Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon
The Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon offers a fast, scenic greenway course with a community-focused atmosphere.
Race Date
Dec 5, 2026
Location
Raleigh, NC
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Location
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + Virtual Half Marathon
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,599
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon winds through the Capital Area Greenway System on the Crabtree Creek Greenway, offering a beautiful natural setting. This USATF-certified course is known for its fast and flat profile, though runners should be prepared for a notable incline and subsequent decline around miles 2 and 11, affectionately dubbed 'Mt. Greenway.'
With a median field size of around 860 finishers, the race fosters a friendly, low-key atmosphere, a departure from larger, more spectacle-driven events. Runners from approximately 16 states have recently participated, with about 22% returning in subsequent years, highlighting a loyal community.
Finishers are rewarded with a unique medal, and the event, now in its seventh year, is organized by Sir Walter Running, a local nonprofit dedicated to bringing the running community together. It’s a well-supported event, with pacers adding to the positive race-day experience.
Race-provided description
The Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon will return to the classic course, starting at Gateway Plaza on Saturday, December 5, 2026! Additional information will be updated soon! The Raleigh (Holiday) Half Marathon is directed and promoted by Sir Walter Running, a Raleigh-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring the Greater Raleigh running community together through innovation, activation, and inclusivity. Sir Walter Running is a USATF club that also produces the Sir Walter Miler, the Pop Up Miles series, the Raleigh RunDown Downhill Mile, a series of Strava Challenges, and the Summer of Miles podcast.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
2401 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.09 m
Separation
2.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NC25017BDS · 2025 Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite867 years running
~860 finishers a year
growing or steady
22% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 16 states
winner 1:07:08
typical high 55°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
39°
Afternoon (High)
55°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.1"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,599 finishers actually crossed the line across 7 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,599
Median time
1:55:49
Latest turnout
437
States
36
Turnout by year
2019–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon?
The Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon is held on Saturday, December 5, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Raleigh, North Carolina.
What distances does the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus Virtual Half Marathon.
Is the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,599 runners who have completed the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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