Ready to run? Endurance Magazine challenges you to go long! Just because half marathons are the hottest new running event distance doesn’t mean you have to run 13.1! We’ve compiled a list of some great races all 10 miles or longer – including Endurance Magazine’s very own Tar Heel 10 Miler, which has a new course and a new finish in Kenan Stadium. In addition to Tar Heel 10 Miler, you’re sure to find a great half marathon, too.
TOP PICKS
Dowd Y Run Half Marathon
Charlotte, NC – November 7
Other Distances: 5K
Organized by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte the Dowd Y Run features a great course through the streets of Charlotte abundant with trees. The run is a fundraising event held each fall with all the proceeds benefiting the YMCA’s Community Outreach Campaign. The money raised provides mentors for teens, sends children to summer camp, help teach valuable job skills, offers health screening for seniors and much more.
http://www.ymcacharlotte.org
Suntrust Richmond Marathon and McDonald’s Half Marathon
Richmond, VA – November 14
Other Distances: NTELOS 8K
Along with with Suntrust Richmond Marathon, the Sport Backers also bring you the McDonald’s Half Marathon which starts near 7th & Broad Streets and finishes in the charming and historic downtown Richmond. Featuring a fast downhill finish, the course also runs through scenic and historic sections of Richmond. Like the marathon, the McDonald’s Half Marathon has some rolling hills and is great for first-timers.
http://www.richmondmarathon.com
Reindeer Dash for Cash 10 Miler
Greenville, NC – December 6
Other Distances: 5K
The Reindeer Dash for Cash is held in honor of Captain Christopher S. Cash who died in service in Iraq. Proceeds from the race will go into the Capt. Christopher Cash Memorial Foundation of NC, Inc., which awards annual scholarships in his memory. In the 2008, in its fourth year, the race drew over 500 runners and saw a course record set at 51:20 on the flat and fast route!
http://www.reindeerdashforcash.org
Thunder Road Marathon and Amica Insurance Half Marathon
Charlotte, NC – December 12
Other Distances: Marathon Relay and 5K
Charlotte’s Thunder Road Marathon also includes the Amica Insurance Half Marathon, which like the marathon, unites the excitement of road racing, music, family-friendly entertainment and the Charlotte region’s rich heritage of stock car racing.
From the time the green flag drops on race day until the checkered flag falls on the final finisher, you will enjoy one of the Southeast’s most scenic courses.
http://www.runcharlotte.com
Disney World Half Marathon
Orlando, FL – January 9
Other Distances: Disney World Marathon, 5K and Goofy Challenge
The half marathon takes place on Saturday, the day before the marathon, and takes you to the Magic Kingdom® Park and then back to Epcot® for an exhilarating and “magical” finish. This race is perfect if you are a first timer or a veteran.
http://disneyworldmarathon.com
Riverfront Race Festival Half Marathon
North Charleston, SC – January 15 & 16
Other Distances: 10K and 5K
The race course are flat and scenic, winding through the historic Charleston Naval Shipyard, now the Navy Yard at Noisette, and the revitalized downtown North Charleston and Park Circle areas..
http://lowcountrymarathon.com
Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
Melbourne, FL – February 6 & 7
Other Distances: 8K and 5K
The Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon weekend includes a 5K and 8K on Saturday and the half and full marathons on Sunday. The 8K, half and full marathons are USATF Florida Championship races, and the half marathon is also the USATF National Championship Masters race. The beautiful riverfront course includes two bridge crossings for the half and four for the full with more than 20 musical acts along the course. It’s February 2009 inaugural running led many masters elites to proclaim in as one of the nation’s best half marathons. Average temperature is mid-fifties.
http://www.themelbournemarathon.com
Columbia Half Marathon
USRA Half Marathon Series Inaugural Race
Columbia, SC – February 27
Other Distances: 5K and Fun Run
The Columbia Half Marathon kicks off the inaugural USRA Half Marathon Running Series in Columbia, SC. The race will showcase parts of the Women’s Olympic Trials Marathon course through the downtown, rolling, tradition rich streets of Columbia. Participants will be inspired by music throughout the course and a live band performing at the finish line party.
http://columbiahalfmarathon.com/
Gasparilla Distance Classic
Tampa, FL – February 28
Other Distances: Marathon, Marathon Relay, 15K and 5K
Using the same start and finish as Tampa’s Gasparilla Marathon, the half marathon also features a flat and fast course that showcases beautiful and historic neighborhoods including Bayshore Boulevard.
http://www.tampabayrun.com
Alston + Bird 30th Annual Corporate Cup Half Marathon
Charlotte, NC – March 6
Other Distances: 5K and Half Marathon Relay
For the 30th year in a row, the Childress Klein YMCA and surrounding business community will celebrate healthy competition – all while giving back to the community through Community Outreach Programs.
http://www.ymcacharlotte.org
Bentonville Half Marathon
Bentonville, AR – March 13
Other Distances: 5K and Fun Run
The Bentonville Half Marathon is part of the USRA Half Marathon Running Series. Amenities include a Tech Running Shirt and Commemorative Finisher’s Medal to all Half Marathoners. Participants will be inspired by music throughout the course and a live band performing at the finish line party.
http://bentonvillehalfmarathon.com
Lexington Half Marathon
Lexington, KY – March 28
Other Distances: 5K and Fun Run
The Lexington Half Marathon is part of the USRA Half Marathon Running Series and will start and finish at the world renowned Fasig-Tipton Horse Farm. The scenic rolling route will showcase the region’s famed horse farms and run through the famed Kentucky Horse Park, home of the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Amenities include a Tech Running Shirt and Commemorative Finisher’s Medal to all Half Marathoners. Participants will be inspired by music throughout the course not to mention a live band at the finish line party.
http://www.allsportcentral.com/EventInfo.cfm?EventID=22680
