Chill Out (or Warm Up) with 11 Winter Half Marathons in 2015-2016

Written by
Escape the snow or embrace the chill this winter with a half marathon of your choice. From Los Cabos to Brooklyn, New York, lace up your sneaks and pin on that number for your next (or first!) 13.1.
Divas Half Marathon
Dec. 6, 2015, in St. Augustine Beach, Fla.
1 of 12
The "most fun and glam women's half marathon series in the nation" goes to St. Augustine Beach for the second year in a row this December. The Divas Half Marathon is all about girl power, so get ready to log your 13.1 miles in very diva fashion. All runners receive a pink tutu to wear during the race (or whenever you want) and an on-course Boa & Tiara Station will allow you to get properly diva-fied for your finish line picture. Seriously, why don't all races have a Boa & Tiara Station?
2015 Cajun Country Half Marathon
Dec. 12, 2015, in Lafayette, La.
1 of 12
The Cajun Country Half Marathon is Southern Louisiana's oldest half marathon and takes place on a single loop through the city of Lafayette. With only a few small climbs, this race is a great option for first-time half marathoners and seasoned runners looking for their next PR. The race also offers a Baby Stroller division (with prizes) for those with little ones. No child to push? Runners can replace the kid with a 20-pound bag of rice to qualify for the Baby Stroller division. (And no, we're not joking.)
The Holiday Half Marathon
Dec. 12, 2015, in Brooklyn
1 of 12
The annual Holiday Half Marathon has been known for its cold temperatures and potential snow, so be sure to stack on the layers for this race. Taking place along the Shore Road Promenade in Brooklyn, runners will make two loops on the course, allowing friends and family to catch a glimpse of their favorite runner without having to move too many times. Drink specials and complimentary food await finishers at the Yellow Hook Grille as rewards for that well-earned 13.1.
Illuminations Half - Night Time 1/2 Marathon
Dec. 17, 2015, in San Antonio
1 of 12
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas—and this race is no exception. The third annual Illuminations Half is San Antonio's first night race, winding through the famous Texas Hill Country where the stars shine brightly in the wide-open Texas sky. The race takes place on golf course paths lined with luminaries, but individual headlamps are required to navigate the paths safely. A festive post-race party includes holiday treats such as hot chocolate, fresh fruit and other goodies.
2016 San Diego Holiday Half
Dec. 27, 2015, in San Diego
1 of 12
Use this race as an opportunity to burn off that Christmas ham—and get ahead of the leftovers you'll be eating for weeks. Beginning in front of the Doubletree Golf Resort, the fast course follows Carmel Mountain Road to Highway 56 and finishes at the Torrey Pines State Beach. The popular half marathon sells out every year, so be sure to register early for this one.
Callaway Half Marathon 2016
Jan. 30, 2016, in Pine Mountain, Ga.
1 of 12
Recently under new management, the Callaway Half Marathon takes place at Callaway Gardens, a peaceful southern spot to take your family for some pre- and post-run fun and relaxation. The course winds through the Callaway Gardens property, passing the beautiful butterfly and horticultural centers, the lush vegetable garden and the breathtaking Azalea Bowl. Come for the race, and stay for the West Georgia beauty.
Desert Classic Half Marathon
Jan. 30, 2016, in Surprise, Ariz.
1 of 12
As an Arizona original, the only surprise you'll get from the Desert Classic is the town in which it takes place. Starting and finishing at Riverboat Village, the course loop will take you through the stunning Arizona desert with a minimal elevation increase. To beat the desert heat, an extra early start time of 6 a.m. is available.
Hayes Arboretum Trail Half Marathon
Feb. 6, 2016, in Richmond, Ind.
1 of 12
For a change of scenery, hit the trails this February at the Hayes Arboretum Trail Race. The half marathon distance consists of two loops on old gravel service roads and single-track trails through the Hayes Arboretum. The property features 330 acres of old growth forest, offering views of beaver dams, historic houses, and regional plants and wildlife. Take the family to the Nature Center after the race, which has been converted from a dairy barn built in 1833.
Los Cabos Half Marathon 2016
Feb. 7, 2016, in Los Cabos, Mexico
1 of 12
Escape the cold weather and hit the beach in Mexico! Post-race, that is. Better yet, stay for an extra week and take your honey for Valentine's Day. This destination race is one you won't soon forget, both for the running event and for the family vacation. The mainly flat course (with the occasional challenging hill) tours the historic city of San Jose del Cabo, beginning and ending in the old town square "Plaza Mijares" and passing the estuary and the Puerto Los Cabos Marina.
2016 Hilton Head Island Half Marathon
Feb. 13, 2016, in Hilton Head Island, S.C.
1 of 12
Another fantastically-scenic course, the Hilton Head Island Half Marathon is a race to register for in conjunction with an extended vacation. The course offers a PR opportunity with the only slight hill located at a single bridge crossing Broad Creek. As a Boston-qualifier, this race is a great opportunity to take names during the run and then take it easy on the beach.
2016 Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon
Feb. 14, 2016, in San Francisco
1 of 12
The 33-year-old San Francisco Half Marathon has racked up the accolades, earning the Road Race of the Year title from the Road Runners Club of America and being named one of the most scenic races by Runner's World. With a net elevation loss throughout the race, the point-to-point course offers a great overall race experience with unmatched views and an awesome post-race expo.
1 of 12