Ahhh, the Golden State. Home to endless white sandy beaches, the Golden Gate Bridge, and year-round sandal season. If you’re looking for great weather and some killer views, a California half marathon is a great way to go.
Brazen New Year’s Eve Half Marathon-Castro Valley
The Brazen New Year’s Eve Half Marathon takes place in Castro Valley, Valley, California. Around New Year’s Eve, the average temperature for Castro Valley is in the high forties to low fifties, but temperatures can dip down into the low thirties so it would be wise to look out for ice along the path. This race will take runners around Lake Chabot Reservoir which was built in the 1870’s as a primary source of water for those living in the East Bay. The Reservoir was closed to recreation until the 1960’s. Today, the lake serves as an emergency water supply and is a favorite fishing hole to many of the local fisherman. Reserve your spot here.
The Course
This course is a single loop with the race both starting and finishing near Lake Chabot Regional Park. About 30% percent of the course takes place on paved trails, the remainder of the race runs along dirt trails. Throughout the course, there is a total elevation change of 2,075 feet so be ready to climb some hills. Runners commonly mentioned the struggle of climbing the hills in the latter part of the race, so make sure to incorporate some incline training into your routine.
Reviews
“Holy cow batman! This course is NO JOKE (at least 10k and half)! The 5k fares better, since it misses the nightmare of a hill, but the 10k and half marathon both have a killer hill that is steeper than anything you’ll probably ever train with. Because of that, I’d say DO NOT try to get a PR on this course–you’ll be walking for about a mile and a half, cause there’s no way you can run that whole hill. But, the view from the top is great! Also, a lot of the course is paved, but a lot is on dirt, also. In the winter, it can get especially chilly, so watch out for black ice!”– Angela H., Yelp.com
“While not Brazen’s MOST challenging, this is a challenging hill trail race. I was questioning my sanity miles before finishing; I also realized that finding and expanding my ability limits is part of what I’m doing. With these two races, weather – i.e. rain and cold – and course condition can be factors. It did not rain during 2014 (Almost) New Year’s Eve (nor the New year’s Day 2015 race), but the temperature just before sun-up was in the upper 30s F, and there was a thin sheet of ice on some sheltered areas near the lake shore. A few parts of the course were muddy from rainstorms a week or two earlier.”-Pete S., Yelp.com
Napa-to-Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
The Napa-to-Sonoma features a fast and scenic course that starts at the Cuvaison Carneros Winery and finishes in the historic Sonoma Plaza. According to dailyburn.com, this marathon ranks as California’s number one half-marathon and one of the best in the nation. In addition, this race sponsors many fun, family oriented activities so be sure to bring a support group and schedule time for some family bonding. Click here for dates and registration info.
The Course
This runners field is limited to 3,500 participants in order to offer the runners and their family members the best racing experience possible. Apart from a steep short stint near the beginning of the race, the course is mostly flat. This race is ran entirely on paved roads and 7 aid stations are placed at about 1.5 mile intervals. All aid stations will be stocked with water and one will have Gu energy gels. The post race tent will also be stocked with food and beverages to help you recover after the race.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“The one thing wrong with this race is that it’s too good! You’ll need to sign up quickly once registration opens. The course is fast with a few rolling hills. It’s exceptionally well organized, plenty of porta-potties at the start, along the course and at the finish. The wine festival after the race is really great in the lovely Sonoma City park. Although run in July, the morning starts are almost cool, if not even chilly.”-Running Favorites, runningfavorites.com
“I’ve run this race most years since i first ran it back in 2006 – it’s gotten a lot more popular over the years, and deservedly so. the course is great: there’s a short, steep uphill at the start but the rest of the race is gentle ups and downs, generally a pretty quick course. also beautiful, as you’re running through vineyards practically the entire race. the race is always well-organized, occasionally the mile markers are a little bit off, but not by too much, and there are plenty of water/electrolyte stations along the way. everything in the sonoma town square at the end is always great too – good recovery food/drink, plenty of free samples, and everybody loves all the wine (and lagunitas). last year was especially fun, as they got some american elites to come out and run (lauren fleshman, ryan and sara hall), and meb as the lead bike. highly recommended, and i’ll be back again this summer!”-J.T. Williams, runningfavorites.com
La Jolla Half Marathon – Del Mar
100% of the race proceeds from this event go to the benefit of community programs that help the youth and seniors of the community. The La Jolla Half Marathon is part of the San Diego Triple Crown and it is a challenge! Many runners have commented on just how challenging this course is. If you are looking for a fast, flat race, it would be in your best interest to overlook this one. If you are looking for a rewarding course with beautiful views then give this one a shot. Check it out here.
