December in Texas is arguably the best time of year to be a runner. The brutal summer heat is a distant memory, replaced by crisp, cool mornings that make long miles feel almost effortless. Whether this is your first half or one of many, the Texas winter running scene delivers an incredible environment for tackling 13.1 miles. With 47 half marathons happening across the state this month, you have plenty of options to choose from to fit your goals and sense of adventure.
From the massive, energetic crowds in Dallas and San Antonio to the quirky, holiday-themed coastal runs in Galveston, December offers a race for every pace and preference. If you are training for your first half marathon and want a flat, forgiving route, or if you are an experienced runner looking to add another state to your long-term journey, the options here are fantastic. Here is a look at some of the standout half marathons in Texas in December to help you plan your next adventure.
Dallas Marathon Weekend
If you want big-city race energy with unparalleled crowd support, the Dallas Marathon Weekend on December 13, 2026, is a true Runner Favorite. This event takes over the city, offering a massive, supportive atmosphere that is perfect for first-timers and seasoned runners alike. The road course winds through some of Dallas's most iconic neighborhoods, providing a scenic and dynamic backdrop for your 13.1 miles. Because it is part of a larger marathon weekend, you get all the perks of a major event—think a massive expo, excellent course logistics, and finish-line festivities that feel like a true celebration. It is a fantastic choice if you thrive on spectator cheers and want to feel part of a massive running community. The energy of the crowd will absolutely help carry you through those final miles.
BCS College Station Marathon
For runners hunting for a flat, fast course with a deep sense of community, the BCS College Station Marathon is a Runner Favorite that delivers. Scheduled for December 13, 2026, this road race offers a remarkably flat profile, making it an excellent candidate for anyone looking to set a new personal record or simply enjoy a smooth, steady pace for their first half marathon. The College Station community comes out in full force to support runners, creating a warm, encouraging environment from the start line to the finish. It lacks the overwhelming scale of the massive city races but makes up for it with impeccable organization and a welcoming, supportive vibe that makes the miles fly by. It is a great reminder of how fun a well-supported local race can be.
New Years Double
The New Years Double in Allen offers a completely unique way to celebrate the turning of the calendar. Held on December 31, 2026, this Standout event is famous for its back-to-back race format, allowing runners to run on New Year's Eve and again on New Year's Day. Even if you only sign up for the half marathon on the 31st, you will be treated to a flat, accessible road course and an incredibly festive atmosphere. The race is known for its beautiful shirts and finisher medals, celebrating the joy of getting active to end the year. It is a brilliant, low-stress way to close out your running year surrounded by people who understand exactly why you want to spend a holiday morning logging 13.1 miles.
2026 - San Antonio Marathon
Stepping up as a major cultural celebration, the San Antonio Marathon on December 4, 2026, is a Standout event that highlights the spirit and heritage of the city. This USATF-certified road course is flat and fast, offering a fantastic opportunity to see the historic and vibrant neighborhoods of San Antonio on foot. The race is heavily supported by the local community and city organizations, ensuring a well-planned, high-energy experience. Whether you are a local runner or traveling in for a winter destination race, the San Antonio half marathon distance provides a beautiful, supportive environment. The flat terrain is especially welcoming for those tackling their first half marathon, while the rich city backdrop keeps the journey interesting mile after mile.
Irving Frost Marathon
If you love a winter theme combined with a course built for speed, the Irving Frost Marathon on December 19, 2026, should be on your radar. This Standout event features a fast, flat, and USATF-certified road course that starts and finishes at the Toyota Music Factory. The winter wonderland theme adds a layer of fun to the serious business of running 13.1 miles, making it a great balance of race-day focus and lighthearted celebration. It is an excellent choice for runners who want a well-organized, scenic route with a fantastic post-race party. The flat profile makes it highly approachable for beginners, while the certified course appeals to veterans looking to test their late-season fitness before the holidays fully take over.
Georgetown Half Marathon
For a charming, small-town race experience, the Georgetown Half Marathon on December 12, 2026, is a Standout pick. Unlike the pancake-flat courses found elsewhere in the state, this USATF-certified road race features rolling terrain, offering a fun and engaging challenge for your legs. Georgetown is famous for having one of the most beautiful historic town squares in Texas, providing a picturesque start and finish area that feels incredibly welcoming. It is the perfect race for runners who want to escape the massive crowds of the big city events and enjoy a scenic, well-supported run through a beautiful community. The rolling hills keep the route interesting and give you a great sense of accomplishment when you cross the finish line.
Santa Hustle Galveston
When you want to prioritize pure holiday fun over finish times, the Santa Hustle Galveston on December 20, 2026, is exactly what you need. This Standout event is a magical, winter-wonderland-themed road race that brings Christmas cheer to the Texas coast. The flat course is incredibly forgiving, making it a wonderful, low-pressure environment for your first half marathon or a joyful training run with friends. Expect plenty of festive music, holiday-themed gear, and a crowd of runners who are there to celebrate the season as much as the miles. It is a brilliant reminder that running a half marathon does not always have to be serious—sometimes, it is just about enjoying the journey and the community you find along the way.
Brownsville Chief of Police Marathon
Tucked away in the southern tip of the state, the Brownsville Chief of Police Marathon on December 13, 2026, is a Solid Pick for runners looking for a flat, community-focused road race. This event offers a straightforward, supportive environment without the overwhelming logistics of massive city races. The flat terrain makes it a highly accessible half marathon, perfect for runners who want a steady, predictable course to test their endurance. It is a great excuse to head south for warmer December weather and experience a local race that truly values its runners. If you prefer quiet miles and the feeling of a hometown event, this Brownsville race is a great addition to your winter calendar.
How to choose your December race in Texas
With so many excellent half marathons in Texas in December, choosing the right one comes down to what kind of experience you want to have. If you thrive on massive crowd support and big-city energy, Dallas and San Antonio are fantastic options that will carry you through the miles. If you are hunting for a flat, fast course to see what your legs can do, College Station and Irving offer great setups. And if you just want to celebrate the season with a fun, low-pressure run, the New Years Double or Santa Hustle Galveston will deliver plenty of smiles.
Remember, whether this is your first 13.1 or you are checking off another state on your journey, the best race is the one that gets you excited to train. Pick a destination, grab a friend, and enjoy the incredible Texas winter running weather. You can explore all Texas half marathons to find the perfect fit for your next adventure.