Race calendar · December 2026

December 2026 Half Marathon Races in the United States

292 Half Marathon races across the US in December 2026, sorted by date. Which weekends are busiest, what the fields actually run, entry fees, and where each one starts.

292 Half Marathon races in December 2026

What the field actually runs

December Half Marathon Races, By the Numbers

2:09:08Median finish time
1:35:17Median winning time
12Median field size
118December Half Marathon races with published results

How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Sep 22, 2026.

When in December

The December Race Weekends

Half Marathon races do not spread evenly across December. The busiest weekend is December 12 and December 13, with 92 of them. Another 21 fall on a weekday.

  1. Dec 5 – Dec 661
  2. Dec 12 – Dec 1392
  3. Dec 19 – Dec 2047
  4. Dec 26 – Dec 2771

By the numbers

The Biggest and Longest-Running

The December Half Marathon races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.

Soonest Half Marathon Races in December

292 total

Common Questions About Running a December Half Marathon

Is December a good month for a Half Marathon?

It is one of the busier months. December carries 292 Half Marathon races, against 523 in October, which is the fullest month of the year. There is a real choice of dates here, with less competition for entries than the peak of the season.

When in December are most Half Marathon races held?

The busiest weekend is December 12 and December 13, with 92 Half Marathon races on those two days, and the single busiest day is Saturday, December 12 with 84. Another 21 fall on a weekday, which is worth knowing if you are traveling for one.

When should I sign up for a December Half Marathon?

As early as you can. 67 of these December Half Marathon races already have a price increase on the calendar, and 288 are open for entry right now. Another 3 have published an opening date and have not opened yet.

How much does a December Half Marathon cost to enter?

The typical entry is $30, with paid entries running from $10 up to $500, and 2 that are free to enter. Entry fees climb as race day gets closer, so the same race is usually cheapest the week it opens.

What is a good Half Marathon time?

Across the 118 of these December Half Marathon races with published results from past editions, the median finisher ran 2:09:08, and the median winning time was 1:35:17. So anything under 2:09:08 puts you in the faster half of a typical field. That is the middle of these RunSignup fields, walkers and charity entrants included, not a national average.

How big is a typical December Half Marathon field?

The median one finished 12 runners, across the 118 of these December Half Marathon races with published results from past editions. Most are far smaller than the big-city events people picture, which means less crowding at the start and a friendlier field, with a last recorded finisher at 3:02:37.

Which states have the most December Half Marathon races?

Florida has 48, Texas has 39, California has 38, Georgia has 15, North Carolina has 14. If you are willing to travel, those are the states where a December weekend gives you the most to choose from.

Are there trail Half Marathon races in December?

Yes, 11 races around the United States get you off the pavement: 6 are trail races, and 5 mix road and trail. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.

Half Marathon Races in Other Months

November and January sit either side of December, which is where most people look next when a date does not fit.