Half Marathon races near Darien

The Great South Bay Run starts and finishes at Bay Shore Marina Park in Bay Shore, New York, with the Great South Bay and Fire Island visible from the finish. This annual road-running series, sponsored by Northwell Health, offers three USATF-certified courses: a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K Family Fun Run. The routes guide runners through Bay Shore’s historic downtown before proceeding along residential streets near Brightwaters Lakes, Cascades, and Canals. The field typically numbers between 500 and 1,000 participants, giving it the feel of a local Long Island race day rather than a large city marathon. The program accommodates half-marathoners, 10K runners, families, and newer runners.

The Ridgefield Road Fest begins at the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield in Ridgefield, Connecticut, offering three road-race options: a half marathon, a 7-miler, and a 5K. This October running event features distances of 21.1 km, 11.3 km, and 5.0 km. The course provides runners a choice between a half-marathon effort, a middle-distance road race, or a shorter 5K. The Iris Fund benefits from the 5K, and the series is celebrating its 50th anniversary, adding local history to the event.

The New Yorker Half, 10K, and 5K Shake Out features three race distances within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, with the Unisphere situated alongside the course. Participants can select a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, accommodating those preparing over a short distance or using it as a longer run before a marathon. The races utilize repeat loops through the park, passing a lake and local landmarks rather than crossing the city. Half marathoners complete a flat, spectator-friendly 3.275-mile loop four times. 10K runners navigate a 3.1-mile loop twice, and 5K runners complete it once. Each loop is timed in real time, providing runners with split-by-split feedback throughout the event.

The Tarrywile Half Marathon is a November trail race held in Tarrywile Park, Danbury, Connecticut, featuring exclusively unpaved park trails. The event includes a 10K, half marathon, and marathon, all utilizing a consistent hard loop structure: one loop for the 10K, two for the half, and four for the marathon. This course is not a road race with some dirt; it consists of Northeast single track, rocky and rooty sections, and sufficient climbing to significantly slow runners compared to their typical road pace. The 10K involves approximately 1,500 feet of climbing, the half marathon around 3,000 feet, and the marathon reaches about 6,000 feet of elevation gain. Participants gain viewpoints over Danbury and the park's lakes, though these require navigating technical, hilly trails. Hikers and walkers are permitted in the 10K and half marathon provided they can finish within the seven-hour time limit. The event maintains a small scale with a 250-person limit. The half marathon also features a standing cash challenge: bonuses are awarded to the first man finishing under 1:45 and the first woman under 2:00, with the prize pool increasing annually until claimed.

The New York City Turkey Trot Half Marathon & 5K begins near the Queens Museum and Unisphere in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, using a New York landmark as its starting point. This Thanksgiving-season running event in Queens offers a half marathon, a timed 5K, an untimed 5K run/walk, children's races, and virtual participation options for the 5K and half marathon. The event accommodates diverse participants: competitive runners can opt for the half marathon, walkers can select the untimed 5K, and families can include younger children in the 5K fun run or the free 100-meter dash. The children's 5K provides an untimed bib, a medal, and a donut at the finish line. Participants are invited to share race photos using the #TurkeyTradition tag, with official information available on TriStateRuns.com.

The Merry Christmas Run is a Christmas-themed group run held in New York City’s Central Park. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances, as well as a Family 1 Mile Fun Run. The event begins in the morning and accommodates both runners and walkers. The setup is straightforward: there is no chip timing, no required equipment, and participants may optionally self-track using apps like Strava, RunKeeper, or Nike Run. The course begins and ends within Central Park, with the specific course map provided to participants. This is a smaller, private run with limited wave sizes, meaning entries close once each wave is full. Runners who miss out can join a waitlist or opt for the virtual race. The event is open to all paces and ages, although minors must be accompanied by a guardian. Registration includes race merchandise, such as a shirt for U.S. participants, a finisher medal, and a towel or similar giveaway.

The Sri Chinmoy New Year's Day Half-Marathon is a New York City half marathon held annually on New Year's Day in Flushing Meadows Park. Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team, it features a flat, fast course utilizing a measured 5K loop instead of a point-to-point route. Runners complete the half-marathon distance by repeating the loop within the park. The course is USATF certified and includes aid stations approximately every mile, making it suitable for participants aiming for an early-season personal best or those seeking a structured start to the year. The event offers practical amenities including complimentary parking, bag check, a race shirt, finisher medals, and a post-race pancake breakfast.