La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon
La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon offers a unique bridge-running challenge with a festive waterfront finish.
Race Date
Nov 15, 2026
Location
La Porte, TX
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 15, 2026
- Location
- La Porte, Texas
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 17,376
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon, a staple in the Texas Bridge Series, unfolds along the scenic waterfront of La Porte, Texas. Runners embark on a unique journey that includes two crossings of the iconic Fred Hartman Bridge, a structure known for its towering twin steel supports and distinctive yellow cables.
This well-organized event, now in its 16th year, typically draws around 1,600 finishers from about a dozen states, with a loyal following seeing about 31% return each year. The course, primarily paved road, features a significant net drop due to the bridge crossings, making it a potential PR course for many. Spectators can cheer from the sidelines as runners navigate this distinctive route.
The race concludes at Five Points Plaza, where a lively post-race party awaits, complete with food, drinks, and awards. Finishers are also awarded a medal, and participants in the full Texas Bridge Series can earn a bonus medal for completing all three events.
Race-provided description
The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon starts at Sylvan Beach Park by the water. The course takes runners through La Porte streets and onto the Fred Hartman Bridge, one of Texas' most distinctive structures. The bridge features twin steel towers reaching 440 feet high, with yellow cables that stand out against the sky. After completing two bridge crossings, runners finish at Five Points Plaza where they can enjoy a post-race party featuring good food, cold beer, and awards. All finishers receive a medal. This event is the third race in the Texas Bridge Series, organized by 3 Bros Running Company.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
636 N. Bayshore Dr., La Porte, TX, 77571
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
-0.08 m
Separation
6.7%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
TX25017JH · La Porte by the Bay Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change.
Quality Score
Standout7916 years running
~1,653 finishers a year
shrinking
31% returning runners
USATF certified · 6 timing sources
runners from 12 states
winner 1:23:55
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
57°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 17,376 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
17,376
Median time
2:33:50
Latest turnout
843
States
21
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon?
The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon is held on Sunday, November 15, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in La Porte, Texas.
What distances does the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles.
Is the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon is a rolling hills, out & back course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 17,376 runners who have completed the La Porte By the Bay Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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