Presque Isle Half Marathon
Presque Isle Half Marathon offers a scenic, flat loop around a Lake Erie peninsula, drawing runners from across the nation.
Race Date
Jul 19, 2026
Location
Erie, PA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Location
- Erie, Pennsylvania
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi)
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 18,594
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Presque Isle Half Marathon winds its way around the scenic Presque Isle peninsula, a narrow spit of land jutting into Lake Erie. This flat, largely shaded course is a favorite for those seeking a personal best, with an average of around 2,100 finishers each year.
Runners often praise the abundant aid stations, which provide water, electrolyte drinks, and even cold, wet cloths on warm July race days. The natural beauty of the state park, combined with a gentle breeze from the lake, creates a pleasant atmosphere for the single-loop race.
While the course itself is well-regarded, some participants have noted organizational challenges, particularly regarding parking and race-day instructions. Despite these points, the event draws runners from approximately 29 states, with a loyal 23% returning year after year, highlighting its enduring appeal.
Race-provided description
A half marathon event on the shores of Lake Erie - at Presque Isle State Park. Registration will include a triblend short sleeve race shirt, finisher's medal and post race refreshments.
Location: This event is held on a state park, which requires certain limitations. Thus, there is a 3 hour time limit on the course. Anyone not maintaining a 14 minute per mile pace will be directed to the all-purpose trail next to the course as the course closes. Depending on conditions on race day, you may need to go to all-purpose trail sooner if requested by the park rangers.
There is no day of race registration at the venue, please sign up online prior to race day. Packet pickup: will be at the Cabin 3, this is about 3 miles from the entrance and signs will be put out at Presque isle on Saturday from noon until 5 PM. You can also pick up on Sunday prior to the race starting at 5:30 AM, this will be at the Beach 1 pavilion where the race will start and finish. You may have someone else pick up your packets. Refunds: Please do see our refund policy, there are no refunds, transfers or deferrals.
Awards: As soon as race results are available we will hand out the awards. The awards will be overall first 3 winners, male and female and first overall masters winners and 5 year age groups. Awards will not be mailed after the race. Please visit visiterie.com and eriemarathon.net for hotel ideas and additional local attractions.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Start Time
6:45 AM
Giveaway
Unisex sized triblend short sleeved shirt
Start Location
1 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA, 16505
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Quality Score
Standout7722 years running
~2,102 finishers a year
growing or steady
23% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 29 states
winner 1:11:32
typical high 77°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
66°
Afternoon (High)
77°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 18,594 finishers actually crossed the line across 22 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
18,594
Median time
2:08:52
Latest turnout
1,112
States
48
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Presque Isle Half Marathon?
The Presque Isle Half Marathon is held on Sunday, July 19, 2026, starting at 6:45 AM.
Where does the Presque Isle Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Erie, Pennsylvania.
What distances does the Presque Isle Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles).
Is the Presque Isle Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Presque Isle Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Presque Isle Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 18,594 runners who have completed the Presque Isle Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Erie? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
