The 11 Best Half Marathons in the U.S. (That Feel Like a Party)

It’s been said that a race is just a celebration of all the hard work and dedication you’ve put into training. The boxes have been checked, the preparation is complete, and all that’s left is to enjoy the run!

Some races fully embrace the idea that half the marathon means double the fun with on-course music, incredible swag, great prizes, free food, and epic after-parties. Maybe your idea of fun is sipping a fruity Zin at a post-race wine festival or enjoying the soundtrack of live bands on course. Perhaps you just want to wear an outrageous costume and rock out at an epic after party.

Whatever your party style is, are you ready to paaarty?! If so, check out this list of 11 half marathons in the U.S. that provide good vibes and fun times from gun start to finish line.

Races in the Northeast Region

1. Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon – Concord, New Hampshire – Oct. 4, 2026

Head to Hampton Beach for a rockin’ good time at the Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon. Reportedly the largest running event in New Hampshire, more than 6,000 runners and spectators attend the festival (err … run) each year. In addition to on-course music, you will enjoy scenic views along the beach and tree-lined roads on a flat (elevation gain of 60 feet) and fast (elite runners can get comped entries) half marathon.

When the event began in 2008, the goal was to create a “unique running experience that combined the scenic beauty of Hampton Beach with the excitement of a music festival.” Once you cross the finish line, there’s a rockin’ after-party in the beer garden on the boardwalk with multiple live bands on the Sea Shell Stage. Runners can celebrate their accomplishments by enjoying complimentary craft beer and lobster rolls.

2. Baystate Half Marathon – Lowell, Massachusetts – Oct. 18, 2026

Baystate Marathon is a top Boston Qualifier, but just because you’re competitive, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun too! The Baystate Half Marathon has been described as having a “festival feel with BQ vibes.” With a mission to be “for runners, by runners,” event organizers aim to improve the athlete experience every year. Although a bit smaller than big city races, Baystate still has great crowd support and provides a more intimate, personalized feel.

On course, keep an eye out for “Motivation Mile” signs with inspirational messages from club members and fellow runners. There’s a new finish line experience where a monitor shows your name and finish time as you cross the line, as well as a BQ/PR bell you can ring to celebrate. Also, there’s a new recovery tent where you can get a massage, and be sure to stop by the food tent for hot chicken noodle or minestrone soup. Age group awards are personalized and shipped directly to you after the race!

3. Covered Bridges Half Marathon – Woodstock, Vermont – June 7, 2026

Although this race has more of a small-town feel, Covered Bridges Half Marathon is no less a party! In fact, because it’s capped at 2,300 athletes, it often sells out within minutes of going live. What makes this race unique (besides the fact that you get to run under covered bridges) are the on-course bands. There’s a band, performer, or cheering station located almost every mile, including steel drums, guitarists, DJs, and a community orchestra.

There’s a pre-race pasta dinner and, once you cross the finish line, head over to the food and beer tent to enjoy Lazy Cow Ice Cream and beverages from Harpoon Brewery. Top award winners receive cool prizes, including hand-crafted pottery, maple syrup, and cheese.

Because this event operates with a completely volunteer-based staff, it’s able to donate more than $75,000 each year to local nonprofit groups focused on youth activities and sports in the Upper Valley of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Races in the Midwest Region

4. Flying Pig Half Marathon – Cincinnati, Ohio – May 1-3, 2026

Known as the “largest weekend party in town,” Flying Pig Marathon is a must-attend event for runners in the Midwest. With a variety of distances including marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-mile, Flying Piglet (for kids), and Flying Fur (for dogs), there’s something for everyone.

Every mile has entertainment and cheer stations, along with aid stations that offer traditional fare and fun extras like bacon! There are designated party zones for spectators with complimentary snacks and refreshments—because spectating is hard work too. Once runners cross the “finish swine,” they can head to the Michelob Ultra Victory Party for complimentary beer and live music.

5. Indy Mini Marathon – Indianapolis, Indiana – May 2, 2026

Fondly known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Running,” the Indy Mini Marathon is a huge race with more than 100 bands, DJs, and performers that line the course. In the past, there have been magicians, drum lines, cloggers, and belly dancers.

Get to Indy a few days early to see the sights and take part in the Official Shakeout Run on Wednesday night. Then, pick up your packet and tour the race expo with activities and exhibits.

The course starts in downtown Indy and includes a 2.5-mile lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. A time-honored tradition is for runners to kiss the bricks on the oval track. There’s a big post-race festival in Military Park with an entertainment stage, free massages, live feed of the race, live music, and more. Stick around on Sunday for a recovery run, followed by bagels, coffee, and yoga.

