| Athletics Half marathon | |
|---|---|
 Half marathon runners in the 2024 Dallas Marathon | |
| World records | |
| Men |  Yomif Kejelcha 57:30 (2024) |
| Women | Mx : Letesenbet Gidey 1:02:52 (2021) Wo :  Peres Jepchirchir 1:05:16 (2020) |
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 ]
Contents
- History
- All-time top 25
- Men
- Women
- World leading times
- See also
- Notes 3
- References
- Further reading
- External links
A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics. [3] [4] The men's world record time is 57:30, set by Yomif Kejelcha in 2024 in Valencia, Spain. Jacob Kiplimo 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]
