Havasu Half Marathon
Lake Havasu City, AZ
- Half Marathon, 5K, 3K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
At the Havasu Half Marathon, run or walk over and under the world famous London Bridge on this flat, easy and beautiful course. You will never be more than 440 yards from the Colorado River and never more than 31 feet of elevation above or below the start line. Start … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 07):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 77 | 66 | 65 | 66 | 64 |
| L (°F) | 57 | 48 | 52 | 52 | 48 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Don't bother-not worth it
My husband and I traveled from the East Coast to participate in this race. We were enticed by the promise of a USATF-certified course, which is important to both of … MORE
My husband and I traveled from the East Coast to participate in this race. We were enticed by the promise of a USATF-certified course, which is important to both of us. I realize now that I should have read reviews about the race in advance, because the negative ones from the past few years are spot on.
We flew into Vegas and then drove the 2.5 hours to Lake Havasu City so that we wouldn’t need to spend the exorbitant ($40!) fee for bib delivery or race morning pick up. The “Expo” was nothing other than a couple of tents blowing in the wind. We picked up our shirts, which were a terrible yellow color, cotton, and ill fitting. Normally, we would drive the course to make sure we knew where turns and hills were located, but because a lot of this race is on pedestrian pathways and bike paths, we were unable to do so.
On race morning, I was surprised at how dark it was at the race starting time of 6:30am. On the main road portions, cones were placed to keep runners safe from cars. The police also did a nice job of controlling traffic. BUT, that is where the help ended.
Around the 5k mark, we entered a neighborhood that had absolutely no arrows or volunteers. A few men and a woman went right past a turn. I was thankful for a man in an orange tank top who yelled to them (and me next to him) that we needed to turn. Unfortunately, my husband was further back and did not know of the turn, and this added about 0.3-0.4 miles to the race.
Almost midway through the race, we ran along the lake on pedestrian paths. They were narrow, and we weaved our way through. I kept following the orange tank top guy, since he seemed to know where he was going. By the time we hit mile 8, we discovered we had added almost a mile to the race. There were ZERO directionals in that entire pedestrian path portion, and there was no turnaround arrow to indicate where to head back. I felt a sense of dread come over me at that point.
Mile markers after that were sparse. The mile 10 marker was off to the side of the road where it couldn’t be seen easily, and at that point, my watch beeped 11 miles. As we continued to wind through the bike path, I was getting concerned that we were lost, since I saw no volunteers (other than the water stop guy at “mile 10”) or arrows.
I was extremely angry to run a full mile over 13.1. My husband ran 14.4. At the end, I learned that this is par for the course for this race. I even spoke to a police officer after the race who told me that the police have asked them to mark the course better, since they are upset that the runners always ask them where to go.
The awards ceremony was held after the 5k…at 11:30 am, when the half marathon started at 8:30am. It was poorly done, the medals just said the race company’s name, and the glasses they had for first in AG weren’t handed out until they got to the 40 year old age category.
We were stunned that a race like this could be so poorly organized. It angers me that so many folks traveled to this race, all to have it fall apart in the middle. I will be posting on my social media/running group sites to avoid this race at all costs.
Not worth coming back
After reading the 2025 reviews, very little has changed. I ran this race 4 years ago for the first time, and from reading the reviews, it seems like this race … MORE
After reading the 2025 reviews, very little has changed. I ran this race 4 years ago for the first time, and from reading the reviews, it seems like this race keeps going downhill. The medals are well done. They did give out a coupon for a free hamburger from Habit Burger which was appreciated.
The race no longer gives out nice wicking shirts, but cheap throw away cotton t-shirts.
The race started as 6:35 AM. It was dark when the race began, but within 15 minutes the sun was coming up. Good to start early and keep the temperature cool.
Very windy day, and historically, this isn’t unusual along the Colorado River area. The wind was strong enough to blow over the mileage signs. Since wind is a common factor at this race, you would think they would get a brick and hang from the signs to keep them from blowing over. That is to say for the signs they bothered putting up. Directional and mileage signs were minimal. If you couldn’t see the runner in front of you, it would be easy to get lost.
The biggest issue with the signs is that the turn around sign disappeared. According to race officials, someone from the City Public Works thought the sign was in the way, so it was removed. But the race officials didn’t bother putting a volunteer at the turn around point–the most critical place to have a volunteer. So of course, all the runners kept going until they ran out of trail, then turned around. This half marathon turned into a solid 14 miles. The lack of volunteers is a significant issue in this race. Not just this year, but last year also.
