Half Marathon Races in California
Browse 19 half marathon trail running and hiking routes in California. Distance range: 12.5 mi to 14.0 mi. Elevation gain: 109 ft to 7,915 ft. Each route includes terrain analysis, elevation profiles, and pacing recommendations.
Key Takeaways
| Route Name | Location | Distance | Elevation Gain | Type | Race Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joshua Tree Half Marathon | San Bernardino County, California | 13.2 mi | 438 ft | race | Nov 1, 2026 |
| San Joaquin River Trail | Fresno County, California | 12.5 mi | 2,294 ft | route | — |
| Pinnacles National Park Loop (CA) | San Benito County, California | 12.6 mi | 2,796 ft | route | — |
| Mt Langley (CA) | Inyo County, California | 12.6 mi | 7,579 ft | route | — |
| Clouds Rest, Yosemite (CA) | Mariposa County, California | 12.6 mi | 3,135 ft | route | — |
| Aptos Creek Fire Road | The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, California | 12.6 mi | 3,143 ft | route | — |
| Lone Pine Peak (CA) | Inyo County, California | 12.7 mi | 5,302 ft | route | — |
| Mount Lowe Loop (CA) | Los Angeles County, California | 12.7 mi | 4,023 ft | route | — |
| Shasta - Shastina (CA) | Siskiyou County, California | 12.8 mi | 7,915 ft | route | — |
| Briones Reservoir Loop | Contra Costa County, California | 12.9 mi | 1,460 ft | route | — |
| Matterhorn Peak (CA) | Mono County, California | 13.0 mi | 5,351 ft | route | — |
| Surf City Half Marathon | Huntington Beach, California | 13.1 mi | 109 ft | route | — |
| Artist's Palette Loop (CA) | Inyo County, California | 13.1 mi | 1,695 ft | route | — |
| Bear Creek Spire (CA) | Inyo County, California | 13.1 mi | 4,017 ft | route | — |
| Rinconada, Little Falls, Big Falls (CA) | San Luis Obispo County, California | 13.2 mi | 2,765 ft | route | — |
| Jones Peak (CA) | Los Angeles County, California | 13.3 mi | 4,711 ft | route | — |
| Lassen Volcano Tour | Westwood, California | 13.4 mi | 2,032 ft | route | — |
| Josephine Peak via Strawberry Peak (CA) | Los Angeles County, California | 13.6 mi | 3,535 ft | route | — |
| Crafton Hills Traverse (CA) | San Bernardino County, California | 14.0 mi | 2,236 ft | route | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trail races are in California?
There are 1 organized races and 18 self-supported routes available in California.
What is a Half Marathon race?
A Half Marathon race is approximately 12.4 to 14.0 miles in distance.
What is the average elevation gain in California?
The average elevation gain is 3,397 feet, with routes ranging from 109 to 7,915 feet.
Can these half marathon routes in California be used for hiking?
Yes. 100% of these routes are on trail surfaces, making them suitable for both trail running and hiking. The terrain analysis and elevation profiles help hikers plan their adventures just as effectively as runners.
Are Half Marathon races beginner-friendly?
Half Marathon race difficulty varies widely. Use the elevation gain and terrain analysis to assess each route. Races with lower elevation gain relative to distance and higher runnable percentages tend to be more beginner-accessible.
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