If you’re planning to run a half marathon in New York, don’t miss out on these races which are consistently rated the best by those who have run them.
Kiwanis Kingston Classic Half Marathon – Kingston
Kingston is one of the state’s most historic cities and is located in the beautiful Hudson Valley, about 90 miles north of New York City. If you’re looking for a great place to visit in spring, this is an excellent option. According to Hitsrunning.com, “Great courses and family-friendly fun make this a win at any distance. Boasting perfect weather for running, the Kiwanis Kingston Classic… is a destination event like no other.”
The Course
The course extends out of Kingston along county rail trails and loops back through Hurley to Dietz Staduim. Expect a mix of trails and roads, some hills and changing terrain.
Image Source: Map My Run
Reviews
“I thought it was excellent. It was well-manned, there was someone at every mile and change, there were ambulances, there were people cheering. I thought it was perfect.” – Jennifer, Dailyfreeman.com
“The old railroad path is quite flat. It’s great for fast times and then, all along the course, there’s lots of support. Sometimes you felt like you were running in the middle of nowhere, but then there would be little pockets of people with great attitudes that cheer you on… Plus you’re over the river and you see St. Peter’s church below, so it was great, amazing views.” – Noah, Dailyfreeman.com
Airbnb Brooklyn Half Marathon
This is a serious event right here: the Airbnb Brooklyn Half is the biggest half-marathon in all of the US, and is part of NYRR’s Five Borough Series. In 2015, 26,482 runners completed the half marathon, setting a new record. The pre-party and the after-party are both amazing (think live DJs, miniature golf, delicious food), and the experience promises to be totally unique!
The Course
The course extends past the Brooklyn Museum, around the Grand Army Plaza Arch, and down through Prospect Park to Ocean Avenue. You pass by the NY Aquarium and finish on the Coney Island Boardwalk. There are just a few rolling hills and winding roads, as well as some downhill inclines, but much of the course is flat.
Reviews
“It was a great day. Prospect Park was a bit hilly, but there were some GREAT declines to coast down. Crowd support was amazing and my fellow runners were the best! The finish was epic and the post-race party was amazing!” – Toni, Blackgirlsrun.com
“The pre-race expo was the best expo I have experienced to date. Organization was top notch, and the start at Grand Army Plaza and the finish at Coney Island were great experiences. Great finisher’s medal and t-shirt.” – Travelrunreview.com
The Walkway Marathon and Half Marathon – Poughkeepsie
“Elevate your expectations,” says the official website. This half marathon extends over the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge, a 212-foot walkway from which runners will enjoy the “jaw-dropping views of the majestic Hudson.” The environment is an important part of this race, which prides itself on striving to be a zero-waste event.
The Course
The course includes the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail trail, the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, and the riverside campus of Marist Collect. It is a flat, fast and scenic course.
Image Source: Walkway Marathon
Reviews
“This was a well-organized marathon run almost entirely on rail-trail, which means fast and flat on paved surface, no vehicle traffic, ample shade and breathtaking views from two-hundred feet above the Hudson River. There were plenty of water stops/aid stations and the enthusiastic staff there sufficed for spectator support.” – B.M., Marathonguide.com Review
“The small size meant it was easy: easy packet pick-up, easy parking, easy access to port-o-potties. The organization was excellent and water stops every 1.5 miles was AWESOME, especially given the heat. Finishers’ medals were wooden & produced locally: WIN.” – K.B., Marathonguide.com Review
Camp Chingachgook Challenge Half Marathon – Lake George
This scenic marathon is a small and intimate affair in a beautiful setting. According to past participants, the post-race buffet is one of the highlights, along with the medal, which is a cowbell. The course extends along the shoreline of Lake George in the southern Adirondacks, and begins at Lake George Elementary School and ends at Camp Chingachgook.
The Course
According to the official website, “It is a challenging course that rolls its entire length. There aren’t any ‘killer hills’ to deal with, and several people have actually run their personal best times on this course.”
Image Source: Halfmarathons.net
Reviews
“The course had some gorgeous views! I urge you, run a race in the Adirondacks!” – Jen, Jenisgreen.com
“Would I do this race again? Sure would! If you’re going to make it upstate, this is a great summer race to do. Doesn’t have the frills and thrills of a big city race but it has its charms (and food!).” – Jane, Runthejungle.com
The Oak Tree Half Marathon – Geneseo
This is a small town event (expect around 300 runners) in an absolutely wonderful setting: the Genesee Valley. The course includes everything from horse farms and sheep pastures to the Oak Grove savannahs with 300-year-old trees. The finisher medals are handmade and there’s live music on the course to boot!