Most aid stations on the course had one volunteer and water was available, but no Gatorade. There were fewer water stations and bathrooms than I normally see for a half marathon. At the end of the race they provided warm water bottles, bananas and granola bars.
I don’t know where the profits go, but if they contributed more to the community to benefit local charities, they might actually get some community support. This race appears to spend as little as possible, lacks in volunteers, and is poorly managed. There are so many other races to choose from that understand how a race should be organized.
Poorly planned race
This was my first time running the Havasu Half Marathon. The course was poorly marked. There was either a misplaced sign or a missing volunteer that caused many runners, including … MORE
This was my first time running the Havasu Half Marathon. The course was poorly marked. There was either a misplaced sign or a missing volunteer that caused many runners, including myself, to run 14 miles. Many times there were no markers or signs directing runners and I would have been lost if there was not someone in front of me (even though I still ended up a mile over). Towards the end, aid stations and bathrooms were scarce. Many of the volunteers were in plain street clothes, so it was hard to know who was actually directing you. Maybe just get your volunteers some bright shirts that say volunteer, or at least some neon vests so they are visible. I highly recommend purchasing some additional signage, even if it’s just arrows on poster board. It can’t be that hard to ensure folks are going the correct way. The medal was nice. The shirt was poor quality material. Overall, for a race that prides itself on running mostly along the lake, there was maybe a few miles at best with lake views. I would not likely do this again.
Lake Havasu 1/2 Marathon & 5k Delivers
If you’re looking for a challenge. The Lake Havasu 1/2 Marathon & 5k have it for you, with the Light House Challenge. Both the 1/2 Marathon and 5k courses are … MORE
If you’re looking for a challenge. The Lake Havasu 1/2 Marathon & 5k have it for you, with the Light House Challenge. Both the 1/2 Marathon and 5k courses are fast and challenging. If by chance you hit the podium. You’re in for some real bling for your medal rack. I’ll be back for the 2026 race/run. I’ve seen some issues with not enough volunteers at water stations. I’m in for charging a higher entry fee to provide help with getting more volunteers. Besides that! I’ll be back for 2026
Fun time meeting new people Beautiful
Fun people Great course Great Beer from Hanger 24. Recommend this event for all ages This is great for first timers. The weather is always great. I’m a legacy runner … MORE
Fun people Great course Great Beer from Hanger 24. Recommend this event for all ages This is great for first timers. The weather is always great. I’m a legacy runner Looking forward to 2026
Great location, great scenery, but….
I really want to give this race better reviews. I should have know better when I was getting emails offering $100 race credit for volunteers days before the race. I’m … MORE
I really want to give this race better reviews. I should have know better when I was getting emails offering $100 race credit for volunteers days before the race.
I’m pretty sure I only saw 2 water stations on the whole course, and the last one was around mile 6. On top of that, they didn’t have anyone working them. Someone set up a bunch of cups of water and Gatorade (I think) and then left. It’s almost as if the race didn’t have ANY volunteers.
On top of that, they messed up the bib printing and delivery. Anyone who ordered bibs to be mailed ahead of time, for a cost, did not get them. And no one got their bibs at packet pickup the day before because the person bringing the bibs was stuck in a snowstorm three hours away. We had to pick up our bibs before 6am before the race. (They did offer to deliver bibs to hotels but they had no clue my hotel existed even though it was next to the park the race started/finished in). The race director needs to be more on top of it so that they are not replying on last second delivery for something as simple as bibs.
The race itself is nice and small- just a few hundred runners. We started at 630. The website said 7am start all year and then the race week emails said 630…. Again, race director….
It’s still dark at 630 in western Arizona. But the temperature was great- barely over 50. There was a strong wind but it only affected a few miles of the course.
You run out the park and quickly over London Bridge- yes, THAT London Bridge (it was moved from England hundreds of years ago and rebuilt here. After a couple of simple turns you head north. This is where we ran into a headwind for miles 2-4. (not the race’s fault) and went though rolling hills. At the end there were some STEEP hills in a small neighborhood where we turned around. My only issue here is the course was not the same as the race website or the YouTube video that have about the race course. Again, race director.
Once you get around the block you come back downhill and now the wind was to our back. I was able to open my stride, relax a little, and recover from the windy hills. Also, the sun has now come up over the mountains to the east while the Colorado river is to the west.
