YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K
The YMCA Harrisburg Half offers a flat, fast course along the riverfront, ideal for personal bests.
Race Date
Sep 13, 2026
Location
Harrisburg, PA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Location
- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.21 Miles, 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 14,727
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The YMCA Harrisburg Half Marathon, first run in 2004 and now in its 22nd year, has become a beloved fixture in Central Pennsylvania. Runners are drawn to its flat, fast course that winds along the scenic Riverfront Park in downtown Harrisburg, offering an excellent opportunity for personal bests.
With a median field size of around 1,019 finishers, this race provides an intimate yet engaging atmosphere. Approximately 23% of participants return year after year, a testament to its loyal following. Runners typically travel from about 14 states, highlighting its regional appeal.
The course, predominantly paved and flat, runs along the riverfront and features bridges, providing a pleasant running experience. While it's a smaller event without extensive frills, the organization is solid, with easy parking and well-stocked aid stations. Participants receive a participant shirt, and the finisher medal often features the iconic Pennsylvania State Capitol building.
Race-provided description
The YMCA Harrisburg Half Marathon course starts on City Island and runs along the scenic Riverfront Park in the downtown Harrisburg community. It’s an ideal course that’s friendly for runners of all abilities — beginners enjoy the lack of elevation while more experienced runners strive for personal bests. In 20 years of existence, the YMCA Harrisburg Half has experienced tremendous growth and is quickly becoming one of the most loved running events in Central Pennsylvania.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 13, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Giveaway
Participant Shirt
Start Location
City Island, Harrisburg, PA, 17101
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
PA20006NP · Harrisburg Half Marathon Course B
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8322 years running
~1,019 finishers a year
shrinking
23% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 7 photos
runners from 14 states
winner 1:13:29
typical high 79°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
61°
Afternoon (High)
79°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 14,727 finishers actually crossed the line across 22 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
14,727
Median time
2:06:04
Latest turnout
480
States
43
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K?
The YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K is held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K take place?
It takes place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
What distances does the YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.21 Miles, 13.1 Miles.
Is the YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K course flat and good for a PR?
The YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 14,727 runners who have completed the YMCA Harrisburg Half & 10K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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