Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay
The Hell Of A Half Marathon offers a challenging, hot-weather road race with a festive party atmosphere.
Race Date
Aug 8, 2026
Location
Exeter, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, August 8, 2026
- Location
- Exeter, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 7,195
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Hell Of A Half Marathon lives up to its name, presenting a challenging course under typical race-day temperatures that average between 73–104°F. This event, first run in 2012 and now in its 13th edition, draws runners from around six states, with a solid repeat-runner loyalty of about 36% who come back for the unique experience.
The course is a loop on paved roads, designed to be challenging and run "on the road less traveled." With approximately 801 finishers on average, and recent fields growing to around 920, it offers a substantial field size with a strong sense of camaraderie. The race is well-supported with 11 aid stations stocked with essentials and fun, and a DJ providing music on the course.
Beyond the challenge, the Hell Of A Half Marathon delivers a true party vibe. Runners can look forward to a lively post-race celebration in the park, complete with a Michelob Ultra beer garden, live music, and free food. The event also offers free race photos and tracking, and awards for top finishers and age groups, making it a memorable experience for those who conquer the heat and the course.
Race-provided description
IF IT DOESN’T CHALLENGE YOU…IT WON’T CHANGE YOU YES, THE COURSE IS CHALLENGING, THE WEATHER IS HOT, BUT WHAT ELSE WOULD YOU EXPECT AT THE HELL OF A HALF MARATHON?!! OH, AND DON'T WORRY, THERE WILL BE A LOT OF OTHER CRAZIES WHO WILL JOIN YOU DURING YOUR 13.1 JOURNEY, ON THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED.... IT'S ONE THING TO FINISH A HALF MARATHON, BUT TO SAY YOU COMPLETED THE HELL OF A HALF MARATHON, IS BIG TIME BRAGGING RIGHTS! RACE START TIME: 7:00 AM WHAT MAKES THIS RACE STAND OUT: 2nd Race - Run The Valley Half Marathon Series 11 AID STATIONS - Loaded with Ice, Water, Sponges, Gatorade, GU's, AND A LOT OF FUN! We also encourage you to carry your own hydrationRelay Shuttle TransportationMusic DJ'S on the coursePost-Race Party! Party Vibe at the Finish VenueTulare County Fire Department Hoisting their US Garrison Flag at the Start/Finish VenueFREE Breakfast w/Rushbowl & Rocio’s Catering FREE Race PhotosFREE Race Tracking with RACEJOYFREE Live Results on PhoneMichelob Ultra Beer Garden. Yes, that's FREE too! Michelob Ultra Stage "It's a Party in the Park"Top 3 Age Group & Relay AwardsOverall Male/Female Awards Top Relay Awards (3 Divisions)Women's Tech Tank TopMen's (Unisex) Short-Sleeve Tech ShirtPRO~PT at the Finish Line for your Post Race Awesome Finishers Medal
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
Women's Tank Top or Men's Short-Sleeve Shirt
Start Location
324 N. Kaweah Avenue, Exeter, CA, 93221
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7013 years running
~801 finishers a year
growing or steady
36% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 6 states
winner 1:15:25
typical high 104°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
73°
Afternoon (High)
104°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.0"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
25%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 7,195 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
7,195
Median time
2:10:50
Latest turnout
448
States
19
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay?
The Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay is held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay take place?
It takes place in Exeter, California.
What distances does the Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles.
Is the Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay course flat and good for a PR?
The Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay?
HalfRuns has finish records for 7,195 runners who have completed the Hell Of A Half Marathon & 2 Person Relay.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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