
From the Organizer
The Hops Half is a one-of-a-kind half marathon in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, bringing together the local running community for a memorable race centered around connection, purpose, and a post-run celebration. Set for October 24, 2026, this 13.1-mile event blends scenic routes with a welcoming, high-energy atmosphere, all while supporting the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County. Built on the belief that every runner has a story, the Hops Half embraces its tagline, “Miles with Meaning,” encouraging participants to run not just for a finish time, but for a cause that gives back to the community. Please note this will be a 3.5 hr cut off run. This is to ensure all runners are safely back before the Hops Springs festival starts.
🏁 Hops Half Awards
🏆 Award Categories
Top 3 Overall Male & Female
Top 3 Masters (40+) Male & Female
Top 3 Male & Female in each age group:
14–19
20–24
25–29
30–34
35–39
40–44
45–49
50–54
55–59
60–64
65–69
70+
📋 Awards Rules
Overall awards are based on gun time.
Age group awards are based on chip time.
No double dipping: Overall winners are not eligible for age group awards.
Age groups are determined by age on race day.
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female in each category.
Participants must complete the full course to be eligible for awards.
There will be 3 aide stations that you will pass 2 times.
Along the course mile 2 and mile 6 will have a porta potty.
Please join us after the race for the Hops Spring Fall Festival. 18 bands and 70 food/craft vendors will be out there to celebrate with you. No charge for the festival and the first beverage is on us!
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Christmas 5K/10K/Half Marathon in July - Chattanooga
Running for Children's Rights to Both Parents - 8 of 50 Half Marathons in 50 States - Tennessee
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Hops Half Marathon
Oct 24, 2026