Happy Valley Half Marathon
The Happy Valley Half Marathon offers a fast, flat course through scenic Massachusetts farmland.
Race Date
Oct 18, 2026
Location
Northampton, MA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Location
- Northampton, Massachusetts
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,177
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Happy Valley Half Marathon, first run in 2017 and now in its 9th year, is a beloved fixture in Northampton, Massachusetts. This certified, net-drop course is designed for speed, attracting runners aiming for personal bests. With a median field size of around 342 finishers, it offers a focused racing environment.
Runners can expect a scenic journey through the picturesque farmland of the Happy Valley region. The course is predominantly flat with minimal elevation changes, making it ideal for achieving fast times. The race typically takes place on October 18th, with average temperatures ranging from 44–63°F, offering a comfortable running climate.
The finish line experience is a highlight, featuring live music, food trucks, and refreshments, creating a festive atmosphere for participants. Approximately 25% of finishers return year after year, a testament to the race's enduring appeal and solid organization.
Race-provided description
Join us for the Happy Valley Half Marathon & 5K in Northampton, MA on October 18, 2026. We have a beautiful course and a finish line with live music, food trucks and tasty beverages!
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Rural
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
MA18017JK
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite819 years running
~342 finishers a year
shrinking
25% returning runners
USATF certified · 3 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:21:19
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
74%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,177 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,177
Median time
2:04:30
Latest turnout
342
States
11
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Happy Valley Half Marathon?
The Happy Valley Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Where does the Happy Valley Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Northampton, Massachusetts.
What distances does the Happy Valley Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run.
Is the Happy Valley Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Happy Valley Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Happy Valley Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,177 runners who have completed the Happy Valley Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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