How Long Is a Half Marathon (and Why You Can Run It)

Before my first half marathon, I had no idea what 13.1 miles felt like

I could see it on a map.

I could even drive the distance in my car.

But running it?

That was a different beast.

Back then, I was just a beginner sweating through short runs, staring at a race registration form, wondering if I had any business calling myself a runner—let alone someone ready to take on 13.1 miles.

If you’re reading this, maybe you’re standing at the same edge.

Curious.

Nervous.

Asking yourself, Can I really do this?

The short answer? Yes, you can.

I’ve coached enough runners and made enough mistakes myself to say that with confidence.

There’s a reason the half marathon has become one of the most popular races in the world.

It’s not easy, but it’s within reach for everyday people. And it’s a goal worth chasing.

By the end of this post, you’ll know how far 13.1 miles really is, what it feels like to run it, how to train for it, and what to expect on race day.

I’ll share my own wins, screw-ups, and the real stuff I’ve learned along the way.

So, How Far Is a Half Marathon?

Technically?

A half marathon is 13.1 miles, or about 21.1 kilometers (21.0975 km if you want to be exact).

That’s half of a full marathon (26.2 miles), but don’t let the “half” part fool you—it’s still a big test.

To put it in perspective: if you’ve ever run on a standard 400-meter track, you’d need to loop it 53 times to hit 13.1 miles.

Yep. Fifty-three.

It’s a grind. I remember checking my step count during my first one—around 20,000 steps—and thinking, Wait, I really did that?!

There’s history behind that number (the marathon has its own mythic backstory), but all that really matters is this: 13.1 miles is long… but it’s not endless.

And with the right training, you can absolutely get there.

Here’s your guide to the couch to half marathon in case you’re a complete noob.

How Long Does a Half Marathon Take?

This question comes up a lot: “What’s a typical finish time for 13.1 miles?”

Truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your pace, your experience, and whether you’re planning to run the whole thing or mix in some walking.

If you’re brand new, your first goal should be just to finish.

That was my approach too. Get to the finish line, enjoy the experience, and worry about chasing times later if the running bug bites.

That said, it’s totally normal to be curious about timing. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Run at a 10-minute mile pace, and you’ll finish in about 2 hours 11 minutes.
• At 12-minute miles, you’re looking at around 2 hours 37 minutes.
• Lots of beginners — especially those who take walk breaks or keep it super easy — land in the 2:30 to 3:00 And guess what? That’s great.

For context, stats from big races and surveys (like the ones cited by verywellfit.com) show average half marathon finish times hover between 2:10 and 2:20. Men average closer to 2:02, and women around 2:16 in the U.S.

But keep this in mind: those averages include runners with a few races under their belts.

Beginners often take longer, and that’s fine. My first half marathon time? 2:45. I was exhausted. I was near the back of the pack. And I was proud as hell.

You can also check this half marathon pace guide.

Got Experience? Cool. Set a Goal!

If you’re coming into the half marathon world with some 5K or 10K experience, you might have a number in mind.

Something like breaking 2 hours, or even 1:45 or 1:30 if you’re a speed demon. And yes, the elites are on a different planet — we’re talking under 58 minutes for the world record.

Don’t compare yourself to that. Those guys are sprinting the whole thing.

At the end of the day, here’s what I always say: Your race. Your pace.

On race day, you’ll see the whole crew — fast folks flying up front, the big crowd holding steady in the middle, and the walk-runners grinding it out with heart at the back.

And guess what?

They’re all running the same race. Respect every single one of them. If you show up and give it your best, you’ve already won.

First Time? Focus on the Finish

If you’re wondering what a realistic goal looks like for you, start here: Finish strong, finish happy.

Don’t let the clock stress you out.

I had a loose “under 3 hours” goal my first time and hit 2:45, and that felt like gold. Avoid comparing your pace to others — everyone’s running story is different.

Some started with track teams. Others, like me, found running later in life.

Your time is yours. Own it.

When I trained for my first half, my own coach told me not to chase a number — just soak in the whole experience. I’m glad I listened.

I remember every moment: the buzz at the start line, the energy from the crowd, the water station volunteers, the cheesy signs, and the painful but satisfying final stretch.

Because I wasn’t glued to my watch, I actually ran smart — steady from start to finish.

And I crossed the line without bonking. That 2:45? Felt like winning gold. I’ve gotten faster since, but nothing matches that first taste of real victory.

Got a 5K or 10K Time? Here’s How to Use It

If you’re more of a numbers person, go ahead and plug your 5K or 10K time into an online half marathon calculator.

That’ll give you a ballpark. But take it with a grain of salt. Half marathons require more patience, pacing, and yes — humility.

Pro tip: Start slower than you think you should. Run the first half with your head, the second half with your heart. It should feel easy at mile 1. Trust me, you’ll need that energy later.

And here’s something important: don’t fear finishing last.

Most big races have walkers, joggers, and everything in between. Odds are, you’re not going to be dead last. But even if you are, who cares?

I’ve cheered my heart out for final finishers. They often get louder support than the frontrunners — because everyone knows the guts it takes to keep going.

When 13.1 Miles Feels Like a Monster

I won’t lie—when I was training for my first half, the number 13.1 felt massive.

I used to stare at it like it was Everest.

I even read about a beginner who drove the distance just to see how far it was.

Honestly, I did something similar. It looked crazy far.

But here’s what changed for me—and what will change for you too:

With smart training, that number shrinks.

You go from gasping through 3 miles to feeling decent on 8-mile long runs.

And before you know it, 13.1 isn’t some terrifying number—it’s something your body knows how to do.

The half marathon has taken off in popularity since the early 2000s for good reason: it’s that perfect sweet spot between challenge and achievability.

It doesn’t demand your entire life like marathon training can, but it still gives you a real sense of accomplishment.

Is It Hard? Oh Yeah. But You’ve Got This.

Let’s not sugarcoat it—running 13.1 miles is tough.

Physically, it’s going to push you.

Your legs will ache. Your lungs will burn. Around mile 10 or so, you’ll probably start negotiating with your legs to keep going.

Mentally?

That’s where the real fight happens.

Before my first half, I laid awake thinking, What if I can’t finish? What if I’m dead last? What if I hit a wall at mile 9?

And the truth is, those doubts are normal.

That voice in your head will show up during training and during the race. It’s the same voice I hear on long runs now when I’m tired and hungry and my shoes feel like bricks.

But that voice doesn’t have to win.

The Race Is Won in Your Head

Here’s a trick I teach my athletes: break the race into chunks.

I think of a half marathon as “two 10Ks and some change.”

During one hot race in Bali, I hit mile 7 and told myself, Just one more 10K to go. Somehow that felt less overwhelming. Mind games like that work better than any sports drink.

And don’t underestimate the power of visualizing the finish line.

I’d picture the last stretch, the crowd, the finish banner—even when I was dragging through a training run. That mental movie kept me moving when nothing else did.

Your turn: What’s your race date?

What gear are you testing?

What’s your biggest struggle in training right now?

Drop a comment. Let’s talk. You’re not alone in this.

Go chase it. Your half marathon story is waiting to be written – one step at a time.

Congratulations in advance, and see you at the finish! 🏅