Half marathon

A half marathon is a road running event of 21.0975 kilometres (c. 13 mi 192.5 yd)—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 by its rounded distance: a 21K, a 21.1K, or 13.1 miles. A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics. The men's world record time is 56:51, set by Yomif Kejelcha in 2026 in Buenos Aires. Jacob Kiplimo ran 56:42 in Barcelona in 2025, but this mark was not ratified by World Athletics due to his proximity to the lead car. 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 1:05:15, set by Agnes Jebet NGETICH of Kenya in September 2026. 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 was the fastest-growing type of race.