The Course
The La Jolla Half Marathon is a point to point race that starts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and follows the coast and Torrey Pines Mesa. While there is not a ton of elevation change in this race, there are two notable hills on the course. The first starts at 2.25 miles and climbs at a 2.1% grade for a mile and a half. The second hill starts around mile 5 and has an average grade climb of about 3% for almost 2.7 miles. Twelve water stations are placed strategically throughout the course so you should be able to stay well hydrated for the big climbs.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“This is a beautiful course. If you are not an elite runner and you are scared, do it anyway. If you are scared you can’t keep the pace time, do it anyway. If the hills scare you, do it anyway. The race is very well organized. It is small, less than 12,000 participants. There are enough water stations, even if you are toward the back of the pack. You can’t meet the time limits by walking the entire race but if you can run/walk 50/50 split you should be okay. The views are beautiful and the post race party is nice.”– Deborah V., Yelp.com
“If you want a challenge, run this beast of a half. I’ve run San Francisco, Rocky Mountain, Mammoth at 9,000′ and they have nothing on La Jolla if you want a challenging course. I wouldn’t recommend it for a first half, though. Not if you ever want to run another one! Or, on second though … if you do this as your first one, they will all seem easier after this. Guarantee it.”-Nicole T., Yelp.com
Surf City Half Marathon
If you’re looking for a race with some California sun to chase away the winter blues, then the Surf City Half Marathon may be just the ticket. The ocean is visible for the majority of the race so the view and the ocean breeze will keep you going. The race partners with Run for Mobility which strives to provide free wheelchairs to those in need. To date, the foundation has given away over 37,000 wheelchairs. Learn more here.
The Course
Surf City Half Marathon is considered an award winning course and one of the best half marathons in the country. This is a large race so runners will start in waves of about 1,000 participants at 2-3 minute intervals. The course is flat and fast and is very well stocked with bathrooms, water and aid stations which are manned by eager school kids. If you are looking for a PR, this race would be and excellent choice since the course features a meager 93 feet of gain.
Credit: MapMyRun
Reviews
“Excellent event, very well organized, wave start really cut down on congestion on the course. Porta potties every couple miles, great idea. It is a pretty flat run (one small hill, nbd) right next to the beach, so you run with the ocean breeze in your face. Lotsa surf bands, plus Tibetan dudes banging drums gongs and cymbals. VERY COOL. Will definitely be doing this one again.”-Fo B, yelp.com
“Just did the half this past weekend! This is my third time doing the half, luckily this time the weather was gorgeous unlike the rainy, windy years I’ve done this event. The bling here is amazing as always and if you register early, it’s actually not too expensive. The organizers have always done a great job with parking, volunteers, and the amount of food afterwards.”-Pete S., Yelp.com
Star Wars Half Marathon-Disney Land
The Star Wars Half Marathon fills up extremely quickly, sometimes within an hour, so be prepared to click the registration button the moment it opens! You will have to pick between the light side and the dark side. One happens in January and the other in April This half marathon benefits the Discovery Science Cube of Orange County which provides funding for hands-on scientific exploration and strives to encourage millions of children and teens to engage with science based programs. For any Star Wars fan, this is an intergalactic experience complete with costumes, light-sabers, and Chewbacca. Get more information here.
The Course
The course is relatively flat and if it weren’t for the throngs of storm troopers swarming around you this would be a great course to set a PR. Unfortunately, the amount of participants can tend to make setting a new record a little difficult. The course is extremely flat, featuring only 151 feet of elevation change. There are many small hills, inclines, and declines, but there is a good chance with everything happening around you that you won’t even notice the elevation shift.
Credit: Map My Run
Reviews
“The race itself was great! I loved running through Epcot, Boardwalk and Beach Club Resort, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and finishing in the ESPN World Wide of Sports! There are definitely a lot of times you are running between the parks where there isn’t very much to look at…however Disney does a great job with putting multiple characters and cheering sections along the way. And they had some excellent Star Wars characters out for pictures. I was very pleased!”-Allen Whittaker, bibrave.com
“I love Star Wars! Star Wars is in my top favorite three things in this world. I have ran this race twice now and the inaugural run was the best. Unfortunately the route in 2016 had a lot of traffic. Between miles two the to four there was a lot of stop and go stop and go traffic inside the park because there wasn’t enough room to run. The lines for the characters inside the park were insane I think maybe as time goes on it would be best if they had more characters out. I love that both races that the 501st was lining the race so that runners could stop and take pictures at Miles 9 and 10. I will continue to run this race until I can’t any longer. If you are a Star Wars fan, this is the race for you. So many great costumes and lots of racers with great energy!”-Sarah S., yelp.com