The Course
About 40% of the course is paved and 60% is dirt roads. It is moderately hilly, with rolling hills that first appear around mile 5 and continue until the end. The hill at mile 11 is especially challenging.
Image Source: Genesee Valley Conservancy
Reviews
“The Oak Tree Half in Geneseo, NY is described as ‘challenging’ on the website and a course elevation chart showed about 9 mile of hills, up and downhill. It looked pretty rough but I signed up for it anyway! It was a lot of fun, despite that malicious hill 2 miles from the finish. I will definitely do this race again, and hopefully will be stronger so I can keep a better pace up the hills.” – George, Runago.com
“Turns out this race, a fundraiser for the Genesee Valley Conservancy, is a hidden gem. It is a wonderful, quiet alternative to some of the larger half marathons in the city. The hills and humidity combined to make a challenging, non-PR course, but the value and atmosphere was delightful.” – Andrea, Democratandchronicle.com
Mighty Niagara Half Marathon – Youngstown
This marathon attracts runners for the amazing views, as the course extends through two historic towns, Lewiston and Youngstown, and past the Historic Old Fort Niagara compound, Fort Niagara State Park, and the French Castle. It’s also a winner in terms of the atmosphere, as live bands play before, during and after the race and the spectator support is second-to-none.
The Course
The Mighty Niagara Half Marathon course is mainly brick, concrete and asphalt, except for the Fort Niagara segment, where you’ll be running on loose gravel. There’s a quick downhill start, and the rest of the course is fast and flat. Most of the course is closed to traffic, but not all of it.
Image Source: Mighty Niagara Half Marathon
Reviews
“This was the most beautiful, great race I have ever run! I came from AZ just to run this race, I rate it # 1 out of the 10 half marathons I have run. For sure will be on my list next year. Please don’t change the course… it was spectacular.” – Kathleen B., Mightyniagaraghalfmarathon.com
“The Mighty Niagara Half Marathon is a well-organized event with a beautiful and fast course where you will be taken care of from start to finish. Highly recommended.” – Andrew C., Mightyniagarahalfmarathon.com
Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon – New Rochelle
Organized under the slogan “These are the trails that try men’s soles”, an adaptation of a Thomas Paine quote, you get an idea of what you’re in for. The course is a giant loop which extends through the woods where runners mingle with all kids of cool wildlife, from coyotes and hawks to wild turkey and “other critters”, according to the official website.
The Course
The course is challenging. Participants will be running on the Colonial Greenway, which is a wooded trail that extends through Scarsdale, Eastchester, Mamaroneck and New Rochelle. “Approximately 12 of the 13.1 miles are run on dirt (and rocks, roots, and other foresty things),” according to NYCruns.com. The first half is more technically challenging than the second half. For mile by mile details, check this out.
Image Source: Paine to Pain
Reviews
“My toughest run ever! But I came, I saw, I conquered.” – El Tiburon, Facebook Review
“It was an amazing trail race that tested me in ways I have not been tested in a very long time! Thanks!” – Megan, Facebook Review
Divas Half Marathon – East Meadow
This is a seriously fun ladies only half marathon with a lot of unique features. This includes a blinged out finisher’s medal (handed out by shirtless firefighters), pink tutus given out with registration (which runners are encouraged to wear on race day), champagne at the finish line, and free feather boas and tiaras along the race course. It’s the perfect event to hit up with your squad.
The Course
This flat out-and-back race starts and ends at Eisenhower Park, one of Long Island’s most emblematic sites. Runners will also cruise by Nassau Coliseum, Museum Row and the Mitchell Athletic Complex.
Image Source: Runningrecaps
Image Source: Halfmarathons.net
Reviews
“There was SO much pink! A lot of the women were dressed up, and I even saw some girls running in actual dresses! It was so much fun to see! At Mile 12 they handed us our pink boas and tiaras, it was amazing! It was so weird running with a feather boa! There were shirtless firefighters handing out our medals and we even got a small glass of champagne and a rose. It was quite amazing.” – Jen, Jenisgreen.com
“As far as the race itself- I loved it! I saw lots of small groups of ladies (lots of moms, too) wearing matching outfits- down to the pink tutu. Some women traveled as a group. I also saw a bridal party (wearing matching shirts). This would be a fun girls trip. This is definitely a beginners friendly race, too. Lots of walkers and run/walkers, as well as women running in packs just for fun (not competitively).” – Runningrecaps.wordpress.com