The 15 best half marathons in America

The small, local New York City running club that started this half marathon in 1981 now draws over 27,000 finishers to King's County each year. Brooklynites and visitors see the borough's varied landscape, from the Botanical Garden, through verdant Prospect Park, finishing with a stretch past the amusement park rides at Coney Island and celebrations on the beach's historic boardwalk. May 20, 2017 in Brooklyn, NY

About 30,000 runners head to the Vegas Strip for this evening race, offering exclusive views of famous hotels and casinos, the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and the majestic Bellagio Fountains. In true Sin City style, couples can get hitched or renew their vows mid-race, before a post-race bash at the foot of the Mirage volcano. Nov 12, 2017 in Las Vegas, NV

The magical atmosphere practically carries runners to the finish line at this whimsical run Disney race. More than 37,000 participants from over 26 different countries breeze by resort landmarks like Epcot’s Spaceship Earth and Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom in support of the Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Runners come clad in tutus, crowns and Mickey ears and snap photos with characters on the course. Feb 25, 2018 at Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

The Monterey Bay coast is reason enough to travel to Big Sur and this race gives visitors more of a chance to take in the magnificent sights than a road trip would. The popular half marathon directs 8,000 athletes through downtown Monterey, past hotspots like Fisherman’s Wharf, Pacific Grove and the pristine beach. Slow your stride through Lighthouse Tunnel, where racers are treated to a light and music show. Nov 12, 2017 in Monterey, CA

Nothing beats the beauty of New England in autumn, and this scenic, countryside course lets visitors take in the best of Vermont's landscape. Beginning at popular Shelburne Beach, athletes run along the waters of Lake Champlain and beneath the historic Holmes Creek Covered Bridge, built in the 1800s. Beyond the lake, the Adirondack Mountains serve as a serene backdrop to the flat course, which finishes with an awards ceremony, raffle and beach barbecue. September 9, 2017 in Shelburne, VT

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Be one of the whopping 14,000 runners who soak up the Southern charm of Savannah on a running tour through its historic downtown district. Begin in front of the city's distinguished, gold-domed City Hall and listen for live music as you move through town. Spanish moss–covered trees line the neighborhood streets, leading the way to quaint Forsyth Park, where Old Crow Medicine Show will put on a concert at the finish line. Nov 4, 2017 in Savannah, GA

Five thousand runners will take on one of Maine's most beautiful maritime courses, starting at Portland's Ocean Gateway Terminal. Scan the ocean for ferries, sailboats and lobster boats on Casco Bay as you dart along the Eastern Promenade, then get a drink of water from Habitat for Humanity volunteers and a boost of energy from the cheering crowds at party zones along the way. July 8, 2017 in Portland, ME

It's tough to beat the lake views in this mid-western metropolis, especially when Lake Shore Drive, a normally traffic-ridden stretch along the water, is clear of cars to make way for the 14,000 runners. For it's 20th year, the course starts in Jackson Park, then snakes through Hyde Park and University of Chicago campus. Racers are rewarded with a panorama of Lake Michigan and a look at the skyline before reaching the golden Statue of the Republic. Sept 24, 2017 in Chicago, IL

Car-free, 3.8-square-mile Mackinac Island makes a unique setting for this annual race, now in it's 21st year. As the bustling tourist destination winds down for the season, over 3,000 runners take off from Mission Point Resort and past picturesque Arch Rock on the Lake Huron shoreline before traversing the island’s trails and hills. Peep Fort Mackinac, gorgeous mansions and the impressive Mackinac Bridge before the finish. October 28, 2017 on Mackinac Island, MI

New Orleans is a blast to visit around Halloween and this festive, annual race is even more reason to make it happen. Live bands on course and a feast of Louisiana eats at the finish line keep up the runners' high. They stride past the Mercedes Benz Superdome and spookily decorated mansions in the Garden District, then beneath the canopy of oak trees in Audubon Park before the finish-line bash in Lafayette Square. Oct 28, 2017 in New Orleans, LA