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Raleigh Holiday Half Marathon

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

Runner Favorite86

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

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyPR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalWell Organized

Course

Scenic RouteFast Flat

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

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Quality Score

Runner Favorite86
Methodology
Heritage14/20

7 years running

Size15/15

~860 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty20/20

22% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 6 timing sources

National draw7/10

runners from 16 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:07:08

Weather8/10

typical high 55°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

39°

Afternoon (High)

55°

Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

70%

Humidity

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.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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