1. What is a Half Marathon?

A half marathon is a road running event of 13.1 miles (21.0975 kilometers). It's half the distance of a full marathon and is a popular challenge for runners of various skill levels.

2. Half Marathon Distance

The standard half marathon distance is:

This equals exactly 21.0975 kilometers. The distance is standardized by international athletics organizations.

3. Training Considerations

Training Duration: Most training plans range from 10-16 weeks depending on your current fitness level. Beginners should allow more time to build mileage safely.

Weekly Mileage: Aim for 20-30 miles per week at peak training, with a longest run of 10-12 miles before race day.

4. Pace Calculation

To estimate your finish time:

Example: An 8-minute mile pace would result in a finish time of about 1 hour 45 minutes.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is a half marathon 13.1 miles?
A: It's exactly half the distance of a full marathon (26.2 miles), which itself originates from the distance run in the 1908 London Olympics.

Q2: How long does it take to run a half marathon?
A: Finish times vary widely from elite runners (~1 hour) to beginners (2.5-3 hours). Average time is about 2 hours.

Q3: Can I walk a half marathon?
A: Yes, many events allow walkers with time limits typically around 3.5-4 hours. Check specific race rules.

Q4: What's a good beginner half marathon time?
A: For first-timers, finishing is the primary goal. A time between 2:15-2:30 is common for beginner runners.

Q5: How many calories does a half marathon burn?
A: Approximately 100 calories per mile, so around 1,300 calories total (varies by weight and effort).