Fall is prime racing season in Tennessee. The summer heat finally breaks, the trees start turning, and suddenly a Saturday morning long run sounds like something you actually want to do. If you have been circling a half marathon on the calendar, this is the window to commit. There are 9 upcoming half marathons in Tennessee right now, and a handful of them sit in a sweet spot: enough time to train, not so much time that you keep putting off registering.
Here are four worth building a fall around. Three of them land on the same Saturday, so you will have to pick your adventure.
Haunted Half Marathon — Kingsport
Saturday, October 31, 2026
A half marathon on Halloween in Kingsport. That is the whole pitch, and it is a good one. If you have ever wanted a race where the costumes are as much a part of the day as the finish line, this is it. It also carries a 92 out of 100 in our ratings, making it a Runner Favorite — the highest-rated race on this list. Late October in east Tennessee tends to serve up crisp, honest running weather, the kind that makes 13.1 miles feel like a gift instead of a chore. Register early if you want in.
See the Haunted Half Marathon details
Big River Crossing Half Marathon — Memphis
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Memphis knows how to put on a good time, and this race leans into it. The Big River Crossing Half Marathon scores an 89 out of 100 — a Runner Favorite — and pairs a flat, fast-friendly course with a city that rewards you afterward with barbecue and live music. If you are chasing a personal best or just want a big-city race weekend with real personality, this one earns its spot. Mid-November in Memphis usually means mild mornings, so you can leave the heavy layers at home.
See the Big River Crossing Half Marathon details
Secret City Half Marathon and 5K — Oak Ridge
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Oak Ridge brings a different flavor entirely. The Secret City Half Marathon and 5K rates 84 out of 100 — a Runner Favorite — and the 5K option makes it an easy race to bring a friend or family member along for. There is something appealing about a smaller-city race where the community actually turns out, and Oak Ridge delivers that. Same November Saturday as Memphis, so if you are deciding between the two, think about whether you want a big-city weekend or a quieter, close-to-home kind of day.
See the Secret City Half Marathon and 5K details
Clarksville Half Marathon & 5K — Clarksville
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Clarksville rounds out the November 14 trio with an 80 out of 100 rating — a Runner Favorite — and the same welcome 5K option for anyone not quite ready for 13.1. It is a solid, well-organized race that fits neatly into a fall calendar without demanding a full travel production. If you live in the middle part of the state, this is one of those races that is easy to say yes to.
See the Clarksville Half Marathon & 5K details
How to Pick Your Tennessee Half
With three races on the same November Saturday, the choice comes down to what you want out of the weekend. Memphis offers the biggest stage and the fastest shot at a good time. Oak Ridge and Clarksville give you a more intimate race-day feel, plus a 5K if you are bringing someone who is not ready for the half distance yet. And if a Halloween race with costumes and a little chaos sounds like your kind of fun, Kingsport is waiting.
Whichever you choose, the move right now is to register. Fall races in Tennessee fill up, and a training plan works a lot better when there is a bib with your name on it at the end.
Ready to see everything on the calendar? Head to our full half marathons in Tennessee directory to browse all 9 upcoming races, compare dates and cities, and find the one that fits your fall.
From your first 13.1 to your fiftieth state, we are in it with you.