Shortly after mile 7 you run down along the river past the small fun shops and restaurants by their little harbor. This was quite nice. You run under the London Bridge and continue on along the river until a pretty sharp turnaround point. Back the way you came for a little bit until you head up and back across the bridge again. About a quarter mile up the road you get onto an “island trail” which is essentially a greenway. This is a four mile loop around the island which is pretty nice. You’re staring at the California mountains ahead of you until you start your way back. The last two miles have a lot of downhill before heading back into the park to finish.
Another issue for the race director- about half of the mile markers were missing. And there was no systematic reasoning to the markers that were out. Just some were there and some were not. Bathrooms were scarce too.
The medal was pretty cool. It is a 3D sundial. They’ve had some cool spinners in the past but this was cool too. I’d give the swag a better rating but the shirt is pretty much garbage. There was no other swag to speak of. I’m not gucci or anything and am usually quite happy with a nice soft shirt and a memorable medal.
They didn’t have race results posted online for quite some time afterwards. I’m not positive, but even though they said on the website they have age group awards in 5 year increments, I didn’t see any awards. I got fourth in my age group so I could be wrong here.
Post race was what you expect for a small race. There was a beer tent with good beer and your bib got you a free beer. Other than that, there was bananas, not cold water, and granola bars.
There was also a 5k that started at 930. If you’re a back of the pack half runner, I’d be cautious as what was left at the couple of unmanned water stations and at the post race.
Lake Havasu is a beautiful resort town. Glad we went. If we were to be in town again during race time, I probably would have to see some major improvements from the race director to run again.
If You Are Slow, Just No!
I’m a half marathon walker and was so excited to see this race had a 4.5 hour time limit. I was very confident to participate in this race. What I … MORE
I’m a half marathon walker and was so excited to see this race had a 4.5 hour time limit. I was very confident to participate in this race.
What I didn’t expect were poor course markings that caused me to be lost TWICE. On one occasion a volunteer was in the bathroom instead of pointing me in the right direction. Everyone else was so much faster that I couldn’t keep an eye to follow other half marathoners. The race knew I was the last half marathoner because I overheard conversations on walkie talkies. No sweepers after around the 8 mile mark. I was very nervous I would miss my flight!
A couple of friendly walkers pointed me in the right direction so I did finish the race, dead last. Probably my overall worst race experience. Not of fan of being abandoned in a strange city.
At least the bridge and beach were nice to visit. I got a time and I medal. I guess beggars can’t be choosy?
Beautiful Lake Race!
A very charming small town race that was put on very well! The expo was just bib and shirt pick up and was seamless. The race started on time and … MORE
A very charming small town race that was put on very well! The expo was just bib and shirt pick up and was seamless. The race started on time and had great music and an announcer. You really do not run very far away from the water at all which was great although the wind for our race was definitely blowing! Overall great course and a fun finish line with a beer garden! Thanks for a great race day!
Fun location. Hillier than expected.
I would recommend this for Arizona as it is right in Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge. It is hilly in parts though so be ready for that. And … MORE
I would recommend this for Arizona as it is right in Lake Havasu City and the London Bridge. It is hilly in parts though so be ready for that. And hot. Happy for the 6am start. Easy walk to/from the Holiday Inn where we stayed (one of the host hotels)
Worth doing again!
Lot of up and down through washes and across the bridge (all paved). Definitely not a flat race, but not overwhelming. They threw in a steep uphill run through a … MORE
Lot of up and down through washes and across the bridge (all paved). Definitely not a flat race, but not overwhelming. They threw in a steep uphill run through a neighborhood at the last minute. Great scenery while running, the Colorado River is in view from time to time, and temperature was perfect. This really is a very good race. Overall, a good race, I will run again.
Fun race
Pretty well managed race. There was a hiccup with mailing out of the Bibs. Kinda frustrating because I paid $10.00 for that privilege. But with races such as these "Stuff" … MORE
Pretty well managed race. There was a hiccup with mailing out of the Bibs. Kinda frustrating because I paid $10.00 for that privilege. But with races such as these “Stuff” happens and I just roll with it. It’s a cool course but the public are not barred from being on it as you are racing. There is also plenty of vehicle traffic which is not a hindrance but just adds to the chaos. Really nice to run near the water. It was VERY well attended by people from all over the U.S. A good experience and I will definitely do it again next year.
Spinner Bling! Lock it in!
