Quick Answer
A half marathon is 21.0975 km (13.1 miles). Average finish time: 2:00–2:15. Training time needed: 10–16 weeks. Entry cost: $40–$150 USD / $60–$220 AUD / €35–€130 EUR. It’s just over double a 10K and half a full marathon — the sweet spot between challenging and achievable for most runners.
Half Marathon Distance Compared to Other Races
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| Race | Distance (km) | Distance (miles) | How It Compares |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5 km | 3.1 mi | About a quarter of a half marathon |
| 10K | 10 km | 6.2 mi | About half a half marathon |
| Half Marathon | 21.1 km | 13.1 mi | The race in question |
| Marathon | 42.2 km | 26.2 mi | Exactly double a half marathon |
| 50K Ultra | 50 km | 31.1 mi | About 2.4× a half marathon |
In track terms, a half marathon is just over 52.5 laps of a standard 400m track. For more on how race distances compare, see our 5K distance guide and 10K time guide.
How Much Does a Half Marathon Cost?
Entry fees vary widely depending on the event, location, and when you register. Here’s a general guide:
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| Event Type | Typical Cost (USD) | Typical Cost (AUD) | Typical Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local / community half marathon | $40–$70 | $60–$100 | €35–€65 |
| Mid-size city event | $70–$110 | $100–$160 | €65–€100 |
| Major branded event (Rock 'n' Roll, Great North Run, etc.) | $100–$150+ | $150–$220+ | €90–€140+ |
| Charity / virtual half marathon | $20–$50 | $30–$75 | €18–€45 |
Early-bird registration typically saves 20–30%. Beyond the entry fee, budget for travel, accommodation (if needed), race-day nutrition, and possibly new shoes. For a full breakdown of race costs, see our how much does a marathon cost guide — many of the same expenses apply at the half distance.
How Long Does It Take to Run a Half Marathon?
Finish times vary hugely depending on fitness, training, and experience:
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| Level | Typical Finish Time | Pace (per km) | Pace (per mile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elite men | Under 1:00 | ~2:50/km | ~4:34/mi |
| Elite women | 1:03–1:10 | ~3:00–3:20/km | ~4:50–5:20/mi |
| Competitive age-group | 1:30–1:50 | ~4:15–5:15/km | ~6:50–8:25/mi |
| Average recreational runner | 2:00–2:15 | ~5:40–6:25/km | ~9:10–10:20/mi |
| Beginner / first-timer | 2:15–2:45 | ~6:25–7:50/km | ~10:20–12:35/mi |
| Walk/run approach | 2:45–3:30 | ~7:50–10:00/km | ~12:35–16:05/mi |
For more detailed time data, see our half marathon statistics guide.
How Long to Train for a Half Marathon
Training time depends on your current fitness. As a rough guide: complete beginners should allow 16+ weeks. Runners who already run 15–25 km per week can prepare in 10–12 weeks. Experienced runners targeting a specific time may need 8–10 weeks of focused training.
Most training plans include 3–5 runs per week with a long run that gradually builds to 16–18 km before race day. The half marathon is a natural step up from the 10K — challenging enough to require real preparation, but manageable enough that most healthy adults can complete one with structured training.
If you’re looking for a structured plan, see our beginner marathon training plan — many of the same principles apply at the half distance, and we also offer dedicated running training plans for every level.
FAQ: Half Marathon Distance & Cost
How far is a half marathon?
A half marathon is 21.0975 km (13.1 miles) — exactly half the distance of a full marathon. In track laps, that’s just over 52.5 laps of a standard 400m track.
How much does it cost to enter a half marathon?
Entry fees typically range from $40–$150 USD ($60–$220 AUD / €35–€140 EUR). Major city events cost more. Local races and charity events are cheaper. Early-bird registration usually saves 20–30%.
How long does it take to run a half marathon?
The average finish time is 2:00–2:15. Beginners typically finish in 2:15–2:45. Competitive age-group runners aim for 1:30–1:50. Elite men finish under 1:00.
How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
Most runners need 10–16 weeks. Complete beginners should allow 16+ weeks. Runners already doing 15–25 km per week can prepare in 10–12 weeks.
Is a half marathon harder than a 10K?
Yes — it’s roughly twice the distance and requires more endurance, fuelling, and training. But the pace is slower than 10K race pace, so it feels like sustained effort rather than high-intensity speed. Most 10K runners can train for a half marathon in 10–16 weeks.
Why the Half Marathon Is the Most Popular Race Distance
The half marathon sits in a sweet spot: long enough to feel like a real achievement, short enough that training doesn’t dominate your life. You don’t need to run 3+ hours on weekends (as marathon training demands), and you can prepare in 10–16 weeks rather than 16–20+.
It’s also more accessible than a marathon from a physical standpoint. The injury risk is lower because the training volume is more moderate, and race-day fuelling is simpler — most runners can get through a half marathon with minimal gels or nutrition compared to the full distance.
For all these reasons, the half marathon has been the fastest-growing race distance globally for over a decade. If you’ve completed a 5K or 10K and want a bigger challenge without the full marathon commitment, it’s the natural next step.
Our running coaching programmes build a structured plan around your current fitness and schedule — from first-time finisher to PB chaser. You'll get pacing targets, weekly progression, and a coach who adjusts the plan as you go.
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