Best Half Marathons in Texas (14 of our Favorites)

These races are consistently ranked among the best Texas half marathons year after year. The Lone Star state is a great place to plan races in Winter when many other areas are deep in snow and ice. But you'll also find wonderful and interesting races during other seasons too.

If you're looking for some fun and interesting events, you'll definitely want to consider these half marathons in Texas. You won't be disappointed! You might also want to check out our article: The Top 25 Half Marathons in the US and check out our 8-Week Training Plan here.

Two Rivers Half Marathon

The Two Rivers Half Marathon is known as "The Prettiest Race in Texas" with breath taking views as the point-to-point course travels along the Guadalupe River, with three river crossings.

The race takes place in November where the average temperatures are in the low 70°'s, and you'll enjoy tree-filled views, rolling hills, and maybe even a few deer sightings along your way.

New Braunfels, Texas is roughly 35 minutes from San Antonio and is home to the world-famous Schlitterbahn Waterpark where you can enjoy a fun afternoon with your family after the race.

Two Rivers Half Marathon was formerly known as the Chosen Marathon and is often called "The Prettiest Race in Texas". The running shoe store, Two Rivers Running recently took over the event management, although the proceeds continue to benefit Chosen who's mission is to help children from abuse and neglect.

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Barrier Island Ultra

Without a doubt, the Barrier Island Ultra may be the most beautiful half marathon you'll run. The race is run entirely on sand along the Gulf of Mexico on Mustang Island, Port Aransas, Texas. Many runners consider this to be a bucket list race.

If you enjoy hard-packed sand, you'll want to run along the water line, or if you prefer to run in softer sand, you can run near the road. Either way, you'll enjoy the open spaces of the beach while you listen and watch the ocean waves.

The out and back course starts and ends at The Beach Lodge restaurant where you can enjoy a wonderful seafood meal after your race. There's little to no elevation which makes this an easy-to-moderate course to run. It is also an Eco Friendly race.

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Tinajas Trail Race

Another beautiful half marathon is the Tinajas Trail Race which takes place in Colorado Bend State Park in Bend, Texas. But don't let the beauty of this event fool you, it could (and maybe should) also be listed under our hardest half marathons section.

There's a variety of distances available that range from a 10k to a double marathon (52.4 miles). The half marathon route will be a single lap that highlights the best of the park where you'll be able to view the Tinaja rock formations and waterfalls. You might even see some wildlife!

Expect some hills, but remember since it's a trail run you'll encounter rocks and roots, and you may even get your feet wet! This beautiful and difficult trail course is a favorite for those who want to relish in the experience and know they earned their finish.

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Border to Badlands Ultra

The Border to Badlands Ultra is a unique run through the Seminole Canyon State Park which is a prehistoric area that dates back over 10,000 years. You'll experience unique desert wildlife and flora on this Eco Trail Race.

The half marathon consists of two loops over unpaved technical single-track trails and backcountry jeep roads where you'll enjoy incredible views where the Seminole Canyon meets the Rio Grande River. From a distance you can see cave art left by Indigenous people

A passport is NOT needed for this race, however be sure to have one available if you travel to Mexico at the border crossing in Del Rio, Texas before or after the race.

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Bearathon

With the tag line "The Toughest Half in Texas" it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Bearathon is known as the hardest half marathon in Texas.

The Bearathon is held each spring by Baylor University to raise money for scholarships. The half marathon takes its name from the University's "Bear" mascot.

The race begins at the university's McLane Stadium and travels through the Baylor campus, then through the city of Waco. There's a pair of bridges runners will cross as they approach the 400 acres of forests and river bottomlands of Cameron Park where the Brazos and Bosque Rivers meet.

The course is an out-and-back loop which weaves through the park and city of Waco crossing two railroad tracks, and multiple bridges including the Waco Steel Bridge. There's no shortage of hills to give runners a challenge, but its also a scenic and entertaining race.

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The Franklin Mountain Trail Run

If you enjoy challenging trail runs, then you definitely want to do The Franklin Mountain Trail Run. There's a wide variety of distances to choose between over the 3-day event held in Franklin Mountains State Park.

With a capacity of only 250 participants, the small size allows runners to enjoy their beautiful surroundings with plenty of elbow room as they travel the challenging course located at the Southern tip of the rocky mountains in El Paso, Texas.

The half marathon consists of two separate loops along unpaved trails. The beginning of the race has the most brutal incline as you reach an elevation of 5,850 ft and then descend to 4,450 ft. But be prepared, there are several other challenging mountain climbs as you make your way to the finish line.

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Cowtown Marathon

The Cowtown Marathon may not be the hardest marathon in Texas, but it is definitely a challenge. There's some serious elevation at mile 9, as well as rolling hills throughout the course. There's also a strict 4-1/2 hour time limit for the half marathon, and sag vehicles to provide transportation back to the start/finish line. If you choose to finish the race on foot, there's no support after the 4-1/2 hour limit.

