A half marathon is a road running event of 21.0975 kilometres (c. 13 mi 192.5 yd)—half the distance of a marathon.[1] 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.[2] 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.[examples needed]
| Athletics Half marathon | |
|---|---|
 Half marathon runners in the 2024 Dallas Marathon | |
| World records | |
| Men |  Jacob Kiplimo 57:20 (2026) |
| Women | Mx:  Letesenbet Gidey 1:02:52 (2021)
Wo:  Peres Jepchirchir 1:05:16 (2020) |
A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics.[3][4] The men's world record time is 57:20, set by Jacob Kiplimo in 2026 in Lisbon. Kiplimo also ran 56:42 in Barcelona but this mark was not ratified by World Athletics due to his proximity to the lead car.[5] 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.[6]
Participation in half marathons has grown steadily since 2003,[7] partly because it is a challenging distance, but does not require the same level of training that a marathon does.[7] In 2008, Running USA reported that the half marathon was the fastest-growing type of race.[7]
History
editThe 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.[8] 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.
Area records
edit| Area | Men | Women | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Season | Athlete | Time | Season | Athlete | |
| World | 57:20 | 2026 | Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) |
1:02:52 Mx | 2021 | Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) |
| Area records | ||||||
| Africa (records) | 57:20 | 2026 | Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) |
1:02:52 Mx | 2021 | Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) |
| Asia (records) | 58:23 | 2026 |  Birhanu Balew (BHR) |
1:05:22 Mx | 2017 | Violah Jepchumba (BHR) |
| Europe (records) | 58:41 | 2025 |  Andreas Almgren (SWE) |
1:05:15 Mx | 2018 |  Sifan Hassan (NED) |
| North, Central America and Caribbean (records) |
59:15 | 2025 |  Conner Mantz (USA) |
1:06:04 | 2026 | Weini Kelati (USA) |
| Oceania (records) | 59:47 | 2015 |  Zane Robertson (NZL) |
1:07:11 | 2011 | Kimberley Smith (NZL) |
| South America (records) | 59:33 | 2007 |  Marílson Gomes dos Santos (BRA) |
1:09:21 | 2025 |  Florencia Borelli (ARG) |
All-time top 25
editMen
edit| Rank | Time | Athlete | Date | Place | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 56:42[a] | Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) |
16 February 2025 | Barcelona | [13] |
| 2 | 57:30 | Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [14] |
| 3 | 57:32 | Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) |
6 December 2020 | Valencia | [15] |
| 4 | 57:41 | Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH) |
22 October 2023 | Valencia | [16] |
| 5 | 57:50 | Selemon Barega (ETH) |
22 October 2023 | Valencia | [16] |
| 6 | 57:59 | Alexander Mutiso (KEN) |
6 December 2020 | Valencia | [15] |
| 7 | 58:01 | Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) |
15 September 2019 | Copenhagen | [17] |
| 8 | 58:02 | Sabastian Sawe (KEN) |
6 March 2022 | Rome–Ostia | [18] |
| 9 | 58:07 | Abel Kipchumba (KEN) |
24 October 2021 | Valencia | [19] |
| 10 | 58:08 | Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli (KEN) |
8 March 2026 | Lisboa | [20] |
| 11 | 58:10 | Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi (KEN) |
15 September 2024 | Copenhagen | [21] |
| 12 | 58:11 | Philemon Kiplimo (KEN) |
6 December 2020 | Valencia | [15] |
| 13 | 58:16 |  Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) |
28 March 2026 | Prague | [22] |
| 14 | 58:17 | Daniel Mateiko (KEN) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [23] |
| 15 | 58:23 |  Zersenay Tadese (ERI) |
21 March 2010 | Lisbon | [24] |
| Birhanu Balew (BHR) |
14 February 2026 | Ras Al Khaimah | [25] | ||
| 17 | 58:24 | Vincent Kibet Langat (KEN) |
14 September 2025 | Copenhagen | [26] |
| 18 | 58:27 | Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich (KEN) |
23 March 2025 | Malaga | [27] |
| 19 | 58:28 | Kennedy Kimutai (KEN) |
24 October 2021 | Valencia | [19] |
| 20 | 58:33 | Samuel Wanjiru (KEN) |
17 March 2007 | The Hague | [28] |
| Jemal Yimer (ETH) |
28 October 2018 | Valencia | [29] | ||
| 22 | 58:35 | Kenneth Kiprop Renju (KEN) |
19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [30] |
| 23 | 58:36 | Seifu Tura Abdiwak (ETH) |
19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [31] |
| 24 | 58:38 | Gideon Kipkertich Rono (KEN) |
14 February 2026 | Ras Al Khaimah | [25] |
| 25 | 58:39 | Gemechu Dida (ETH) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [32] |
| Brian Kibor (KEN) |
26 October 2025 | Valencia | [33] |
Notes
editBelow is a list of other times equal or superior to 58:39:
- Jacob Kiplimo also ran 57:20 (2026), 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).[34]
- Yomif Kejelcha also ran 57:41 (2023) 58:02 (2025) and 58:32 (2022).
