As the saying goes, everything is bigger in Texas! Thankfully for runners, half marathons are still the same 13.1-mile long distance.
Of course, with the Lone Star being the largest state in the continental US, there are plenty of half marathon races across the state every year. Big cities like Houston and Dallas boast massive road races with thousands of runners, while small town halves pop up across the state for a more local experience. There are races through vineyards, on trails, ones that serve brisket at the finish festival, and, of course, plenty of Texas-brewed beer to go around.
If you’re a runner in the state and wondering how exactly you should choose which Texas half marathon to run, we’re here to help. As a long-time running journalist who has run dozens and dozens of half marathons, including in Texas, I’ve figured out how to identify a solid race. Here, I’ve trimmed down the list of hundreds of half marathons to just Texas’ 17 best.
1. Houston Half Marathon
Date: January 19, 2025
Location: Houston, TX
Register: https://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/
Not everyone realizes that Houston is not only Texas’ biggest city but also the fourth largest in the USA. As such, Houston’s half marathon boasts a massive field who race in a loop out of H Town’s downtown and back. While Texas is a largely flat state, Houston is an especially flat city and this half marathon is a nice choice for beginners searching for an easy race or runners looking to make a new PR.
2. 3M Half Marathon
Date: January 19, 2025
Location: Austin, TX
Register: https://downhilltodowntown.com/
Hosted the same day as the Houston Half, the 3M Half is being run over in Austin. Since Austin is technically in the Texas hill country, this half includes a few more inclines, but runners shouldn’t be too intimidated (though we do highly recommend hill training, regardless of your course). The point-to-point course sends runners on a 13.1-mile trek into the heart of the city where you’ll race through the University of Texas campus before finishing by the State Capitol.
3. Run the Line Half Marathon
Date: February 18, 2025
Location: Texarkana, TX
Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Texarkana/RuntheLineHalfMarathonTXAR
If you look closely at the name “Texarkana” you can probably guess that it’s a city located on the Texas and Arkansas state line. While the half starts in Texas, it finishes in Arkansas, completing a loop of the city in between. On race day, you’ll end up in both states at least twice which gives you the opportunity to include it as either state if you’re trying to run a half in all 50. You’re also only a few miles from both Oklahoma and Louisiana as well.
4. Cowtown Half Marathon
Date: February 23, 2025
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Register: https://www.cowtownmarathon.org/
Often outshone by its larger sister city Dallas, Fort Worth can often be perceived as a bit of an afterthought. The Cowtown Half Marathon (along with its ultra marathon, full marathon, 10K and 5K counterparts) prove just what an incredible city Fort Worth is. This flat race is excellent for beginners and gives runners a scenic loop through the city. You’ll pass the museum district, downtown, and even the Fort Worth Zoo on your way to the finish line.
5. Outlaw Half Marathon
Date: April 12, 2024
Location: Fredericksburg, TX
Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Fredericksburg/OutlawHalfMarathonand5K
You may never be on the run from the sheriff and his band of deputies on horseback, but the Outlaw Half lets you test your flight skills anyways. Located between Fredericksburg and Johnson City outside of Austin, this small town half through the hill country is not an easy run. Luckily rather than being thrown in the clink, you’ll get to celebrate the end of your outlaw stint with a sausage roll and beer. (You’ll need to make your own wanted poster.)
6. SARR Mission Half Marathon
Date: April 21, 2024
Location: San Antonio, TX
Register: https://www.rrca.org/event/sarr-mission-run/
In addition to the Alamo, San Antonio also offers visitors with several great half marathons and fun runs including the Siesta Half Marathon and the San Antonio RoadRunner’s Mission Half. The race, which runs out and back through the San Antonio River Mission Reach is a scenic one. After you cross the finish line, you can enjoy a drink on the River Walk, tour the Alamo, or even head to New Braunfels to enjoy the Schlitterbahn Waterpark.
7. DRC’s Tal Morrison Half Marathon
Date: April 27, 2024
Location: Dallas, TX
Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Dallas/DRCsTalMorrisonHalfMarathon
The Dallas Running Club hosts a number of exciting races each year, but a local favorite is the Tal Morrison Half Marathon. Named after the club’s founder, the race is held north of the city towards Plano and is an out-and-back course around White Rock Lake. The 13.1 miles of shoreline provide plenty of pretty views and a little bit of a breeze for an April race in Texas.
8. Pandora’s Box of Rox Half Marathon
Date: April 27, 2024
Location: Burnet, TX
Register: https://www.tejastrails.com/pandora
With plenty of wide open space, Texas also offers an impressive lineup of trail races including this one on a ranch outside of Austin. The course is hilly, there is minimal shade, and the race is run in late April so the weather will certainly be hot. Pandora’s Box was famously full of nothing good, and this half marathon will be challenging, but if you can stick it out and stay hydrated, crossing the finish line will be as rewarding as hell.
