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)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- 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
On Saturday, December 5th, the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon returns to the Capital Area Greenway System on the Crabtree Creek Greenway. All finishers will receive a unique 2026 Raleigh Half Marathon Finisher’s medal, and the Top 75 Men and Top 75 Women overall, as well as age group winners (1st) outside the Top 75, will
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 5, 2026
Start Time
TBA
Start Location
2401 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh, NC, 27604
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
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
10 mph
Wind
70%
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.
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).
Is the Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon is a rolling hills, loop course course.
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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