Whether you’re gearing up for your first half marathon or chasing down a new PB, one of the biggest questions runners ask is, what’s a good half marathon time? The truth is, there isn’t one perfect answer. Your ideal time depends on lots of factors like your experience, age, gender and training level.
To make things easier, I’ve gathered some useful stats so you can see where you stand and set goals that actually feel achievable.
If you’re curious about average finish times, record-breaking runs, or tips to help you get faster, you’re in the right place.
What is a Half Marathon?
A half marathon is 13.1 miles or 21.1 kilometres long. It’s one of the most popular race distances because it’s both a huge achievement and more manageable than the full marathon. Many runners see it as the perfect stepping stone between a 10K and a marathon.
Completing a half marathon is a milestone in itself, but if you’re wondering what time you might aim for, here’s the breakdown.
Average Male Half Marathon Times by Age
| Age | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–25 | 2:24:57 | 1:43:33 | 1:30:33 |
| 30 | 2:24:57 | 1:43:33 | 1:30:33 |
| 35 | 2:25:45 | 1:44:08 | 1:31:03 |
| 40 | 2:29:29 | 1:46:48 | 1:33:24 |
| 45 | 2:35:40 | 1:51:13 | 1:37:15 |
| 50 | 2:42:28 | 1:56:04 | 1:41:30 |
| 55 | 2:49:52 | 2:01:22 | 1:46:07 |
| 60 | 2:57:59 | 2:07:09 | 1:51:12 |
Average Female Half Marathon Times by Age
| Age | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–25 | 02:43:36 | 02:00:39 | 01:46:30 |
| 30 | 02:43:02 | 02:00:14 | 01:46:08 |
| 35 | 02:44:34 | 02:01:22 | 01:47:07 |
| 40 | 02:48:23 | 02:04:11 | 01:49:37 |
| 45 | 02:54:51 | 02:08:57 | 01:53:49 |
| 50 | 03:04:28 | 02:16:03 | 02:00:05 |
| 55 | 03:16:00 | 02:24:34 | 02:07:36 |
| 60 | 03:29:05 | 02:34:12 | 02:16:06 |
What’s a “Good” Half Marathon Time for You?
So, what actually counts as “good”? Honestly, it depends.
- First-timer: Just finishing 13.1 miles is a huge achievement.
- Beginner: Aiming for 2:20–2:30 is a great target.
- Recreational runner: Hitting sub-2:00 is a classic milestone.
- Experienced runner: Anything from 1:30–1:45 is strong.
- Competitive runner: Sub-1:30 is considered an excellent performance.
The most important thing is not to compare yourself harshly to others. Your “good” is different to someone else’s and that’s ok.
How to Improve Your Half Marathon Time
If you’re keen to level up and move from one category to the next, the good news is, it’s doable with the right approach.
- Start by following a proper training plan. Consistency really is everything, those random runs here and there just won’t give you the progress you’re after. A plan that’s tailored to your ability and your goals can make such a difference. That’s exactly why I love using Runna – it takes all the guesswork out of training and keeps you on track. Use my code RWR2 for a discount on your training plan!
- Include Speed Work Intervals, tempo runs, and long runs at race pace help you build endurance and speed. Even one speed session a week can push your times down.
- Don’t Skip the Long Runs The half marathon is endurance-focused. Gradually building your long run distance is crucial to feeling strong on race day.
- Strength Training Leg strength, a stable core, and good mobility all help with efficiency and injury prevention.
- Fuel Smart Practise your race-day nutrition during long runs. Energy gels or chews can make a big difference in your performance.
- Pace Yourself One of the biggest mistakes is going out too fast. Try running even splits, or a slight negative split if you’ve got a strong finish in you.
Common Half Marathon Questions
Can I run a half marathon without walking?
Yes, but walking breaks are perfectly valid too. Many runners use run-walk strategies successfully.
How long should I train for a half marathon?
Most beginners need 12–16 weeks. If you already run regularly, 8–10 weeks may be enough.
Is sub-2 hours a good half marathon time?
Yes! For many runners, breaking two hours is a big and very respectable milestone.
What pace is needed for a sub-2 half?
You’ll need to run at around 9:09 per mile or 5:41 per km.
So, what’s a good half marathon time?
It’s the one that makes you proud. Whether you’re aiming to finish your first 13.1 miles, shave a few minutes off your PB, or chase a sub-90, every achievement counts.
If you’re ready to take your training up a notch, check out Runna for a personalised plan. Don’t forget to use my code RWR2 for your first 2 weeks free.
You’ve got this!
Need a bit of extra motivation?
Send a loved one a good luck card before their half marathon. Perfect for runners of all abilities, they’re a little boost of encouragement that can make race day even more special.
