What's the Fastest Growing Race in the U.S.?

If you think the marathon is the trendiest race in the U.S., you’re only half right. According to Running USA, a non-profit organization of the running industry, the half-marathon has been the fastest growing road race distance in the U.S.  For 2008 (the most recent data available), there were approximately 900,000 half-marathon finishers, an increase of 665,000 finishers since 1987 (235,000). For three consecutive years, the total number of 13.1 mile finishers has grown by 10% or more in this country. In addition, the number of half-marathon races in the U.S. has jumped from 450 in 1998 to 830 in 2008. 

Many use half-marathons as tune-ups for full marathons.  For those who feel the 26.2 mile distance is too daunting, half that is a great alternative.  

The largest race in this category is the One America 500 Mini-Marathon in Indianapolis. The course stretches from downtown Indianapolis to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and back. And yes, the 35,000 participants actually get to complete one full 2.5-mile lap around the famous Indy 500 racetrack. Other half-marathons on Runner’s World magazine’s list of recommended “Better Halfs” include:

• Philadelphia Distance Run, Philadelphia, PA (I've done this one three times!)

• Rock ‘n’ Roll Half-Marathon, Virginia Beach, VA

• Georgetown to Idaho Springs Half-Marathon, Idaho Springs, CO

• Race to Robie Creek, Boise, ID

• Lake Chabot Trail Challenge, Castro Valley, CA

• Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half-Marathon, Sonoma, CA

• Valley of the Gold Half-Marathon, Oro Valley, AZ

• Half-Shell Half-Marathon, Key West, FL

• 3M Half-Marathon, Austin, TX

Comments

[slu]

oops, my first thought/answer to your question was, "Hispanics?"