The Midwest region of the United States is known for its friendly communities, picturesque landscapes, and vibrant cities. It’s no surprise, then, that it’s also home to some of the best half marathons in the country. Each year, thousands of runners lace up their shoes to participate in these races, drawn by the promise of well-organized events, enthusiastic spectators, and courses that offer a mix of cityscapes, historic landmarks, and beautiful natural views.
Whether you’re a seasoned half marathoner looking for your next challenge or a beginner aiming for your first finisher’s medal, the Midwest has a race for you. From the urban sprawl of Chicago and the river views of Saint Paul, to the rolling hills of Kansas City and the cross-border course of Detroit, each of these races offers a unique experience that goes beyond the 13.1 miles.
In this article, we’ll be taking a close look at ten of the best half marathons the Midwest has to offer. We’ll provide details about each race, including the course terrain, key landmarks on the route, and the atmosphere you can expect on race day. Whether you’re looking to achieve a personal best time on a fast, flat course or seeking a more challenging hilly terrain, there’s a race in the Midwest that’s perfectly suited to your goals.
Get ready to explore the Midwest in the best way possible – on foot, surrounded by the energy of thousands of fellow runners. Let’s dive in.
Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
Next Race Date: Saturday 28th October 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a popular race that draws a large field of runners every year. This event provides a quick course that traverses the city’s downtown area, passing several historic monuments and landmarks along the way.
The race is known for its flat and fast course, cool weather, and enthusiastic crowd support. In addition to the half marathon, the event also hosts a marathon and a 5k race, making it a full weekend of running excitement.
The Kansas City Half Marathon
Next Race Date: Saturday 21st October 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Kansas City Half Marathon, held in Kansas City, Missouri, features a diverse and challenging course. The race takes runners through a tour of the city, passing iconic sites such as the National World War I Museum and Memorial, the Country Club Plaza, and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
The course has some hills, offering a more challenging terrain than many other half-marathons. Despite the challenging course, the lively atmosphere, enthusiastic crowd support, and beautiful scenery make this race a favorite among runners.
The Madison Mini Marathon
Next Race Date: 12th August 2023 Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Madison Mini-Marathon is a notable race taking place in Madison, Wisconsin. The course takes runners through some of the city’s most iconic spots, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus, the State Capitol building, and the scenic shores of Lake Mendota.
Although the course is somewhat hilly, the rewarding views and the energetic crowd make it worth the effort. Each year, the race concludes with a post-race party at the Memorial Union Terrace, making it a fun and memorable event for all participants.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday 15th October 2023 Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Half Marathon is a unique race that spans two countries, starting and finishing in Detroit, Michigan, and crossing into Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
This cross-border race offers a flat, fast course that takes runners through historic neighborhoods, around beautiful Belle Isle, and along the Detroit Riverwalk. With enthusiastic crowd support and a festive post-race atmosphere, this half marathon has become a staple of the Detroit running calendar.
The Fargo Half Marathon
Next Race Date: May 2024
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Fargo Half Marathon is a popular race that takes place in Fargo, North Dakota. The flat, fast course is known for being friendly to runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
The route takes participants through Fargo’s historic downtown, residential neighborhoods, and along the Red River, offering a broad spectrum of scenery. The race is also celebrated for its enthusiastic crowd support and the lively finish inside the Fargodome.
The Go! St. Louis Half Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday 22nd October 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Hilly
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The Go! St. Louis Half Marathon is a staple race in St. Louis, Missouri, known for its challenging yet rewarding course. The race offers a comprehensive tour of the city, passing by numerous landmarks such as the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the Mississippi River.
The course has a mix of flat and hilly sections, providing an engaging challenge to runners. The enthusiastic crowd and post-race festivities contribute to a memorable race experience.
The Quad Cities Half Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday 24th September 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Quad Cities Half Marathon takes place in the scenic Midwest area, spanning across four cities in Illinois and Iowa. This race is known for its flat, fast course, which is perfect for those seeking to set personal records.
The course offers a variety of scenery, from river views to cityscapes, and is punctuated with live entertainment along the route. The friendly community and well-organized event make this race a must-do for any half-marathon enthusiast.
The Des Moines Half Marathon
Next Race Date: Sunday 15th October 2023
Course Terrain: Road / Flat
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The Des Moines Half Marathon, held in Des Moines, Iowa, is a premier race event that draws a diverse group of runners from all over the region. The course is flat and fast, perfect for those aiming for a personal best or a qualifying time for other races.
It winds through downtown Des Moines, providing runners with views of the State Capitol, the Des Moines River, and numerous other city landmarks. The lively crowd and strong community support make this race a favorite among participants.