6. Good Life Halfsy – Lincoln, Nebraska – Fall 2026

If you’re looking for a fun atmosphere with great crowd support, head to Lincoln, Nebraska, for Good Life Halfsy. To start, the course is a point-to-point net downhill, so it’s fast. PR party anyone?

There’s also great race swag, including a long-sleeve tech T-shirt, sticker, personalized race bib, souvenir race guide, bottle opener medal, promo gift box, free photos, race recap video, and personalized finisher certificate.

The course takes you along parks, tree-lined boulevards, and Lincoln’s most notable landmarks. To keep the energy high, there are five cheer stations and more than 20 on-course entertainment acts. If you bring your little ones along, they can enjoy Halfsy Kids Day Camp at the Lincoln’s Children’s Museum while you race!

Races in the Southern Region

Note: There were so many options in the South that it was hard to narrow it down to just three. This region really knows how to party.

7. Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville – Nashville, Tennessee – April 25-26, 2026

If you’re looking for great music and good vibes, head no farther than Tennessee for Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville. In addition to a half marathon, there’s also a marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-mile, kids run, and doggie dash.

The course takes runners on a tour of Music City past landmarks like Broadway, Music Row, The Gulch, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Honky Tonky Highway. You will listen to great tunes during the entire 13.1 miles, thanks to live bands, DJs, and cheer squads.

The Health and Fitness Expo is open all weekend and hosts musical acts as well. The day after the race, there’s an after-party with live music that’s open to the public.

8. Gasparilla Half Marathon – Tampa, Florida – Feb. 22, 2026

Arrgh you ready for the biggest run party in the South? The Gasparilla Half Marathon is just part of a massive pirate-themed celebration in Tampa, Florida. There are other distances as well, including 15K, 8K, 5K, and the nighttime Hot Diggity Dog Walk for four-legged friends.

The half marathon course is an out-and-back on Bayshore Boulevard. Along with race entry, runners receive a long-sleeve performance shirt, reusable Booty Bag, and post-race food and beverages, including Columbia Restaurant’s 1905 salad, black beans and rice, and a complimentary beer. If you want to take advantage of all the buccaneer fun, Children’s Gasparilla is on Jan. 24, Gasparilla Pirate Fest is Jan. 31, and Outbound Voyage is March 1.

9. Shamrock Half Marathon – Virginia Beach, Virginia – March 21-22, 2026

Don your green run attire and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the Virginia Beach way by running the Shamrock Half Marathon. The 2026 event will be the 54th year of the Shamrock Marathon, and there are multiple distances for everyone, including marathon, half marathon, 8K, Leprechaun Dash, and more.

The half marathon course travels tree-lined streets and past historical sites, including Fort Story, where Jamestown colonists first landed in America in 1607, and Cape Henry Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the U.S. The finish line takes runners on the famous Virginia Beach boardwalk past the King Neptune statue by the Atlantic Ocean.

And it wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without a giant party! Runners can enjoy complimentary beer while they listen to live bands play by the beach.

Races in the Western Region

10. Bay to Breakers – San Francisco, California – May 17, 2026

While it’s technically not a half marathon, we couldn’t have a list of party races without including Bay to Breakers. In fact, this 12K-15K is more of a party than it is a race. Known for insanely outlandish costumes and all kinds of shenanigans (even nudity) the “Mardi Gras of the West” has been a San Francisco tradition since 1912, making it the longest consecutively run foot race in the world.

It’s also massive. In 1986, the race had 110,000 participants, and it’s held the world record for the largest race for 24 years.

On the third Sunday in May, runners start at the Embarcadero (bay side) and run the hills toward the western side of the city, ending at Ocean Beach (the breakers). Keep an eye out for centipedes, a group of 13-15 runners who travel the full distance while linked together. The race officially starts when the pink gorilla mascot, “Ape Hashbury,” crosses the start line.

11. Howloween Half Marathon – Farmington, Utah – Oct. 24, 2026

All the ghosts and goblins come out to play at the Howloween Half Marathon in Farmington, Utah. This Halloween-themed race provides all treats, no tricks, with a flat, fast course. It features just 109 feet of elevation gain.

At the post-race party, there’s a pancake breakfast. Be sure to wear your best costume because there’s a $250 cash prize up for grabs. All finishers receive locally designed Howloween medals.

Make a day out of it by running the race in the morning, then head over to Lagoon Amusement Park for Frightmares, a Halloween-themed event with the Fun House of Fear, Malevolent Mansion, Nightwalk, and more.