How long is a half marathon? Distance, miles, kilometres
A half marathon is exactly half the distance of a marathon: 21.0975 kilometres or 13.1094 miles. The distance is fixed worldwide and certified by the IAAF for record purposes.
The exact distance
A half marathon is 21.0975 kilometres, which converts to 13.1094 miles. Most race signage rounds to 21.1 km or 13.1 mi, but the precise legal distance is 21.0975 km. Anything shorter and the result does not count for personal-best or qualification purposes.
The half marathon shares its origin with the full marathon: it is literally half. The marathon was set at 26.2 miles (42.195 km) by the 1908 London Olympics; the half came later as the most popular dilution of that distance.
How does it compare to other distances?
A half marathon is exactly twice a 10K and four times a 5K. It is the most popular road race distance worldwide because it sits at the boundary of "anyone can train for this" and "this is a real endurance event."
For most amateur runners, a half marathon takes 1h45 to 2h30 to finish. Sub-2 hours is a common goal; sub-1h30 indicates a strong recreational runner.
How long does it take to train?
A complete beginner can prepare for a half marathon in 12 to 16 weeks, running 3 to 4 days a week. A runner already comfortable with 10K can target a half on 8 to 10 weeks of focused training.
Long runs typically peak at 16–18 km the weekend before tapering. Weekly mileage during peak weeks sits between 30 and 50 km depending on goal time.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a half marathon in kilometres?
A half marathon is 21.0975 km. Most races round it to 21.1 km on signage and gear, but the precise certified distance is 21.0975 km.
How long is a half marathon in miles?
A half marathon is 13.1094 miles. Race courses are certified to that exact distance — anything shorter does not qualify as a half marathon.
How far is a half marathon compared to a marathon?
A half marathon is exactly half the distance of a marathon: 21.0975 km vs 42.195 km. The "half" name is literal.
How long does it take to run a half marathon?
Most amateur runners finish a half marathon in 1h45 to 2h30. Sub-2 hours is a common amateur goal. World-class times sit under 60 minutes.
How many miles is a half marathon?
A half marathon is 13.1 miles, or precisely 13.1094 miles (21.0975 km).