Half Marathon

A half marathon is a road running event of —half the distance of a marathon. It is common for a half marathon event to be held concurrently with a marathon or a 5K race, using almost the same course with a late start, an early finish, or shortcuts. If finisher medals are awarded, the medal or ribbon may differ from those for the full marathon. The half marathon is also known as a 21K, 21.1K, or 13.1 miles, although these values are rounded and not formally correct.

A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics. The men's world record time, pending ratification, is 56:42, set by Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda in February 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. The women's world record, in a mixed-gender race, is 1:02:52, set by Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia in October 2021 in Valencia, Spain. In a female-only race, the women's world record is 1:05:16, set by Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya in October 2020.

Participation in half marathons has grown steadily since 2003, partly because it is a challenging distance, but does not require the same level of training that a marathon does. In 2008, ''Running USA'' reported that the half marathon is the fastest-growing type of race.

History

The concept of the half-marathon emerged in the 1960s. The first half marathon was the Route du Vin Half Marathon founded in 1961. Although the race was technically not the official current distance until it was standardized in 1995. The event grew in popularity leading to the eventual establishment of the World Athletics Road Running Championships in 1992, originally titled the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.

All-time top 25

Men

*Correct .

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 58:43:
* Jacob Kiplimo also ran 57:31 (2021), 57:37 (2020), 57:56 (2022) and 58:09 (2024).
* Kibiwott Kandie also ran 57:40 (2023), 58:10 (2022) and 58:38 (2020).
* Yomif Kejelcha also ran 57:41 (2023) and 58:32 (2022).
* Sabastian Sawe also ran 58:05 (2024), 58:24 (2024), 58:29 (2023).
* Abraham Kiptum ran 58:18, but it was expunged for doping.
* Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi also ran 58:21 (2024).
* Zersenay Tadese also ran 58:30 (2011).
* Daniel Mateiko also ran 58:26 (2021) and 58:40 (2022).
* Philemon Kiplimo also ran 58:34 (2021).

Performance annulled due to doping offences:

Women

*Correct .

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 1:05:07:
* Yalemzerf Yehualaw also ran 1:03:44 (2021, not legal), 1:04:22 (2022), 1:04:40 (2021), 1:04:46 (2020).
* Brigid Kosgei also ran 1:04:28 (2019).
* Joyciline Jepkosgei also ran 1:04:29 (2024), 1:04:46 (2023), 1:04:51 (2017), 1:04:52 (2017).
* Hellen Obiri also ran 1:04:48 (2022), 1:04:51 (2021).
* Sheila Chepkirui also ran 1:04:53 (2021).
* Ruth Chepngetich also ran 1:05:06 (2020).

Season's bests

This table lists the best half marathon performances per year since 1970, as recorded by the ARRS.

The largest half marathon ever held was Broloppet (the Bridge race) between Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden with finishers, held in connection with the Øresund Bridge inauguration in 2000.

See also

* List of half marathon races
* World Athletics Half Marathon Championships
* Mini marathon
* Quarter marathon
* Half marathon world record progression
* One hour run

Notes

References

Further reading

*

External links

IAAF list of half-marathon records in XML

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Road running distances
Long-distance running disciplines