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Nantucket Half Marathon

Nantucket Half Marathon

Nantucket Half Marathon offers a scenic coastal run through diverse landscapes on a historic island.

Race Date

Oct 11, 2026

Location

Nantucket, MA

Standout69

Quick facts

Date
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Location
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi)
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Mixed
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
2,319

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat Swag

Course

Scenic Route

The Experience

The Nantucket Half Marathon, first run in 2011 and now in its 10th edition, draws runners from around 20 states to the picturesque shores of Nantucket Island. This race is celebrated for its stunning coastal scenery, with a course that winds through sandy beach roads, bike paths, and quiet neighborhood streets, highlighting the unique Smooth Hummocks Coastal Preserve.

Runners can expect a challenging yet rewarding experience, with incredible ocean views and a route that touches upon a globally rare sand plain grassland ecosystem. While the course features varied terrain including some sand, it is recognized for its scenic beauty, having been named one of the nation's top ten beach town races by Runner's World. The race begins and ends at historic Bartlett's Farm.

With a typical field size of around 236 finishers and a repeat-runner loyalty of about 12%, the Nantucket Half Marathon offers an intimate yet engaging atmosphere. Participants receive a 1/4 Zip Performance Pullover, and those registering before September 1st are guaranteed a t-shirt. The event also includes a free kids fun run, making it a memorable day for families on this iconic island.

Race-provided description

The 15th Annual Nantucket Half Marathon! Sunday, October 11th, 2026 at 8:00 am The Nantucket Half Marathon is one of the most scenic half marathon courses on the East Coast!  Runners' World recognized the Nantucket Half Marathon as one of the nation's top ten beach town races!  Set on iconic Nantucket Island, the course travels through sandy beach roads, bike paths, lightly traveled neighborhood streets, a few patches of sand, and features incredible ocean views. The 2025 race was challenging with high wind and an impending storm.  The route begins and ends at historic Bartlett's Farm and highlights the Nantucket Land Bank's Smooth Hummocks Coastal Preserve.  The Preserve is a globally rare sand plain grassland ecosystem.  There is also a free kids fun run!  Each kid gets a treasured Bartlett's Farm pumpkin!  There will not be a Quarter Marathon Option this year, so start training- you will have to run the entire course!  This is one of the best half marathon's in the country and it will sell out!  Register today and enjoy a terrific day on Nantucket.  Race Registration prices will increase on April1st!  REGISTRATION FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.  Last year we sold out on August 1st so register early.   Racers registered before September 1st will be guaranteed a t-shirt, after that sizes and availability are on a first come, first serve basis! Please register early!

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, October 11, 2026

Start Time

8:00 AM

Giveaway

1/4 Zip Performance Pullover

Start Location

33 Bartlett Farm Rd, Nantucket, MA, 02554

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

mixed

Scenery

Coastal, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Quality Score

Standout69
Methodology
Heritage20/20

10 years running

Size12/15

~236 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

shrinking

Loyalty12/20

12% returning runners

Course & details3/15

6 timing sources

National draw8/10

runners from 20 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:24:34

Weather8/10

typical high 63°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

58°

Afternoon (High)

63°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.2"

Precipitation

21 mph

Wind

76%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 2,319 finishers actually crossed the line across 10 years.

Most recent

2022

Total finishers

2,319

Median time

2:01:46

Latest turnout

236

States

38

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:003:50

Turnout by year

20132022

'13'14'15'16'18'19'21'22
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Nantucket Half Marathon?

The Nantucket Half Marathon is held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.

Where does the Nantucket Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

What distances does the Nantucket Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles).

Is the Nantucket Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Nantucket Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

How many people run the Nantucket Half Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 2,319 runners who have completed the Nantucket Half Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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