9. Vintage Half Marathon
Date: April 28, 2024
Location: Klein, TX
Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Klein/VintageParkHalfMarathon
If you’re looking to run a half in Houston and want to avoid the massive crowds of the Houston Marathon, you can sign up for Run Houston’s Vintage Half Marathon. The fast and flat half north of the city includes several out-and-back segments in its course through the suburbs. Perhaps the most exciting thing about Vintage Park’s half, however, is the supply of Voodoo Doughnuts waiting at the finish. Yum!
10. Wildflower Trail Run
Date: May 5, 2024
Location: Bastrop, TX
Register: https://www.trailracingovertexas.com/wildflower
Another fantastic trail race for those searching for a challenge is the Wildflower Trail Run part of a race series that includes distances ranging from a 50K to a 5K. Run in Bastrop State Park between Houston and Austin, the race offers plenty of time in nature but not too many resources. Runners are responsible for carrying water in between aid stations and knowing the loops of the course. If you’re looking for a challenge in sufficiency, however, this is your race.
11. Fiesta De Mayo Half Marathon
Date: May 18, 2024
Location: Irving, TX
Register: https://www.irvingmarathon.com/fiestademayohalf
For many, celebrating Cinco de Mayo means ordering some guacamole and a pitcher of margaritas. However, if you’re looking for a healthier option you might want to sign up for this Cinco de Mayo-themed race. The race is hosted each year in Irving, between Dallas and Fort Worth and includes cervezas, tacos and mariachi performers. It may be a hot race, but it’s also a fun one.
12. Badass Texas Half Marathon
Date: May 26, 2024
Location: Waco, TX
Register: https://www.runproject.org/events/badass-texas-race
Signing up for a race on Memorial Day weekend in Texas is certainly badass. With temperatures on average in the 80s, running 13 miles is no easy feat. The Badass Texas Half Marathon is for those runners looking to push themselves past their usual limit and is not for beginners. Racers will run along the Brazos River in search for a finisher medal and bragging rights.
13. Hometown Half Marathon
Date: June 8, 2024
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/FortWorth/HometownHalfMarathon5k10kDFW
Fort Worth’s Hometown Half Marathon may have “hometown” in the title, but we promise you can run it even if you’re from somewhere else. Despite being run in Fort Worth, it has small town energy as its out-and-back course runs along the Trinity River, starting and ending in Trinity Park. The race is hosted by Bodies Race Company who puts on races across the US with the motto “Fun. Family. Fitness.” You’ll find all three at this half.
14. Skyline Half Marathon
Date: September 18, 2024
Location: Dallas, TX
Register: https://www.runproject.org/events/skyline-half-race
Dallas’s Skyline Half Marathon is named because, you guessed it, it provides spectacular views of the Dallas skyline. Run along the Trinity River in a loop course just west of downtown, the half utilizes the Trinity Skyline Trail to show off the skyscrapers that stand over the flat Texas landscape. The race gives out free beer to finishers at the after party so you can celebrate beating the heat.
15. Barrier Island Ultra
Date: November 9, 2024
Location: Port Aransas, TX
Register: https://www.ultraexpeditions.com/barrier-island-ultra
On one hand, you get to run on the beach. On the other hand, you have to run on the beach. The Barrier Island Ultra Marathon’s half marathon, which is run on Mustang Island near Corpus Christi, starts and finishes directly on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and stays there for the duration of the out-and-back course. Running on sand can be a challenge if you haven’t trained for it, so while the breezes are nice, don’t sign up for this trail race unless you’re prepared.
16. Spicewood Vineyards Half Marathon – Wine lovers
Date: December 14, 2024
Location: Spicewood, TX
Register: http://www.runintexas.com/spicewood
If you are a Texas wine lover, then we have the race for you: The Spicewood Vineyards Half not only provides you with the opportunity to check another 13.1 off your list, but also gives you an excuse to snatch a glass of vino. The course runs through the hill country of Burnet County before finishing at the Vineyards. At the finish you’ll be treated to a wine tasting and your very own souvenir glass for completing the race.
17. Dallas Half Marathon
Date: December 15, 2024
Location: Dallas, TX
Register: https://dallasmarathon.com/
One of Texas’s biggest half marathons each year is Dallas’s marquee race. As with most big city races, this half marathon starts and ends in downtown Dallas while treating you to tours of some of the city’s unique neighborhoods in between. Just a few weeks before Christmas, it’s the perfect way to end your year and get some last minute fitness on your calendar before you settle down to eat nothing but cookies later.
