Half-marathons are great for fitness enthusiasts who want to improve their endurance and speed.
They also provide a unique challenge because they require a combination of strength and cardio.
Training for a half-marathon requires a variety of exercises. The key is to include both aerobic and resistance training.
This will ensure that you get the maximum benefits from your workout.
September is also the ideal time to run a half-marathon as the weather is mild but also pleasant.
Plus, many great half-marathons take place at this time of year!
But what are they and where can you find them? Let’s find out!
Black Bear Trail Run
The race starts and finishes at Area 1. The course is a mixture of single-track, wide paths and is relatively flat in altitude.
This race is suitable for all levels of runners, including beginners. Runners must be at least ten years old to participate in this race.
The area is known for its skiing, but they have four miles of hiking and running trails.
The race starts and finishes near the bottom of Bunny Hill. The trails are a mixture of wide gravel paths, single-track, and mowed grass.
Most of the trails go up three hills, with some great views from the top.
The loop through the Park takes about 3 miles with around 450 feet of elevation gain.
The Black Bear trail races take place every year in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.
The event consists of a half-marathon, 1-mile run, and 5k run.
Canyon Marathon
Enjoy a trail race for all skill levels through the majestic Ka’ibab national forest just outside the North entrance of Grand Canyon National Park.
Make new memories at the Grand Canyon. This is a beautiful course, but it’s very tough.
You’ll be running on dirt roads and rocky trails. There are amazing views along the way.
Fire Bird Trail Race
Fire Bird Trail Race is a challenging and fun race that runs on donations.
Runners who participate in the race must make a donation to a charity of their choice in addition to registering for the race.
Unlike other races, the runners must give money to a non-profit organization instead of a large corporation.
This race requires a lot of money and effort to run, but it’s worth every penny.
The course is technical and challenging, with many rocks and roots on mostly single-track trails.
The course is mostly on the Cross-Fal mouth trail from Wind ham, ME to Falmouth, ME.
The course will be bordered by pink ribbon and white chalk marking.
The 2022 course may vary slightly from 2021, but will still start at the Cumberland County fairgrounds.
The 50K course starts at the Cumberland County fairs and goes through Knight’s Pond Preserve, Rine’s forest, Hadlock forest, Black strap hill preserve, and Lowell park before doubling back to the Cumberland County Fairgrounds.
There will be three arrows pointing towards the finish line. The first arrow indicates that you are going in the wrong direction.
The second arrow points in the right direction. And the third arrow shows the correct path.
Every few minutes, there will be an orange pin flag or a pink ribbon to show you are on the right path.
Heartland Half Marathon
Presentation of Omaha’s Heartland Marathon is presented by runners. For runners, joining the Omaha Running Club is personal.
It’s your goal. You make it happen. You run your best race. As Omaha’s premier runner’s club, the Omaha Running Club supports you.
Marquette Marathon
The Marquette Marathon, Half Marathon, and Wild Cat 5K are great destination races that actually run straight through the beauty that the Marquette County trail has to offer.
You’ll be delightfully greeted by a beautiful downhill/certified course, and rock star finisher medals just for you.
The Marathon will be held in September, with registration starting in August, so make sure you register!
The Marathon runs onto a downhill course that is actually an official Boston Marathon qualifier.
Pocatello Marathon
Race packet information is available for download and print. This file has race-day details, directions, maps, and a transportation schedule.
If you are unable or do not want to pick up your race packet, you must pick up your race packet 30 minutes prior to your scheduled bus loading time.
You need to have a timing bib to board your bus, and no timing bibs will be issued at the respective start times (other than for the kids’ races).
French Creek Half Marathon
The French Creek 5K Race is held on Labor Day Weekend. The race starts at 9 am.
There are three distances available – 5k, 10k, and half-marathon. Awards are given out to the top male and female runners.
The cost of registration includes a specially designed t-shirt. Proceeds go towards the Melville Family YMCA’s annual campaign.
Running is an activity that helps people improve their health. People who run regularly tend to be healthier than those who do not.
There are many types of running programs available to runners.
Some of these programs include distance running, interval training, speed work, hill training, and cross-country.
San Jose Spartan Trail
The event takes place in a scenic location, including many trails. There are various distances available, ranging from 10K to half-marathon and 50K.
Participants can get all 3 Trifecta Wedges by completing each distance.
The San Jose Spartan Trail is an ultra-marathon distance race in Saratoga, California.
It consists of a half-marathon, a night run, and a full marathon. This event is held annually in October.
There are many types of trails to choose from, including a 0 obstacle course, a 100-mile course, and a 200-mile course.
All courses are open to runners of any ability level. The race starts and finishes in downtown Saratoga Springs.
Chicago Half Marathon
The race begins and ends in historic Jackson Park. The course goes through beautiful Hyde Park and UChicago campus.
A celebration of running and fitness. This event celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Chicago half-marathon.
It takes place in a beautiful park. There will be music, vendors, and other fun activities.
The Life Time 5K takes place on September 25th, the same day as Hoka’s half-marathon. They use the same start and finish lines.
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
We realize that the races in the series are out of reach for most runners, and this may be the only time you visit these breathtaking regions.
One of our biggest desires is that you walk away with a full experience of what the region has to offer.
While in the area, we encourage you to continue your adventure and spend time in parks.
The “Explorer Club Series” is a new program to help people explore America’s national parks.
There are six different challenges, each with a theme.
You can choose to do any of them, but you must complete them all to get your final score.
Each activity is worth a certain number of points. You can choose which activities to do based on your interests.
Activities are listed by difficulty level. The race starts at 6:30 pm, and they’ll have an expo after the race.
This event is open to everyone, including children. The course is flat and fast. There will be a post-race party afterward at the Talley Ho.
