11 Half Marathons That Are Perfect For Beginners

I got really lucky in that my first half marathon was the Nike Women's Half in San Francisco. And after experiencing such an incredible event — Tiffany necklaces! Course entertainment! Awesome expo! — I wanted to see who else was hosting races with as much energy and fun, especially after hearing they cancelled their half marathons in SF and Washington DC.

For first-time and beginner half marathoners, the energy of an event plays such a crucial role. From my beginner experience, that positive energy is what helped me complete those daunting and intimidating 13.1 miles. Breaking it down, a few things come into play: weather, course difficulty, and overall experience (aka FUN). I had so many questions: do you get a sweet race-day tank or t-shirt? Is there a cool prize? Are there places to stay near the course? How are the hills? What happens at the expo? All of these questions come in addition to: am I going to survive my first half marathon?

We've rounded up 11 of the best half marathons for beginners in the North America, based on the aforementioned criteria. From coast to coast, there's a fun, scenic, energizing course that'll be a fun challenge, and most of all, a memorable accomplishment — one that'll ignite a love of running races.

Rock 'N Roll

Wait for the desert heat to die down in November and experience the Las Vegas strip in a whole new way — by running it. The Rock 'N Roll race series hosts some of the most high-energy, fun, and dynamic runs, in a variety of locales, including party-centric Las Vegas (post-race cocktails, anyone?). The course is flat, the weather is cool, and the experience is 100 — as a runner, you get VIP access to top nightclubs like Hakkasan, and there's a concert at the end of the race.

If Vegas isn't your scene, they have races in 21 cities across the United States. Run along the beach in September in Virginia, run through the French Quarter during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, or through the seaside, picturesque parks in San Diego.

They've got a unique medal for each city, and if you run enough of these races, you'll get a hall of fame medal, cementing your status as a total "Rock Star."

runDisney

Disney parks offer some of the most creative and interactive races in the US. If you're obsessed with Disney princesses, try the Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando, which has the incomparable added bonus of being AT DISNEY WORLD, so you can plan your trip around visiting the park and completing a huge race challenge. Plus, you get to wear a tutu and tiara if that's your jam.

If princesses aren't your thing, maybe you're a Star Wars fan! Disneyland hosts the Star Wars Half Marathon in Anaheim each January, where you can expect to see costume-clad runners in the form of Stormtroopers and Wookies. They've even got a Wine & Dine Half Marathon, which incorporates some serious motivation at Disney World's Epcot Center. Both locations have the awesome benefit of being flat courses, in typically sunshiny, not-too-warm weather.

Run Like a Diva

If you're looking for even more tutus, but maybe not the Disney vibe, then you need to run like a diva (and pop some bubbly at the finish line!). The Divas Half Marathon event takes place in several locations, with nine in the continental US from Temecula, CA, to Branson, MO. Don your most feminine accessories (tiaras encouraged) and race your way to a medal shaped like a crown. Some locations have "firemen, roses, and champagne" at the finish line. This event knows how to treat a lady!

Key West Half Marathon

Are you ready to waste run away in Margaritaville? The Key West Half will have you cruising through the southernmost point in the continental US, along pristine Caribbean beaches, all the way until the finish line.

And if shooting oysters and sipping out of a hurricane glass sounds like your idea of a winner's circle, this is the race for you. The course is completely flat, the weather is always gorgeous, and the scenery is obviously stunning and tropical. You might just forget you're running a race with all the vacation vibes happening. And since the people running this event know their target demo so well, the medal you'll earn doubles as a bottle stopper for your post-race imbibing.

Wine Country Half

Speaking of vino, if wine is your key motivator, then look no further than wine country. Yes, there's a race that goes from Napa to Sonoma, in case you needed any more motivation to head for a weekend of wine tasting. Not only will you run through a beautiful, idyllic setting, but you'll be treated to archetypical California sunshine and temperate weather, while you race to get your (very nice) wine at the finish line.

Also, you'll have no problem carb-loading pre-race with the restaurants on offer, but in case you need something to pencil into your plans, the race hosts a dinner the night before the event, in addition to a wine and music festival after the race concludes, because "when in Rome," right?

Portland Marathon

The half-length variant of the popular PDX Marathon boasts several high points for beginners: the course is "basically flat," somewhat straight with only a few turns, really organized, and will have a somewhat uncrowded finisher's village, thanks to good planning. Also, Portland typically experiences lovely weather in early October, offering clear skies and cool, comfortable temps. All of this means less stress for a beginner!

The PDX Half Marathon organizers know it's "all about the little things" and are sure to incorporate that into the race experience; for starters, you get a rose at the finish line. Pretty sweet, if you ask us. You'll also get a nice swag bag full of goodies, a tree sapling to plant (how Portland is that!), and 37 on-course music and entertainment groups.

United NYC Half

In a city with this much energy, it'll be impossible for you to not get pumped up for your first half. Running through Central Park in New York's springtime weather will be a breeze, with only moderate hills in the first few miles, and the rest of the course being downhill and completely flat. You'll also soar through Times Square, with help from on-course entertainment and music. The United NYC Half Marathon hosts over 20,000 runners, putting on one heck of an event and a well-planned expo.

Hawaii Hapalua Half

How does this sound: Hawaiian vacation, a mostly flat beachside course (only one big hill), no time constraints, and perfect weather. Good? Good. The Hapalua Half takes place every April in Waikiki, and is open to runners of every speed — even walkers! In case you needed more of an excuse to visit Hawaii, just remember there's Hawaiian shaved ice at the finish line.

Surf City USA Half Marathon

Have you ever wanted to run a half marathon and surf in the same day? Huntington Beach, aka Surf City USA, is ready to welcome you to the enviably beautiful Southern California weather in February, complete with a FREE beer garden. Catch some waves and some rays after you crush 13.1 miles and a beer, along a flat, beginner-friendly course along the California coastline.

Airbnb Brooklyn Half

On the opposite coast, the #AirbnbBKHalf will take you from Prospect Park down to the Atlantic Ocean for a day at the beach in Coney Island. The always-sold-out race (this past year it sold out in under an hour!) is the largest half marathon in the country, with popularity points coming from the beautiful course, great time of year (Spring), ample amenities, and awesome location.

Covered Bridges Half Marathon

Experience Woodstock! No, not the music festival. Woodstock, Vermont — the post-card beautiful town on the East Coast. The Covered Bridges Half Marathon is another coveted race, with entries selling out yearly. As it name implies, the course is dotted with historic covered bridges — two which you get to run through. If you prefer trees and greenery to the beach and boardwalk, this location is for you — just make sure you can maintain a 13-minute mile!