Hell of a Half Marathon

Saturday, August 5, 2023 • Exeter, CA • Course Map

Note: A virtual option is available for this event. Registration details are included below. You won’t mistake it for any other race when you hear the name, will you? Run near the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in the middle of August, the Hell of a Half Marathon also features two big hills to tackle. Runners will need to not only bad heat, but they will also have a challenging course to contend with. However, bragging rights are big when it comes to this race and it does sell out. The 7:00 a.m. start does give runners a chance to avoid the heat of the day, but participants should be prepared for a toasty 13.1 miles. The loop course begins in Exeter Veteran’s Memorial Park where runners will begin the race with a relatively flat section through town. Racers will go about 2 ½ miles before they make a left turn on Myers Avenue. After a couple more easy miles, the climbs begin. Runners will make their way up the smaller Rocky Hill first knowing that the descent is awaiting for them once they crest the hill. The course continues on Myers Avenue and then onto Yokohl Valley Road. Once runners reach Rocky Hill Drive, they will make a left turn and cross the 9th mile mark. Though they are only 4.1 miles from the finish, runners must tackle the second larger hill first. After making it to the top of the second hill, it is all downhill to the finish line. Runners will continue along Rocky Hill Drive until they reach the city and head back to Exeter Veteran’s Memorial Park. With expected high temperatures on race day, there will be 9 total aid stations with water at all and electrolyte drinks after the 5.5 mile mark. Runners are encouraged to bring their own hydration as well due to expected race day conditions. Racers will have 3 1/2 hours to complete 13.1 miles. All finishers will receive a medal, a warm breakfast, and cold chocolate milk.

Race Weather & Climate

Exeter is situated in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range in California. Average lows are in the mid 60’s, but average highs jump to the mid 90’s in August. Highs of 115°F have been recorded in August in Exeter so be prepared to battle the heat. August is typically so dry that rainfall is an anomaly so plan to just pack a singlet and leave the rain jacket at home. On race day (Aug. 5), the average low is 61ºF and the average high is 96ºF.

Past Results

• 2021 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2020 Hell of a Half Marathon Results (Virtual)
• 2019 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2018 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2017 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2016 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2015 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2014 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2013 Hell of a Half Marathon Results
• 2012 Hell of a Half Marathon Results

Course Map

See the race route map for the Hell of a Half Marathon here.

Starting Time

7:00 AM

Course Time Limit

3 1/2 hours

Fees

• $85 – $95 for the half marathon

Registration

To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of Exeter’s Hell of a Half Marathon, register online at RunSignUp.com here.

Official Race Website

www.hellofahalf.com

Facebook Conversations

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See more races in: August, California