2027 Avenue of the Giants Marathon

The Avenue of the Giants Half Marathon takes runners through Humboldt Redwoods State Park on a point-to-point course paved with asphalt and shaded by 300-foot ancient redwoods. Gentle rolling hills and a certified course make it a favorite for scenic PR attempts, but the real draw is the serene majesty of the forest. Now in its 24th edition, the race draws about 800 finishers from 40 states, many of whom turn it into a weekend getaway.

Packet pickup is at the start line, and parking is on a rocky river bar. There's no expo or big-city crowds—just the quiet rhythm of footsteps and the occasional cheer from volunteers, many of whom are local high school runners. Headphones are strongly discouraged, letting runners fully immerse in the sound of the woods.

Post-race offerings are simple: oranges, watermelon, and a cotton tee. But runners don't come for frills—they come for an unforgettable run through one of the world's most stunning natural settings. If you crave a peaceful, well-organized half marathon in a world-class location, this is it.