Presque Isle Half Marathon

Lace up for an unforgettable summer race at the Presque Isle Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in scenic Erie, PA. This popular 13.1-mile event offers runners a truly unique experience with a single, pristine loop course entirely within the picturesque Presque Isle State Park. Widely celebrated for its exceptionally flat profile—boasting only about a 10-foot elevation change—this race is a prime opportunity for personal bests. Runners will enjoy stunning views of Lake Erie and the lush park surroundings, winding along paved roads that often offer a softer grass shoulder option. With a good amount of shade throughout the course and a gentle breeze from the lake, it's a beautiful environment to push your limits.

The Presque Isle Half Marathon is renowned for its excellent course support and vibrant atmosphere. Enthusiastic volunteers staff eight to twelve aid stations spaced approximately every mile, providing water, electrolyte drinks, and sometimes even gels and refreshing cold towels in the later miles. You'll find plenty of port-a-potties along the route as well. The race starts and finishes conveniently at Beach #1, setting the stage for post-race celebrations. Typical race day conditions in mid-July see highs around 82°F and lows around 65°F, with a modest 15% chance of precipitation. While the course maintains a generous 3-hour time limit, early arrival is recommended to secure parking.

Beyond the race itself, the Presque Isle Half Marathon offers a fantastic summer destination race. Runners frequently praise the helpful volunteers, beautiful scenery, and the satisfying feeling of completing a single, continuous loop around this gorgeous sandy peninsula, which is also a renowned birding destination. After crossing the finish line, celebrate your achievement with post-race refreshments at the Beach 1 pavilion and even cool down with a refreshing dip in Lake Erie, making for a truly memorable race day experience.