Half Marathons in North Carolina
North Carolina has 29 upcoming half marathons scheduled for 2026. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August, October, and November, quietest in March, June, and July. No single city dominates the calendar. Apex leads with 3 races, followed by Cary (2), Winston Salem (2), and Holly Springs (2). The remaining 69% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
Half marathons by month in North Carolina
Nov (6) · Aug (5) · Oct (5) · Apr (3) · Sep (3) · Mar (2) · Jul (2) · Dec (2) · Jun (1)
Showing 24 of 29
Running
Christmas 5K/10K/Half Marathon in July - Winston Salem
July 26, 2026
Winston Salem, NC
Running
Ninja 5K, & Half Marathon at Hickory, NC (31)
Hickory, NC
Running
Ninja 5K, & Half Marathon at Hickory, NC (31)
August 1, 2026
Hickory, NC
Running
Fall 2026 Adult Full & Half Marathon Training Morning - Holly Springs
August 2, 2026
Holly Springs, NC
Running
Carpe Diem - Carpe Noctem Half Marathon and 10K - North Carolina
September 12, 2026
Pleasant Garden, NC
Running
2026 Marine Corps Half Marathon presented by FirstLight Home Care & USAA
September 19, 2026
Camp Lejeune, NC
Running
9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026
Hillsborough, NC
Running
9th Annual Historic Hillsborough Half Marathon and 5K - 2026
October 4, 2026
Hillsborough, NC
Running
Long Life Meal Prep Cannonball Running Festival - Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
October 16, 2026
Greensboro, NC
Running
Emerald Isle Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K
Emerald Isle, NC
Running
Emerald Isle Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K
October 24, 2026
Emerald Isle, NC
Running
Run for Outreach - Tryon Half Marathon and Fall for the Foothills 5K
November 14, 2026
Tryon, NC
Running
20th Annual Lake Norman Half Marathon Turkey Trot 10K & 5K
November 26, 2026
cornelius, NC
Half Marathons in Nearby States
Frequently asked questions
How long is a half marathon?▾
A half marathon is 13.1 miles (21.1 kilometers). It is one of the most popular race distances in the US, attracting over 2 million finishers annually. Browse half marathons on RACE to find one near you.
How should I train for my first half marathon?▾
Most beginner training plans are 10-12 weeks long and gradually build your weekly mileage. A typical plan includes 3-4 runs per week with one long run that peaks around 10-11 miles before race day.
What is a good half marathon time?▾
The average US half marathon finish time is about 2 hours 10 minutes. Beginners often aim for under 2:30, while competitive runners target sub-1:45. Focus on finishing strong rather than a specific pace for your first race.
What are the biggest half marathons in the US?▾
The largest include the United Airlines NYC Half, RBC Brooklyn Half, Disney Princess Half Marathon, and the Rock 'n' Roll series events in Las Vegas, Nashville, and San Diego. You can find all of these on RACE.