- Sabastian Sawe also ran 58:05 (2024), 58:24 (2024) and 58:29 (2023).
- Hagos Gebrhiwet also ran 58:05 (2026).
- Geoffrey Kamworor also ran 58:14 (2026).
- Abraham Kiptum ran 58:18,[3] but it was expunged for doping.[35]
- Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi also ran 58:21 (2024).
- Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli also ran 58:23 (2025).
- Daniel Mateiko also ran 58:26 (2021).
- Zersenay Tadese also ran 58:30 (2011).[36]
- Philemon Kiplimo also ran 58:34 (2021).
- Rodrigue Kwizera also ran 58:38 (2025).
Performance annulled due to doping offences:
| Time | Athlete | Date | Place | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 57:49 | Rhonex Kipruto (KEN) |
6 December 2020 | Valencia | [15] |
| 58:30 | Rodgers Kwemoi (KEN) |
19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [37] |
Women
edit- Correct as of February 2026[update].
| Rank | Time | Athlete | Date | Place | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1:02:52 Mx | Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) |
24 October 2021 | Valencia | [40] |
| 2 | 1:03:04 Mx | Agnes Jebet Ngetich (KEN) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [41] |
| 3 | 1:03:21 Mx | Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [41] |
| 4 | 1:03:32 Mx | Lilian Kasait Rengeruk (KEN) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [41] |
| 5 | 1:03:51 Mx | Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) |
24 October 2021 | Valencia | [40] |
| 6 | 1:04:01 Mx | Loice Chemnung (KEN) |
15 February 2026 | Barcelona | [42][43] |
| 7 | 1:04:02 Mx | Ruth Chepng'etich (KEN) |
4 April 2021 | Istanbul | [44] |
| 8 | 1:04:13 Mx | Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) |
16 February 2025 | Barcelona | [45] |
| 9 | 1:04:14 Mx | Girmawit Gebrzihair (ETH) |
19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [46] |
| 10 | 1:04:14 Mx | Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) |
27 October 2024 | Valencia | [41] |
| 11 | 1:04:21 | Tsigie Gebreselama (ETH) |
9 March 2025 | Lisboa | [47] |
| 12 | 1:04:22 Mx | Hellen Obiri (KEN) |
19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [46] |
| 13 | 1:04:31 Mx | Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) |
21 February 2020 | Ras al-Khaimah | [48] |
| 14 | 1:04:36 Mx | Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) |
19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [46] |
| 15 | 1:04:37 | Irine Kimais (KEN) |
19 February 2023 | Barcelona | [49] |
| 16 | 1:04:37 Mx | Sutume Kebede (ETH) |
14 January 2024 | Houston | [50] |
| 17 | 1:04:40 Mx | Senbere Teferi (ETH) |
11 February 2024 | Barcelona | [51] |
| 18 | 1:04:44 | Likina Amebaw (ETH) |
14 September 2025 | Copenhagen | [52] |
| 19 | 1:04:46 | Margaret Kipkemboi (KEN) |
22 October 2023 | Valencia | [53] |
| 20 | 1:04:49 Mx | Brigid Kosgei (KEN) |
21 February 2020 | Ras al-Khaimah | [48] |
| Fantaye Belayneh (ETH) |
11 January 2026 | Houston | [54] | ||
| 22 | 1:04:52 | Fancy Chemutai (KEN) |
9 February 2018 | Ras al-Khaimah | [55] |
| 23 | 1:04:53 | Irine Chepet Cheptai (KEN) |
22 October 2023 | Valencia | [53] |
| 24 | 1:04:55 | Mary Keitany (KEN) |
9 February 2018 | Ras al-Khaimah | [55] |
| 25 | 1:05:00 | Sharon Lokedi (KEN) |
14 September 2025 | Copenhagen | [52] |
Notes
editBelow is a list of other times equal or superior to 1:05:00:
- Agnes Jebet Ngetich also ran 1:03:08 Mx (2025).
