| Athletics Half marathon | |
|---|---|
 Runners in the 2008 New York City Half 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 (13 miles 192.5 yards)—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]
A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics.[3][4] The men's world record time, pending ratification, is 57:30, set by Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia in October 2024 in Valencia, Spain.[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 is the fastest-growing type of race.[7]
- ^ "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
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORTS | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ "Stats | World Athletics | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ a b c Hanc, John (July 24, 2008). "Sometimes Half Is Better Than Whole". NY Times. Retrieved 2009-02-09.