Registration is $25 per person or $50 per couple. Spectators are allowed to watch the race from the road.
Drivers should wait until after the first wave before driving onto the course.
Cars will be broken into 3 different groups to make sure there is enough room for cars to drive down the course.
This is an unofficial event using the same rules as the Half Marathon. There will be one aid station near mile 1.5.
The aid station will have drinking water, Gatorade, and restrooms. This race will be uncapped.
Bib pickup is held 5 days prior to the race. 5K runners will be given 30 minutes to pick up their bibles.
Course records will be updated annually.
The Jackson Hole Marathon
This marathon covers the best of Jackson Hole Valley and finishes at the base of the Tetons.
Enjoy Jackson’s vibrant arts, food, and beer scenes while you’re here.
Sample some of the best craft beers in the country, and experience endless open spaces in the Bridger-Tanetin National Forest, Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone National Parks.
Run your race wherever you want, and receive your shirt, bib, and medal shipped right to your door.
The Jackson Hole Marathon is USTAF certified (WY17001) and hosted by the Jackson Hole Chamber Of Commerce and the Jackson Hole Race Co.
DC Half Marathon
Half-marathons are great ways to get fit and enjoy yourself. The DC Half Marathon is a fun race that takes place in the city.
Half-marathons are a great way to get fit and enjoy your time.
The Big Cottonwood Half Marathon
This incredibly fast and remarkably gorgeous road race takes runners from mountains to foothills.
The course features a fast downhill slope and stunning views.
Runners will enjoy the scenic surroundings during the entire race.
Training Plans
If you’re looking for a half-marathon training plan, then there are three different types of programs available.
These are:
- A base program that includes running as well as other activities such as weightlifting and swimming.
- An interval-based program where you run at high intensity for short periods of time.
- A tempo-run program where you run at an easy pace for longer distances.
In this article, we’ll look at what each type of program entails and how it can help you prepare for a successful race.
Base Program
A base program is designed to build up stamina and endurance.
It typically involves long runs (over 40 minutes), with shorter intervals interspersed throughout.
You might do one or two long runs per week, followed by several shorter ones.
The aim of these workouts is to develop your cardiovascular system so that it can cope with the demands of the full distance.
If you’re new to running, then this is the best way to start out.
The following table shows the typical weekly schedule for a base program.
- Week 1 – Long Run: 45-60 mins
- Week 2 – Short Run: 20-30 mins
- Week 3 – Long Run: 60-90 mins
- Week 4 – Short Run: 30-40 mins
- Week 5 – Long Run: 90-120 mins
- Week 6 – Rest day
Interval Training
An interval-training program involves running at higher than normal speeds for short periods of time, usually between 10 seconds and a minute.
This helps to increase your speed without putting too much stress on your body.
You should be able to complete all the intervals comfortably and without feeling tired.
Intervals are often used in conjunction with a base program.
For example, you could run at a fast pace for five minutes, then slow down for five minutes before repeating the process.
You can use any form of exercise to train for a half-marathon.
However, if you have never done any kind of exercise before, then I would recommend starting with jogging. Jogging is low impact and does not involve any equipment.
As you become more experienced, you may wish to try other forms of exercise.
Swimming is another popular choice, especially if you live near water. Running is also a great option if you live in a hilly area.
Tempo Runs
This type of program is similar to a base program, but it has a few differences.
In a tempo run, you run at a steady pace for longer periods of time.
This allows you to maintain a consistent effort over a greater distance.
It’s important to remember that tempo runs don’t necessarily mean that you need to cover a lot of ground.
Instead, they simply allow you to maintain a certain pace for a given period of time.
For example, if you want to run a half-marathon in under four hours, then you should set yourself a goal of running at a comfortable pace for three hours.
Then, once you reach the three-hour mark, you will begin to pick up the pace until you cross the finish line.
If you find that you struggle to keep a steady effort over a long period of time, then you may benefit from using a heart rate monitor.
These devices measure your heart rate during training sessions and give you a visual indication of how hard you are working.
If you prefer to work out without technology, then you can still achieve good results.
Simply focus on maintaining a consistent effort for the duration of your workout.
Aerobic Exercise
In aerobic exercises, your muscles contract and relax continuously as you breathe.
Your breathing becomes faster and shallower as you get fitter.
While there are many types of aerobic exercise, most people choose to do some form of walking or running.
Walking is one of the easiest ways to get fit because it doesn’t require any special equipment.
It’s also a very versatile activity that can be performed almost anywhere.
Running is also an excellent way to improve your fitness levels.
You can start by taking part in recreational races such as fun runs and 5Ks.
If you feel ready, then you can move on to competitive events like marathons and ultra-marathons.
The key to getting the best results when doing aerobic exercise is to make sure that you are always challenging yourself.
Don’t just stick to the same routines every week. Instead, mix things up so that you stay motivated.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to preparing for a half-marathon, there are two main goals: to build strength and endurance.
The first step towards achieving these goals is to decide what kind of training plan you want to follow.
Once you know what you want to achieve, you can choose between a base program or a tempo program.
Both programs offer a variety of benefits. However, each offers its own unique advantages.
For the first year, I wallowed in my feelings and gained 50 pounds as a result. The next year, with the help of a professional or two, I began working on myself and seeing changes.
Surprisingly enough, I found running to be my main source of comfort in such a trying time. I began running once a day for five minutes, working up to 10, then 20, 30, 40 - until I was running for an hour each morning.
Running started my day off right and on the days where I ran, I found that I was more likely to excel in work and have a better day mentally.
So, that is why I have created Run In The Sun. I want to make your running journey as easy as possible so that you can feel these benefits too. I promise you, it will be so worth it!
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