Half Marathon races near Springfield

The Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K takes place in Northampton, Massachusetts, during peak fall foliage. Runners can choose between a half marathon or a 5K. The course follows New England roads at the season's most colorful point. The route showcases the roads around Northampton. Afterward, the event includes a finish-line gathering with live music, food trucks, breweries, and drinks. Local runners support the event, and many participants return annually. The race also collaborates with a selected charity partner beyond race day.

The Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon Weekend begins outside Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri, and concludes at Wonders of Wildlife. Participants can choose from four race options: a Boston-qualifying marathon, the Maynard Cohick Half Marathon, the stroller-friendly CMC Recycling 5K, or a five-leg relay (10K, 5K, 10K, 5K, and 12K). The marathon, a 26.2-mile course with flat sections and Ozarks-style rolling hills, is suitable for both new marathoners and those aiming for a personal best. The race courses traverse Springfield neighborhoods, paved trails, a segment of historic Route 66, Missouri State University, downtown streets, and local parks. The half marathon follows the marathon course for its initial 10 miles before heading through downtown, parks, past Mother's Brewery, and onto a portion of the Ozark Greenways Trail. The 5K route winds behind Bass Pro Shops and through adjacent neighborhoods, finishing at Wonders of Wildlife. Runners and walkers from local to international levels participate, with all finishers receiving race shirts, medals, swag, and recovery provisions.

The Monson Memorial Classic offers a hilly half marathon and a 5K in Monson, Massachusetts. Both races conclude at Memorial Hall on Main Street, located in the town’s historic district. Held annually in late October on a USATF-certified road course, the half marathon begins at noon, with the 5K starting 15 minutes later. This is a smaller event, typically attracting 100 to 500 participants, giving it the feel of a local New England race day rather than a large urban event. The race was established to honor sisters Kathy Waldron Perry and Kelly Waldron, who passed away from cancer within months of each other. Proceeds benefit cancer-related charities, presently Griffin’s Friends, which supports children undergoing treatment for pediatric cancer. The half marathon route follows rolling rural roads and town streets. Participants face sustained climbs for approximately the first 10 miles, followed by a long downhill stretch in the final 5K. Regular participants often mention the "nasty vert" and the rewarding descent near the finish. The course is also recognized as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Late October weather in Monson can be cool, with average high temperatures around 55°F and lows near 35°F. Participants can expect about seven aid stations, course volunteers, finisher medals, long-sleeve tech shirts, and cash prizes for the top five finishers. The post-race atmosphere is notably intimate, featuring bagpipes, live music, massage services, and homemade food served by volunteers.