A half marathon is a road race covering 21.0975 kilometres, or 13.1 miles, exactly half the distance of a full marathon. It's one of the most popular race distances worldwide, demanding enough to require real training but short enough to fit into a single season of preparation.
A half marathon is exactly 21.0975 kilometres, or 13.1 miles. As the name suggests, it's precisely half the distance of a full marathon.
Most recreational runners finish between 2 and 3 hours. Competitive runners often finish under 1 hour 30 minutes, while a run-walk approach can take up to 3.5 hours.
Yes, it's a common step up from a 10K and a popular choice for a first big race goal. It's long enough to feel like a real achievement without demanding the months of specialized training a full marathon needs.
Most training plans run 10 to 12 weeks, building a weekly long run up to 16 to 18 kilometres. Mixing in easy runs, one tempo session, and rest days is the standard approach.
Most half marathons set a cutoff between 3 and 3.5 hours. Always confirm the exact limit on the specific event's website before you register.