Flat and Fast Races to Chase Your PR

Written by
Mackenzie Lobby Havey
Not all running events are created equal. Whether the race is hilly and hard or flat and fast, there are many reasons why you might choose a specific event. We ran courses around the country to determine which ones were the flattest and fastest races to achieve a personal best.
Purity Dairies Moosic City Dairy Dash 5K/10K
April 11, 2015 - Nashville, Tennessee
1 of 12
There's a reason this race has been around for 15 years. Both the 5K and 10K are favorites for locals looking to score fast times. You can count on pancake-flat routes, which tend to follow Metro Center streets and the Metro Center Greenway.

If you need motivation, the overall male and female winners receive a one-year supply of Purity Ice Cream.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Run Sunset Beach
May 16, 2015 - Sunset Beach, North Carolina
1 of 12
When it comes to scenery, it doesn't get much better than the Sunset Beach Half Marathon, Kindred Spirit 5K, and 1-Mile Turtle Trot. The flat-and-fast marathon course starts on the island before taking runners over a bridge through the gorgeous Sea Trail Golf Resort. While you may be focused on logging a fast time, don't overlook the views.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
BFD Catfish Crawl 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run
May 16, 2015 - Blountstown, Florida
1 of 12
This family-friendly event is a great place for mom, dad and the kids to log fast race times. Dubbed the grand finale of road races for Blountstown, these races take runners from the M & B Train Depot Museum along the Blountstown Greenway Bike Path. This race has become famous with the locals thanks to its coveted finisher prizes, which include Blountstown Fire Department bobblehead dolls.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Fit For Life 5K/10K
May 31, 2015 - Seattle, Washington
1 of 12
Chip timing and a speedy course through Centennial/Myrtle Edwards Park make this a perfect race to log a PR. In addition to getting the chance to run a beautiful course, all 5K and 10K runners receive high-quality technical T-shirts and finish line snacks. Proceeds from this event go to benefit Queen Anne Public Schools, giving you the chance to do something good for yourself and the local community.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Summer Breeze Half Marathon/10K/5K
August 1, 2015 - San Leandro, California
1 of 12
An almost entirely flat course, the trail for these races rarely strays more than a few feet from the water. Thanks to the lack of hills, this is a perfect race to set a personal best. In addition to T-shirts, runners and walkers receive colorful custom finisher medals.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Carmel Valley Trail 10K and 5K
September 19, 2015 - San Diego, California
1 of 12
Although most trail races tend to be heavy on the hills, the Carmel Valley events are an exception to the rule. Providing trail buffs with a great opportunity to PR, both races are run on single track and dirt roads through Gonzales Canyon Open Space and Torrey Highlands Community Park with fewer inclines than your average trail race.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Navy-Air Force Half Marathon and Navy 5-Miler
September 20, 2015 - Washington, D.C.
1 of 12
This race gives runners the chance to run along the Rock Creek Parkway in the shadow of the Washington Monument and past many of Washington D.C.'s most famous memorials. All runners receive finisher medals, as well as entrance into the expo, which includes a host of great deals on races and running gear.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Bay Ridge Half Marathon
October 3, 2015 - Brooklyn, New York
1 of 12
This lightning fast course through Brooklyn takes runners around the scenic Shore Road Promenade in Bay Ridge. This is a good tune-up race for the New York City Marathon held just a month later. The race gives runners the chance to test speed and strength over 13.1 miles without any pesky hills. This race usually sells out, so be sure to snag your spot ahead of time.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon
October 4, 2015 - Hampton Beach, New Hampshire
1 of 12
What's not to like about a flat and fast race sponsored by a brewery? The Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon is as easy as 13.1-mile races come. To ensure runners gunning for specific times don't get tangled up in the crowds, they even offer organized waves at the start line with specified paces. No matter what your speed, Smuttynose Brewing Company is waiting for you with a cold one at the finish line.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Surftown Half Marathon
September 13, 2015 - Westerly, Rhode Island
1 of 12
Come experience what has been dubbed the "most spectacular oceanfront course in New England" at the Surftown Half Marathon. Starting and finishing at Misquamicut State Beach, this race runs along the rocky coast, making for a flat route and a crowd-friendly event.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
Mermaid 5K and 10K
November 1, 2015 - San Francisco, California
1 of 12
There's a reason this event sells out every year. Not only are runners treated to breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline, the 5K and 10K courses are as zippy as they come. This event is part of a series of races across California that work to inspire women to get active.
Register
Shop for
Running Gear
1 of 12
Shop for
Running Gear