- Fotyen Tesfay also ran 1:03:35 (2025) and 1:04:46 (2022).
- Yalemzerf Yehualaw also ran 1:03:44 Mx a (2021, not legal), 1:04:22 Mx (2022), 1:04:40 Mx (2021) and 1:04:46 (2020).
- Ruth Chepng'etich also ran 1:04:16 + Mx (2024).
- Hellen Obiri also ran 1:04:22 Mx (2022), 1:04:48 (2022) and 1:04:51 Mx (2021).[56]
- Joyciline Jepkosgei also ran 1:04:29 Mx (2024), 1:04:46 Mx (2023), 1:04:51 (2017) and 1:04:52 (2017).[57]
- Brigid Kosgei also ran 1:04:50 (2020), 1:04:50 (2020) and 1:04:50 Mx a (2019, not legal).
World leading times
edit
This table lists the best half marathon performances per year since 1970, as recorded by the ARRS.[58]
The largest half marathon ever held was Broloppet (the Bridge race) between Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden with 79,719 finishers, held in connection with the Øresund Bridge inauguration in 2000.[60][61]
See also
edit
Notes
edit- ↑ Not ratified as a world record due to the runner's proximity to the lead pace car
- ↑ Published in IAAF documents, including IAAF top lists Archived 2009-02-16 at the Wayback Machine. The ARRS has suggested that the Stramilano half marathon course might have been short in 1993 and lists the best time for 1993 as 1:00:15 by Moses Tanui from Kenya.
References
edit- ↑ "USATF: Course Measurement and Certification Procedures" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-06-29. Retrieved 2019-04-25.
- ↑ "Chip timing", Wikipedia, 2023-03-28, retrieved 2023-07-16
- 1 2 Emeterio Valiente (28 October 2018). "Kiptum breaks world half marathon record in Valencia with 58:18". IAAF. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ↑ "Records by discipline: Women's outdoor half marathon". IAAF. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
- ↑ "World Athletics borra el récord mundial de medio maratón de Jacob Kiplimo por aprovechar el rebufo de un coche". Runner's World (in European Spanish). 2026-02-03. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
- ↑ "Stats | World Athletics | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- 1 2 3 Hanc, John (July 24, 2008). "Sometimes Half Is Better Than Whole". NY Times. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
- ↑ "THE HISTORY OF THE HALF". Runner's World. 2022-07-01.
- ↑ "Men's Half Marathon | Records". worldathletics.org. World Athletics. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ "Women's Half Marathon | Records". worldathletics.org. World Athletics. Retrieved 12 May 2026.
- ↑ "Men's Half Marathon All-time toplist". World Athletics. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ↑ "All-time men's best half-marathon". alltime-athletics.com. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ↑ Valiente, Emeterio (February 16, 2025). "Kiplimo obliterates world half marathon record in Barcelona, Kejelcha and Eisa impress in Castellón". World Athletics. Retrieved February 16, 2025.
- ↑ "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORT | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- 1 2 3 4 Emeterio Valiente (6 December 2020). "57:32! Kandie crushes half marathon world record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- 1 2 "Kandie and Chelimo victorious in Valencia | REPORTS | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ↑ "Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor smashes half marathon world record". bbc.co.uk. 15 September 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
- ↑ "Mokoka breaks world 50km record with 2:40:13 in Gqeberha". World Athletics. 6 March 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- 1 2 "Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
- ↑ "EDP Lisbon Half Marathon". Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ↑ "Sawe and Kipkemboi claim Copenhagen Half Marathon crowns". World Athletics. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ↑ "Generali Prague Half Marathon". World Athletics. Retrieved 22 April 2026.
