By Marnie Kunz, NASM-certified trainer, USATF- RRCA-certified running coach

If you’re interested in the top races for women, this guide offers an overview of the best options in the U.S. Whether you’ve run a women’s race before or are interested in doing your first one, there are race distances and themes to suit all running abilities. As a woman and running coach, the majority of my coaching clients are women, and several have recommended these races. Some have a limited number of spots and fill up quickly, so plan ahead and register early for your top women’s race choices.

Related Post: Top Women’s Running Tips

Women are now a majority of runners, as there are more women runners than men, a trend which began in 2018, according to a RunRepeat survey on the state of running. More women are running all race distances, with 60% of 5K runners identifying as women. Women’s race participation has risen from under 20% in 1986 to just above 50% in 2018, according to RunRepeat.

Top U.S. Races for Women

With more women participating in races than ever before, there are so many races for women popping up around the world. These U.S. races range in size and distance, and many of them raise money for charitable causes. From women’s triathlon sprints to obstacle course runs, you can get your adrenaline fix surrounded by hundreds of other strong women. You'll cross the finish line with other strong women after an inspiring journey together.

National Women’s Half Marathon and 8K

The National Women’s Half Marathon and 8K is one of the most popular races for women. The 13.1-mile (21 km) race highlights iconic national sites in Washington, DC. The spring half marathon race passes by The Lincoln Memorial, The WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, and Jefferson Memorial for an amazing experience. The half marathon has a 4-hour time limit for all runners and walkers.

The 8K passes the Jefferson Memorial and winds along the Potomac River. The event’s beneficiary is the American Heart Association. The start line for both races is in West Potomac Park on Ohio Drive.

Real Simple Women’s NYC Half Marathon

The Real Simple Women’s Half Marathon is one of the most popular half marathon races for women and it’s held in New York City’s Central Park every spring. This large-scale event is co-hosted by the New York Road Runners, who also put on the New York City Marathon. The empowering event also has a charity component, raising funds and awareness to support Food Bank New York City.

The NYRR race also includes an extensive Pace Team. Pace Team athletes lead groups at various paces between 6:51 per mile and 11:26 per mile (between a 1:30 finish and a 2:30 finish). The half marathon is part of the 9+1 qualifying program to count toward entry for the following year’s TCS New York City Marathon.

Thelma and Louise Marathon, Half Marathon, and 15K

The Thelma and Louis Marathon, Half Marathon, and 15K are one of the top trail races for women. Get your girlfriends together for a girls' weekend of fun with some outdoor adventures in the scenic Moab Desert of Utah. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Area and the stunning La Sal Mountains.

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If you love trail running or want to get started with it, this is the perfect race to take the plunge! Assemble your trail sisters or meet some new ones at the race for the experience of a lifetime.

Every Woman’s Marathon

The exciting new Every Woman's Marathon kicks off in Savannah, Georgia, in November. The 26.2-mile race is "for women by women," with expert training advice and support designed just for women. With iconic women runners like Katherine Switzer and Des Linden leading the event, there will be endless inspiration on tap.

The event includes complimentary activities like yoga and cooking classes for a well-rounded weekend of women's health. There are early bird specials for registration so sign up early before the discount cut-off date.

MudGirl Run

MudGirl Run is an obstacle course run for women with 17+ obstacles for 3 miles. If you love obstacle course races and don’t mind a little mud, this race is for you. MudGirl Run includes options to participate as an individual or a team, and the races are held across the country, including in California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, and Washington, DC.

The event supports organizations dedicated to battling breast cancer and other forms of women’s cancer. Race swag includes an impressive medal, a headband, a wristband, and a commemorative bag.

Women Run the Cities

Run for a cause at Women Run the Cities in the Twin Cities in support of Girls on the Run Minnesota. You can choose from the all-women’s 5K, 10K, or 10-mile run. Celebrate with some pampering with brunch and mimosas afterward. The eco-friendly race series also has virtual options if you’d like to get in some meaningful miles from afar.

Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K

The Indy Women’s Half Marathon and 5K has one of the largest half marathons for women. The half marathon and 5K races in Carmel, Indiana, feature competitive, fast courses, and there are pacers in the half marathon to help you reach your time goal, making it the perfect place to PR. Race morning will begin with a welcome from the race director before the first races kick off at 7:30 am.

Join in the post-race party afterward to celebrate everyone’s achievements. Past events have included post-race massages, music, and more.

Mermaid Series

If you’d like to try a triathlon or duathlon, the Mermaid Series is the West Coast’s invitation. These popular triathlons, duathlons, and races for women offer a variety of options, including 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, run-bike duathlons, and triathlons in sprint and Olympic distances.

The T9 Mermaid Tri and Du Capitola is one of the best all-women triathlons, with an ocean swim around the wharf, picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, and a bike course featuring a gradual climb into the coastal redwoods, followed by a run on the ocean bluff overlooking Capitola Village. Race packet pick-up begins on Thursday for most races. There are a limited number of entries and races have sold out in the past so register early to guarantee your spot.

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

If you love Disney World, you won’t want to miss the Disney races for women at Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend. In true Disney style, the large-scale event includes over-the-top decor and plenty of colorful tutus, tiaras, and pixie dust to celebrate the princess theme. Race distance options include the Disney Princess 5k, Disney Princess Enchanted 10k, and Disney’s Princess Half Marathon at Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida.

New York Mini 10K

The New York Mini 10K Women’s Race offers women the chance to conquer Central Park in New York City. The early June race is also open to girls, with the free races for ages 8 to 18, making it the perfect mother-daughter event to celebrate women’s running.

Prize money is available to the top women in different age and ability categories. The number of applications for the race fills up fast so register early to get in. The application window usually begins at the end of January and the race often fills up by spring.

This list is based on the latest information on races for women. Some popular small and large women’s races (such as the Nike Women's Half Marathon and Divas Half Marathon) are no longer running, with quite a few discontinued during the pandemic. Did we miss any women’s races? Comment below or follow and tag us on the Runstreet Instagram to share your running and get cheered on.

Are you preparing for a race? Check out our Runstreet Training Center for a personalized running plan from a woman trainer and running coach.

Happy running to you!

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

10 Most Popular Races for Women - From 5Ks to Half Marathons