Big River Crossing Half Marathon
Big River Crossing Half Marathon: flat, point-to-point, and community-driven.
Race Date
Nov 14, 2026
Location
Memphis, TN
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Location
- Memphis, Tennessee
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 3,953
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Big River Crossing Half Marathon launches from Martyrs Park in downtown Memphis, tracing a flat, point-to-point route alongside the Mississippi River. With a median field of roughly 622 finishers, the race draws participants from about 13 states, and an impressive 46% return each year—a clear sign of a well-loved event.
The USATF-certified course is rail-flat, making it a prime PR candidate. Winning times average 73:15, indicating a fast yet approachable field. Race-day weather typically ranges from 45 to 63°F with little rain, ideal for racing. A 10K companion race offers a shorter challenge.
Now in its ninth edition, this Memphis half has built a loyal community. The organization is smooth, and the flat course invites both first-timers and seasoned runners to chase personal bests. It's a hidden gem in the midsouth running calendar.
Race-provided description
Peer Power Big River Crossing Race Martyrs Park, Channel 3rd Drive, Memphis, TN, USA - 8:30 AMHALF MARATHON + 10K8:45 AMFAMILY FUN WALK + 5K On… - November 14, 2026
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
TN21072MS · The Big River Crossing Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite899 years running
~622 finishers a year
growing or steady
46% returning runners
USATF certified · 3 timing sources
runners from 13 states
winner 1:13:15
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
45°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
70%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 3,953 finishers actually crossed the line across 9 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
3,953
Median time
2:24:58
Latest turnout
638
States
30
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Big River Crossing Half Marathon?
The Big River Crossing Half Marathon is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
Where does the Big River Crossing Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Memphis, Tennessee.
What distances does the Big River Crossing Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K run.
Is the Big River Crossing Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Big River Crossing 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 Big River Crossing Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 3,953 runners who have completed the Big River Crossing Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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