You run across the great London Bridge, and the views are amazing. Well organized run with lots of race support. They offer a half marathon and 5K challenge to receive … MORE
You run across the great London Bridge, and the views are amazing. Well organized run with lots of race support. They offer a half marathon and 5K challenge to receive another 🏅. Lake Havasu is a neat town with a lot to see and do.
Run In London Without Leaving the US
I was bummed when the race was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 and was glad that since vaccines are now available, the race was able to be held … MORE
I was bummed when the race was cancelled last year due to the COVID-19 and was glad that since vaccines are now available, the race was able to be held this year with safety precautions. A few weeks before race day, I received an email from the race director clearly explaining the ways in which he was working to make the race a safe experience for all runners.
The first safety precaution was that all runners were assigned a specific time to attend the race expo. The expo was held outside and everyone was required to wear a mask when attending the expo. When I arrived at the race expo, I was greeted by two masked volunteers who took my temperature before I was able to enter the expo. Each runner was given twenty minutes to pick up their bib and race shirt from the expo.
The second big safety precaution was that runners were assigned to a specific start time on race day and were distanced by number safety cones leading up to the start line. The third safety precaution is that all runners were required to wear a mask when crossing the start line as well as when crossing the finish line. After crossing the start line, since runners tend to run at a distance, runners could take their masks off.
One of the coolest things about the Havasu Half is that some of the race is run on the London Bridge which is actually a portion of the London Bridge which was purchased by someone in Arizona and then moved from London to Lake Havasu.
Overall, this was a very enjoyable race and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to run my first person race as well as check off a new state to have run in. I also think that a new part of racing in the COVID-19 era is that in addition to giving out race medals, race companies will also provide branded racing event face mask as a souvenir of the running event.
Great Location and Fast Course!
The race was well organized. The course was mainly flat and fast. The markers were easy to follow. The scenery was exquisite. And I LOVED the early start! MORE
The race was well organized. The course was mainly flat and fast. The markers were easy to follow. The scenery was exquisite. And I LOVED the early start!
Havasu Half - Beautiful Course!
I am so glad this was the first post-pandemic race I participated in. From the registration to the after party - it was simply GREAT! Excellent pre-race communication from the … MORE
I am so glad this was the first post-pandemic race I participated in. From the registration to the after party – it was simply GREAT! Excellent pre-race communication from the race director. On race day everything was super organized with the runners in mind. The course was beautiful, clean and manned with lots of happy volunteers. I can’t wait for next year!
Well organized and great scenery!
For one of the first big races after a COVID year, I was very impressed at how they handled all the safety protocols. It was well organized, the volunteers were … MORE
For one of the first big races after a COVID year, I was very impressed at how they handled all the safety protocols. It was well organized, the volunteers were amazing, the race announcer rocked the start/finish line, the scenery was beautiful, the afterparty/beer garden was awesome and I loved the medal. I’d recommend it as a great first time half marathon or for anyone liking travel destination races.
Definitely Coming Next Year
This was a very fun race!! The scenery was beautiful. Loved the announcers and the volunteers kept the race pumping!! It was a perfect weekend with perfect weather. I’m so … MORE
This was a very fun race!! The scenery was beautiful. Loved the announcers and the volunteers kept the race pumping!! It was a perfect weekend with perfect weather. I’m so glad I decided to make this my first road trip half!
Tons of fun under the sun with lake view
The inaugural Lake Havasu was a blast with the best race announcers ever - Team Noisy! Challenging course and extra fun with the Lighthouse challenge. Looking forward to retuning in … MORE
The inaugural Lake Havasu was a blast with the best race announcers ever – Team Noisy! Challenging course and extra fun with the Lighthouse challenge.
Looking forward to retuning in 2022 with a full race post pandemic.
Great course for first timers !
Lots of aid/water stations, energetic and encouraging volunteers throughout the course. Announcers were lively and enthusiastic too. It was a great experience for my first half marathon so I was … MORE
Lots of aid/water stations, energetic and encouraging volunteers throughout the course. Announcers were lively and enthusiastic too. It was a great experience for my first half marathon so I was very happy with everything. I think they put on an exceptional race, being one of the first ones since Covid.
Great course for casual runners
Havasu is located at or just barely above sea level making this race easy on the lungs. There are plenty of hills here, but this course doesn’t have any biggies. … MORE
Havasu is located at or just barely above sea level making this race easy on the lungs. There are plenty of hills here, but this course doesn’t have any biggies. Although the view is great, you tend to get distracted by the industrial area you are running through. The weather is also unpredictable and can change as much as 30 degrees from one day to the next.