June Half Marathons Near Charlotte 2027: Which One Should You Run?
June is a tough month to race a half in the Carolinas. It's warm by 8 AM and humid by 9. So the questions that matter are when it starts, how much shade there is, and how far you have to drive. Here are the June halfs within reach of Charlotte, side by side.
June 2027 at a glance
| Race | Date | Where | From uptown | Course |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Norman Forest Run | Sat, Jun 5 | Lake Norman State Park, Troutman | About 47 min | Paved park roads, mostly shaded, rolling. Two loops. |
| RAD Half Marathon & 10K | Sun, Jun 13 | Downtown Asheville | About 2 hr | City streets and the River Arts District. Certified course. |
| Run The South | Mid to late June 2027 date not posted | McAlpine Creek Park, Charlotte | In town | Flat, mostly shaded greenway and gravel. Sold out at 1,000 in 2025. |
| Small greenway series races | Several Saturdays | Charlotte, Concord, Hickory | Varies | Multi-lap greenway courses, small fields, fun medals. |
Check each race's own site before you plan around it. Dates for some 2027 races haven't been announced yet.
How to pick
- You want shade and a real race morning: the Forest Run. Trees cover most of the course, and it's early in the month before the worst of the heat.
- You want a road trip: RAD in Asheville. Mountain town, downtown course, two hours away.
- You want flat and close: Run The South at McAlpine. Register early, since it has sold out before.
- You just need a half on the calendar: the small greenway series races run on several June weekends.
Training for a June half
If you're starting from a comfortable 3–4 mile run, you have time. A few things matter more in summer than in fall:
- Run early. Do your long runs at the same hour as race start, 7:30 AM, so your body knows what that feels like.
- Practice drinking. Carry water on runs over an hour, and try your race-day gel or chew on long runs first.
- Train on hills. The Forest Run rolls the whole way. A weekly run with some climbs will pay off.
- Back off when it's hot. Slow your pace on humid days. Heat makes everything feel harder, and that's normal.
These are simple tips for regular runners, not a medical plan. If you're new to running or have a health concern, check with your doctor first.
About the Forest Run
The 8th Annual Lean30 Lake Norman Half Marathon Forest Run & 5K is Saturday, June 5, 2027. The half starts at 7:30 AM and the 5K at 7:35. Half $65, 5K $30 and virtual $79 through February 28. Half marathoners get a medal and a hoodie.
Questions
Is there a half marathon in Charlotte in June 2027?
Yes, a few. The Lake Norman Forest Run is June 5 at Lake Norman State Park, about 47 minutes from uptown. Run The South at McAlpine Creek Park usually runs in mid to late June.
What's the best June half marathon for beginners near Charlotte?
Pick one with an early start, some shade and a generous time limit. The Forest Run starts at 7:30 AM and gives half marathoners until 11:00 AM to finish.
Is the Forest Run a trail race?
No. It's paved the whole way, on roads inside the state park.