- ↑ "Half Marathon - men - senior - all". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ↑ "Zersenay TADESE Profile". Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- 1 2 "Men's Half Marathon Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ↑ "Men's Half Marathon Results". cphhalf.dk. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ↑ "Men's Half Marathon Results". World Athletics. Retrieved 28 November 2025.
- ↑ "Samuel Kamau WANJIRU Profile". Retrieved 21 February 2026.
- ↑ Emeterio Valiente (28 October 2018). "Kiptum breaks world half marathon record in Valencia with 58:18". IAAF. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ↑ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ↑ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ↑ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ↑ "Ngetich sets world lead to win Valencia Half Marathon". World Athletics. Retrieved 29 October 2025.
- ↑ "Jepchirchir smashes women-only half marathon world record in Prague". World Athletics. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ↑ "Abraham Kiptum: Kenyan runner gets four-year ban for anti-doping violation - BBC Sport". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 16 November 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ↑ "Tadese blazes 58:30 in Lisbon, second fastest Half Marathon ever | NEWS | World Athletics". Archived from the original on 2020-09-20.
- ↑ "Kenyan runner Kwemoi banned 6 years for blood doping". ESPN. Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ↑ "Women's Half Marathon All-time toplist". World Athletics. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- ↑ "All-time women's best half-marathon". alltime-athletics.com. 26 October 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- 1 2 3 4 Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ↑ "Weini Kelati Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 Result". mitjamarato.barcelona. Retrieved 17 February 2026.
- ↑ Christopher Kelsall (15 February 2026). "Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet and Kenyan Loice Chemnung win the Mitja Marató de Barcelona half marathon". Retrieved 16 February 2026.
- ↑ "Chepngetich smashes world half marathon record in Istanbul". World Athletics. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ↑ Emeterio Valiente (16 February 2025). "Kiplimo obliterates world half marathon record in Barcelona, Kejelcha and Eisa impress in Castellón". World Athletics. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
- 1 2 3 Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ↑ "Tsigie Gebreselama pulverizou recorde pessoal na EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa". Jogada do Mes. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Yeshaneh breaks half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ↑ Valiente, Emeterio (19 February 2023). "Kimais, Jepkosgei and Langat brilliant in Barcelona, Obiri and Kibet reign in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ↑ "2024 Houston Half Marathon Results". track.rtrt.me. 14 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ↑ Emeterio Valiente (11 February 2024). "Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona". World Athletics. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- 1 2 "Amebaw runs 1:04:44 at Copenhagen Half Marathon". World Athletics. 14 September 2025. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- 1 2 "Kipkemboi and Kandie win Valencia Half Marathon". World Athletics. 22 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- ↑ "Ethiopia's Fantaye Belayneh wins women's Aramco Houston Half Marathon". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2 March 2026.
- 1 2 "Chemutai runs 1:04:52 at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon". World Athletics. 9 February 2018. Retrieved 26 October 2025.
- ↑ Whittington, Jess (2022-03-27). "Obiri and Kwemoi claim half marathon crowns in Istanbul". World Athletics. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
- ↑ "Jepkosgei breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORT | World Athletics". Archived from the original on 2020-10-23.
- ↑ "Yearly Ranking Leaders: Half Marathon". ARRS. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
- ↑ "Keitany smashes half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah". IAAF. February 18, 2011. Retrieved 2015-05-03.
- ↑ "Bridge Race 2000". Archived from the original on 2004-11-19. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
- ↑ "Senaste". Marathon.se. 8 June 2023.
Further reading
edit- Nilson, Finn; Lundkvist, Erik; Wagnsson, Stefan; Gustafsson, Henrik (2019-12-19). "Has the second 'running boom' democratized running? A study on the sociodemographic characteristics of finishers at the world's largest half marathon". Sport in Society. 24 (4): 659–669. doi:10.1080/17430437.2019.1703687. ISSN 1743-0437.
External links
edit
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Half marathons.