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The 22 Best December Half Marathons in the US

What are the pros of running the best December half marathons?ย  First, you get to conduct a good chunk of your training during the late summer and early fall.ย  For many, that means avoiding some of the hottest summer temperatures and doing the longest training runs in the crisp autumn months.ย  Second, running December half marathons in some of the most scenic locations in the country also means avoiding some of the bigger crowds of visitors or tourists.ย  Thirdly, the last hints of fall foliage, or the early dustings of snow make some of the courses truly shine!ย  Lastly, what better way to close out the year with accomplishing a major personal goal!ย  If this sounds like your kind of December, then check out these top December half marathons in the US!

 

The best December half marathons in the US

Disclosure: Below are some affiliate links-these are all products I highly recommend. I wonโ€™t make any recommendations on this page that I havenโ€™t tested or personally used!ย  Enjoy this guide to the 22 best December half marathons in the US!

The 22 Best December Half Marathons in the US

 

These top 22 December half marathons in the US contain it all – high energy, stunning scenery, and exciting courses across every corner of the country!

 

 

What to Know About This December Half Marathons List

 

  • All the listed races are in December
  • The exact dates in December change from year to year and race to race, so always check the provided website for the race to confirm exact dates
  • Some of the events on this list include distances in addition to half marathons, like full marathons and 5k courses
  • These December half marathons contain courses from every corner of the country, highlighting the best running destinations from coast to coast!
  • You can find BOTH road running and trail running half marathons on this list
  • These December half marathons are listed in no particular order

 

 

Locations of the Best December Half Marathons in the US

 

As you can see, the courses of these best December half marathons hail from every corner of the country!

 

Locations of the best December half marathons in the US!

 

 

#1: Rehoboth Beach Half Marathon (Rehoboth Beach, DE)

 

Highlights: Running through the quaint seaside town of Rehoboth and the beautiful seashore of Delaware on a pristine December morning.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#2: Kiawah Island Half Marathon (Kiawah Island, SC)

 

Highlights: all the lush oceanfront scenery South Carolina’s coast is known for, plus the grand island village of West Beach.ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#3: Brazen New Year’s Eve Half Marathon (Lake Chabot, CA)

 

Highlights: your last chance to run before the New Year! Expect high energy, plus the chance to earn even more bragging rights by running again on New Year Day!

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

Lake Chabot California
Lake Chabot California

 

 

#4: BMW Dallas Half Marathon (Dallas, TX)

 

Highlights: Iconic buildings and skylines, entertainment districts, and historic neighborhoods along this spectator filled course.ย  This is the stateโ€™s longest running event that centers on White Rock Lake.ย ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#5: Mississippi Gulf Coast Half Marathon (Biloxi, MS)

 

Highlights: waterfront views with a crossing over the Biloxi Bay Bridge and post race party at Margaritaville Resort.

Get more info on this December half marathon HERE:

 

 

#6: Woodside Ramble Half Marathon (Woodside, CA)

 

Highlights: run through Redwood groves, surrounded by plenty of hills, streams, and forests in the San Francisco woodlands.ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#7: Rock N Roll San Antonio (San Antonio, TX)

 

Highlights: Rock N Roll races are known for big energy, big crowds, and high camaraderie, and the Rock N Roll San Antonio is no different.ย  Set in a charming Texas city with the holiday decorated Riverwalk and Alamo.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

San Antonio Texas
San Antonio, Texas

 

 

#8: Bakers Dozen Half Marathon (Hurricane, UT)

 

Highlights: this raceโ€™s reputation rests mostly on its aid stations, affectionately referred to as the โ€œSugar Shackโ€.ย  Filled with donuts, cupcakes, cookies, and candy bars! The winter views of Hurricane donโ€™t hurt either.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#9: Tulsa Half and Half Marathon (Tulsa, OK)

 

Highlights: this unique race allows runners to choose their half marathon course – either the hilly trail race through Turkey Mountain, or the paved Riverparks system with views of the Arkansas River.

Get more info on this December half marathon HERE:

 

 

#10: Death Valley Trail Half Marathon (Death Valley, CA)

 

Highlights: this is the best time of year to run in Death Valley National Park, for obvious reasons.ย  The colorful course through Titus Canyon is the biggest draw to this race, run entirely in the park.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park, California

 

 

#11: Hoover Dam Half Marathon (Lake Mead, NV)

 

Highlights: set in scenic Lake Mead, with a course that gets you up close and personal with this iconic landmark.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#12: Millinocket Half Marathon (Millinocket, ME)

 

Highlights: this northern half marathon course started as a grassroots movement to revive the spirit of Millinocket.ย  While entry is technically free, donations are accepted, and the race is organized by volunteers.ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#13: Panama City Beach Half Marathon (Panama City, FL)

 

Highlights: run entirely along the coastline of Panama Cityโ€™s beaches, with a post race finish at Margaritaville.ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

Panama City Beach Florida
Panama City Beach, Florida

 

 

#14: Santa to the Sea Half Marathon (Oxnard, CA)

 

Highlights: this course is festive and joyous, as you run through downtown Oxnard.ย  Youโ€™ll pass historic Candy Cane Lane with its decorated homes, and finish along the Pacific coast.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#15: St. Jude Memphis Half Marathon (Memphis, TN)

 

Highlights: run through the entertainment filled Beale Street, along the Mississippi River, and through the namesake St. Jude campus.ย  This race benefits St. Judeโ€™s and its children.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#16: OUC Orlando Half Marathon (Orlando, FL)

 

Highlights: this fast paced, big city race winds through Orlando and finishes at Lake Eola.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#17 : Cloudland Canyon Half Marathon (Cloudland Canyon State Park, GA)

 

Highlights: this is a challenging trail run with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in one of Georgiaโ€™s most vibrant and rugged state parks.

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#18: San Diego Holiday Half Marathon (San Diego, CA)

 

Highlights: not only is this course beautiful as it winds through Torrey Pines State Beach, but it also contains a healthy chunk of downhill, making it a fast course you can easily PR on!

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

Torrey Pines State Beach, California
Torrey Pines State Beach, California

 

 

#19: Tucson Half Marathon (Tucson, AZ)

 

Highlights: come run in the winter desert surrounding this Southwest city.ย  In existence for more than 50 years, the Tucson Half Marathon is a fast course, with a net downhill running through the Santa Catalina Mountains.ย ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#20: Storm the Castle Half Marathon (Blue River, OR)

 

Highlights: a challenging trail race with over 2,800 feet of elevation gain!ย  The payoff is classic Oregon scenery including the Willamette National Forest, the Mckenzie River, and the trails of Castle Rock and Kings Castle.ย 

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#21: Stars at Night Half Marathon (San Antonio, TX)

 

Highlights: set in the swanky JW Marriott Resort in San Antonio, this is a festive night race with plenty of decorations and lights!

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

 

#22: Santa Hustle Half Marathon (Galveston, TX)

 

Highlights: where else can you run with a bunch of Santas on the beach at Christmastime?!

Get more info on this December half marathon race HERE:

 

Galveston Beach, Texas
Galveston Beach, Texas

 

 

Got your eye set on one of these top December destination races?ย  Take the 1st step by starting your 16 week half marathon training plan!ย  Donโ€™t miss the chance to get individualized 1:1 coaching support to develop a customized half marathon training calendar that fits YOU and your needs!ย  Fill out this INTEREST FORM to get started today!

 

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