If running a full marathon this fall isn’t in the cards, try preparing for a half-marathon. At 13.1 miles the training is much more manageable, and recovery is much swifter.
Running Through America’s Finest City
What: America’s Finest City Half Marathon
When: August 16, 2009
Where: San Diego, CA
Starting at historic Cabrillo National Monument and finishing in Balboa Park, this point-to-point half-marathon is relatively flat, and very fast with always beautiful sunny San Diego weather. The course includes panoramic views of both San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. With a start time of 7am and a three-hour race limits guarantees that an afternoon recovering on the beach. Bonus: Hamburgers are served at mile eight.
Labor Day at the Happiest Place on Earth!
What: Disneyland Half Marathon
When: September 6th, 2009
Where: Anaheim, CA
This exciting race weaves through Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure Park, past Angel Stadium and through the scenic streets of Anaheim. The start and finish are in Downtown Disney, with characters cheering you on the whole way through. The relatively flat course is open to both runners and walkers who maintain a 16-minute per mile pace throughout the race completing in three and a half hours or less. Bonus: The medal is huge and gorgeous.
A Beautiful Sunday Morning Run
What: Lake Tahoe Half Marathon
When: September 27, 2009
Where: Lake Tahoe, CA
This challenging marathon includes a mile and a half “Hill from Hell”, but has impressive scenery. The course has striking views of Emerald Bay, Cascade Lake, and Tahoe itself. Not only is the landscape beautiful, the terrain varied, and the water and aid stations organized, but a free cold beer and hot dog are available for the finishers as well! Bonus: The last six miles are all downhill before finishing at Pope Beach where you can sink your tired legs into Tahoe’s cold, blue waters.
Rocking Through San Antonio
What: Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Half Marathon
When: November 15, 2009
Where: San Antonio, TX
With a party atmosphere, a flat course and walker friendly it’s no wonder the San Antonio Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon is extremely popular. Plus, the epicenter of Texan charm has a scenic course that winds through both urban and rural scenery covering the historic sites along Mission Trail. With a four hour course limit, the race is very walker friendly. Bonus: Complimentary online half-marathon training and recovery programs built to get people of all levels across the finish line.
Each of these races was choose for their fantastic scenery, and interesting course, and would be a fun goal to achieve the goal of running a half-marathon.
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