Your fitness level, running background, age, and even race day strategy can all affect your half marathon finish time. So instead of chasing someone else’s standard, it’s better to define what’s respectable based on you—your effort, your goals, and your circumstances.
I once coached a beginner runner in his mid-40s who had never raced beyond 5K. He trained consistently for 16 weeks and finished his first half marathon in 2 hours and 10 minutes. He wasn’t breaking records, but he ran with heart—and to him (and us), that was more than respectable.
Half Marathon Average Time by Age and Gender
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| Age Group | Men (Avg Time) | Women (Avg Time) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–29 | 1:56 | 2:10 |
| 30–39 | 1:59 | 2:12 |
| 40–49 | 2:04 | 2:18 |
| 50–59 | 2:12 | 2:29 |
| 60+ | 2:25 | 2:48 |
How Long Should It Take to Train for a Respectable Half Marathon?
Here’s the thing about half marathon training—it’s as much about consistency as it is about speed. Most beginner runners can train in 10 to 14 weeks. But to run a time you’re proud of, you’ll need:
- A weekly long run
- Some tempo runs or pace workouts
- Cross-training or strength sessions
- Recovery days
I had one athlete, a working mum, train three days a week and still hit a personal best (PB) under 2:15. She focused on quality over quantity, and that made all the difference.
Ask yourself:
- Are you ready to follow a half marathon training plan?
- Can you already run for over an hour?
- Are you willing to commit 3–4 workouts per week?
If so, you’re ready to shoot for a good half marathon time.
Training Plan Recommendations
Whether you’re chasing your first finish or eyeing a new personal best, having a structured half marathon training plan makes all the difference. The right plan keeps you consistent, builds endurance safely, and helps avoid overtraining or injury.
So, how do you choose the right plan?
Ask yourself:
- Are you a beginner aiming to finish strong?
- Do you want to break a 2-hour half marathon?
- Or are you looking to improve without adding more training days?
Here’s what we recommend based on your level:
- First-time runner? Start with a Beginner Half Marathon Plan. It’s designed for anyone new to the distance, with a mix of walking, running, and recovery days to ease you in.
- Running for time? Our Sub 2 Hour Half Marathon Plan includes pace-specific workouts, tempo runs, and long-run progression to help you break that milestone.
- Need flexibility? Try a custom half marathon plan tailored to your life, fitness, and running history. We build it around your schedule and goals.
Training is personal. The best plan is one you’ll stick to—and one that fits into your real life, not just your ideal week.
What Makes a Time “Good” Depends on Your Goals
Let’s shift the question: What’s your definition of a good time?
For some runners, it’s about finishing 21.1 kilometers. For others, it’s hitting a number like 1:45 or even under 2 hours. A respectable half marathon time is one that matches your own journey.
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| Age Group | Men (Avg) | Women (Avg) | Men (Competitive) | Women (Competitive) | Elite Time (All) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18–29 | 1:56 | 2:10 | 1:30 | 1:45 | <1:15 |
| 30–39 | 1:59 | 2:12 | 1:32 | 1:47 | <1:15 |
| 40–49 | 2:04 | 2:18 | 1:35 | 1:50 | <1:20 |
| 50–59 | 2:12 | 2:29 | 1:40 | 1:55 | <1:25 |
| 60+ | 2:25 | 2:48 | 1:50 | 2:05 | <1:30 |
*Based on aggregated race data from RunRepeat, Strava, and Marathon Handbook (2021–2023).
Is Sub 2 Hours a Respectable Half Marathon Time?
One of the top search questions is: Is a 2 hour half marathon good? The answer? Absolutely yes.
To finish in 1:59:59, you’ll need to hold a race pace of 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile). That’s consistent, disciplined, and definitely respectable—especially for someone not running competitively.
But don’t let that number define you. A half marathon average time of 2:20 might still be a major victory, depending on the training block and challenges you faced.
What Can Affect Your Half Marathon Finish Time?
There’s more to it than fitness. Things like your elevation profile, heat, wind, and even your fueling strategy can all impact your time.
- Pacing too aggressively can lead to burnout
- Poor hydration and fueling can cause cramping
- Course congestion can disrupt your rhythm
- Wearing the wrong running gear can cause discomfort
Tip: Use your running watch to keep even pacing and test out your nutrition during training, not on race day.
What Should You Focus on Instead of a Time?
Time goals are motivating, but they’re not everything. Many runners find fulfillment in completing their first half marathon, even if it takes 3 hours.
You should be asking:
- Did I improve over last year?
- Was my training block consistent?
- Did I enjoy the process?
Sometimes, hitting that runner’s high at the 15K mark matters more than any stopwatch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s a respectable half marathon time for beginners?
A time between 2:15 and 2:45 is realistic and respectable for most beginner runners.
Is 2 hours a good time for a half marathon?
How do I improve my half marathon time?
Follow a structured training plan, use interval training, and improve your fueling strategy.
How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
Most plans last 10–14 weeks, depending on your base fitness and goal.
Should I compare my time to others?
Final Thoughts: Give Your Legs a Little Love
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to half marathon finish times. The number is important, sure—but what matters more is what you learned and how you grew.
Whether you’re running virtually, training with hybrid plans, or lacing up in carbon-plated running shoes, the journey is personal. And in that, every finish—fast or slow—is respectable.
