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Here’s how long it really takes to run a half-marathon, according to data

Here's the data on the average times and the current world record.

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man running marathon outside on track
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If you’ve set your sights on a half-marathon, you should be proud that you’re prioritizing your fitness and challenging yourself. If you’ve already completed one in the past, that’s also something to be proud of. A half-marathon is 13.1 miles or 21.1 kilometers, which is half of the distance of a full marathon. It’s more manageable than a full marathon, but still presents a challenge, especially if you’re working on your personal best. It’s also an excellent way to work your way up to the full marathon or an Ironman.

If you’re wondering, here’s the data on the average half-marathon finishing times. No matter your finishing time, you can always work on improving your running performance, speed, and endurance over time. Crossing that finish line is another fitness goal ticked off your list of accomplishments.

The increasing popularity of the half-marathon

Running guru Jeff has been encouraging people to enjoy the benefits of exercise for over five decades.
Runffwpu / Pexels

The data from the SportsShoes’ annual running report shows the following:

  • Out of the 3,000 Brits surveyed, 11% have already finished a half-marathon or are actively training for one.
  • One out of five runners doesn’t time their runs, showing that not everyone cares about their speed or tracking it.

The average finishing times for a half-marathon

Man running a marathon
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These stats break down the average half-marathon finishing times to help you figure out what to aim for when you give it a go. The data is from Run Repeat’s State of Running report from 2019, which is a large study of race results:

  • The average half-marathon finish time in the UK (across men and women) is 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 43 seconds.
  • For British men, the average half-marathon time is 1 hour 55 minutes and 26 seconds. For women, it’s 2 hours,11 minutes, and 57 seconds.

Average running pace for a half-marathon

man running marathon
Runffwpu / Pexels

According to the data from the report, the average running pace for a half-marathon is:

  • 5:29 min/km or 8:49 min/mile for men.
  • 6:16 min/km or 10:04 min/mile for women.

Half-marathon world record

marathon people finishing finish line running
Pitero Rampazzo / Unsplash

While you’re probably not trying to break a world record, it’s interesting and impressive to think that Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda set the current world record for the half-marathon in early 2025 at just 56 minutes and 42 seconds. For women, the impressive world record was set by Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia in 2021 at 1 hour, 2 minutes, and 52 seconds.

Steph Green
Steph Green
Steph Green (Steph Zee) is a singer-songwriter and professional writer with over 12 years of experience in healthcare and… Read Full Bio
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