But if you enjoy a challenge and the energy of a big event, then the Cowtown Marathon should be on your February calendar.

The looped course will give you a tour of Fort Worth. You'll pass by the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, the world-famous Joe T. Garcia's, and travel into the heart of downtown Cowtown. As you run past other sites and areas you'll find yourself on the Foster Park Trail, and then pass the famed Hogan's Alley at the Colonial Country Club.

This race is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

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Urban Ultra Dallas

The best half marathon in Dallas is actually an Urban Trail Race called the Urban Ultra Dallas. The flat/fast course is great for runners looking to break PRs, and if you're interested in breaking into ultra marathons you might consider signing up for the 50k race.

The half marathon starts at 2:30pm to allow for a unique run along the Skyline trail where participants will enjoy the Dallas skyline as it comes to life when the sun goes down. Dallas was voted as the best skyline in the world by USA Today and some of the best views in Dallas are showcased along the course.

The Urban Ultra Dallas is a flat/fast loop course with little elevation. It's run mostly on pavement, although a small portion is gravel. The half marathon consists of 2 loops around the course.

Pack your headlamp and get ready for some stunning views and a fun atmosphere as you try to set a new PR.

Dallas Marathon

As you might expect, The Dallas Marathon has a wide range of events. There's the typical half marathon, 5k and 10k, but there are also some unique options such as a 2-person half marathon relay, 5k team challenge, and even a Friday Night Lights Mile! as well as a 50k ultra marathon and various kids races. 

The looped course weaves through Dallas's iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and entertainment districts while thousands of spectators are cheering from the sidelines. There's no shortage of energy and many runners find the swag to be some of the best around.

If you're looking for a December race to pull you out of the doldrums of winter, The Dallas Marathon is a great choice. Although, be prepared, it can be cool, especially at the start of the race. The course is mostly on pavement and there are some rolling hills.

This is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

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San Antonio Rock 'n' Roll

If you're looking for a fun and entertaining event, it's hard to go wrong with the any of the events in the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series. They're held throughout the world, and there's many to choose between, but the one in Texas is held in San Antonio.

There's no shortage of energy and enthusiasm along the course, and you'll encounter live bands and entertainment as well as large crowds of excited supporters as you run through the city's vibrant and spirited neighborhoods.

The point-to-point course weaves through San Antonio's most iconic landmarks where you'll pass the Alamo and see the Tower of Americans, Torch of Friendship, and other points of interest. 

If you haven't done a Rock 'n' Roll Marathon before, the one in San Antonio, Texas is especially nice since it's in December and you can escape to the pleasant Texas winter weather. 

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Run the Alamo

Although you won't see a band around every corner on the Alamo 13.1, this is a unique and entertaining event, especially if you enjoy history. The race starts at 7am with a cannon blast and live musket volley

The mostly paved, looped course travels through history as you pass the Alamo, iconic San Fernando Cathedral, and other historical sites as you experience the Alamo City. You'll make your way to the Riverwalk Mission Reach where you'll begin the return loop along the San Antonio River on the famous River Walk.

Looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon? Sign up for the full marathon instead.

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Crazy Desert Trail Run

If you want to experience the Texas desert, then you definitely want to run the Crazy Desert Trail Run. You'll enjoy a unique experience that kicks off with a cookout where you and your guests will enjoy a complimentary dinner of spaghetti and chicken.

For those who want the full experience, you can take advantage of tent camping near the starting line area, or if you want an RV hookup, there are other nearby sites.

The looped course has no shortage of hills, but the desert landscapes and views make this a fun and entertaining race. Be on the lookout, you're likely to see Texas Longhorns and other wild life!

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Outlaw Half Marathon

The Outlaw Half Marathon is considered a Texas Hill Country classic and is an excellent choice if you're looking for a spring half marathon.

The out and back course is beautiful and starts in downtown Luckenbach Texas in front of the old Post Office. You'll see the gorgeous early April wild flowers, and other classic Hill Country scenery as you travel along the scenic backroads of Fredericksburg, Texas. Don't be surprised if you see a few longhorns!

The half marathon has rolling hills, but if you're looking to set a PR, you may want to do the 5k or 10k instead. They're relatively flat and very fast.

Run the Line

What makes Run the Line interesting is that half the event is run in Texas and the other half is in Arkansas. The race begins in Texarkana, Texas, but quickly crosses into Arkansas, and then back into Texas, before you cross again and finish in Texarkana, Arkansas, just 5 blocks from the start!

The single looped course is run on two 10-ft wide asphalt trails and city streets through residential neighborhoods. It's a fun event that's relatively flat and easy, and you'll see some amazing sights in both Texas and Arkansas.

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