roundup — a Runner Favorite by our measure. A Saturday race day means you can spend the rest of the weekend recovering properly instead of rushing back to real life. If you're chasing a strong fall effort or simply want a well-regarded race in the Piedmont, put this one near the top of your list.
Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon
Saturday, December 5, 2026 — Raleigh
December races have their own charm, and this one lands at 86 out of 100. A Saturday in early December is a nice way to close out the year — the holiday season is in full swing, and a half marathon is a good excuse to earn the rest of the month. If you like the idea of a race that doubles as a little celebration, Raleigh is worth a look.
Planning Your Fall and Winter Race Calendar
Here's the practical part. November and December fill up fast, and races that score this well tend to draw a crowd. If one of these is on your list, register sooner rather than later, then build your training backward from race day.
A few things worth thinking through as you choose:
- Check the date against your life, not just your fitness. A Saturday race in late November looks different from one in early December once holidays, travel, and family plans are on the calendar.
- Pick the race that fits you. If you want a coastal weekend, Wilmington is your move. If you want the highest-rated option in this group, Greensboro is right there. If you want to close the year with a celebration, Raleigh fits.
- Bring someone along. The Battleship weekend's shorter races make it easy to turn a race into a group trip, even if not everyone is running 13.1.
Whether this is your first half or one of many, the best race is the one you actually sign up for. These four are a good place to start.
Find Your Next North Carolina Half
This is just a slice of what's ahead. To see all 15 upcoming half marathons in North Carolina across November and December 2026 — and to find the one that fits your goals, your schedule, and your sense of adventure — head to our North Carolina half marathon directory. From your first 13.1 to your fiftieth state, we're in it with you.