{{Short description|Road running event of 21.0975 kilometres}} {{Infobox athletics event |event = Half marathon |image = 320px |caption = Half marathon runners in the 2024 Dallas Marathon |WRmen = {{flagicon|UGA}} Jacob Kiplimo 57:20 (2026) |WRwomen = {{Small|'''{{AthAbbr|Mx}}''': {{nowrap|{{flagicon|ETH}} Letesenbet Gidey}} 1:02:52 (2021)}} <br>{{Small|'''{{AthAbbr|Wo}}''': {{nowrap|{{flagicon|KEN}} Peres Jepchirchir 1:05:16 (2020)}}}}}} A '''half marathon''' is a road running event of {{val|21.0975}} kilometres ({{ca}} 13 mi 192.5 yd)—half the distance of a marathon.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.usatf.org/usatf/files/62/626ff37e-feed-4ec3-8c40-758ddda9af8a.pdf |title=USATF: Course Measurement and Certification Procedures |access-date=2019-04-25 |archive-date=2016-06-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629174809/http://www.usatf.org/usatf/files/62/626ff37e-feed-4ec3-8c40-758ddda9af8a.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Citation |title=Chip timing |date=2023-03-28 |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Chip_timing&oldid=1147118720 |work=Wikipedia |access-date=2023-07-16 |language=en}}</ref> 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.{{Example needed |s|date=April 2019|}}
A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics.<ref name="IAAF men record">{{cite news|title=Kiptum breaks world half marathon record in Valencia with 58:18|url=https://www.iaaf.org/news/report/geoffrey-kamworor-world-record-copenhagen-hal|publisher=IAAF|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=28 October 2018|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="IAAF women record">{{cite web |url=http://www.iaaf.org/records/by-discipline/road-running/half-marathon/outdoor/women |title=Records by discipline: Women's outdoor half marathon |website=IAAF |access-date=2015-05-01 }}</ref> The men's world record time is 57:20, set by Jacob Kiplimo in 2026 in Lisbon. Kiplimo also ran 56:42 in Barcelona but this mark was not ratified by World Athletics due to his proximity to the lead car.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-03 |title=World Athletics borra el récord mundial de medio maratón de Jacob Kiplimo por aprovechar el rebufo de un coche |url=https://www.runnersworld.com/es/noticias-running/a70234188/world-athletics-borra-record-mundial-medio-maraton-jacob-kiplimo/ |access-date=2026-02-03 |website=Runner's World |language=es-ES}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stats {{!}} World Athletics {{!}} World Athletics |url=https://worldathletics.org/records/by-category/world-records |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=worldathletics.org}}</ref>
Participation in half marathons has grown steadily since 2003,<ref name="nytimes">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/fashion/24fitness.html|title=Sometimes Half Is Better Than Whole |last=Hanc|first=John|date=July 24, 2008|work=NY Times|access-date=2009-02-09}}</ref> partly because it is a challenging distance, but does not require the same level of training that a marathon does.<ref name="nytimes" /> In 2008, ''Running USA'' reported that the half marathon was the fastest-growing type of race.<ref name="nytimes" />
== History == The concept of the half-marathon emerged in the 1960s. The first half marathon was the Route du Vin Half Marathon founded in 1961, although the race was technically not the official current distance until it was standardized in 1995.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-01 |title=THE HISTORY OF THE HALF |url=https://www.pressreader.com/uk/runners-world-uk/20220701/282260964082701 |work=Runner's World}}</ref> The event grew in popularity leading to the eventual establishment of the World Athletics Road Running Championships in 1992, originally titled the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.
==Area records== * Updated 20 May 2026.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://worldathletics.org/records/by-discipline/road-running/half-marathon/outdoor/men |title=Men's Half Marathon {{!}} Records |website=worldathletics.org |publisher=World Athletics |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://worldathletics.org/records/by-discipline/road-running/half-marathon/outdoor/women |title=Women's Half Marathon {{!}} Records |website=worldathletics.org |publisher=World Athletics |access-date=12 May 2026}}</ref> {{Table alignment}} {| class="wikitable defaultleft col3center col6center" |- !scope="rowgroup" rowspan=2| Area !scope="colgroup" colspan=3| Men !scope="colgroup" colspan=3| Women |- !scope="col"| Time !scope="col"| Season !scope="col"| Athlete !scope="col"| Time !scope="col"| Season !scope="col"| Athlete |- !scope="row"| World | '''57:20''' || 2026 || {{flagathlete|Jacob Kiplimo|UGA}} | '''1:02:52''' {{AthAbbr|Mx}} || 2021 || {{flagathlete|Letesenbet Gidey|ETH}} |- !colspan=7| Area records |- !scope="row"| Africa {{small|(''records'')}} | '''57:20''' || 2026 || {{flagathlete|Jacob Kiplimo|UGA}} | '''1:02:52''' {{AthAbbr|Mx}} || 2021 || {{flagathlete|Letesenbet Gidey|ETH}} |- !scope="row"| Asia {{small|(''records'')}} | '''58:23''' || 2026 || {{flagathlete|Birhanu Balew|BHR}} | '''1:05:22''' {{AthAbbr|Mx}} || 2017 || {{flagathlete|Violah Jepchumba|BHR}} |- !scope="row"| Europe {{small|(''records'')}} | '''58:41''' || 2025 || {{flagathlete|Andreas Almgren|SWE}} | '''1:05:15''' {{AthAbbr|Mx}} || 2018 || {{flagathlete|Sifan Hassan|NED}} |- !scope="row"| North, Central America<br>and Caribbean {{small|(''records'')}} | '''59:15''' || 2025 || {{flagathlete|Conner Mantz|USA}} | '''1:06:04''' || 2026 || {{flagathlete|Weini Kelati|USA}} |- !scope="row"| Oceania {{small|(''records'')}} | '''59:47''' || 2015 || {{flagathlete|Zane Robertson|NZL}} | '''1:07:11''' || 2011 || {{flagathlete|Kimberley Smith|NZL}} |- !scope="row"| South America {{small|(''records'')}} | '''59:33''' || 2007 || {{flagathlete|Marílson Gomes dos Santos|BRA}} | '''1:09:21''' || 2025 || {{flagathlete|Florencia Borelli|ARG}} |}
==All-time top 25== ===Men=== *Correct {{As of|2026|5|lc=y}}.<ref>{{cite web|title=Men's Half Marathon All-time toplist|url=https://worldathletics.org/records/all-time-toplists/road-running/half-marathon/outdoor/men/senior?regionType=world&drop=all&fiftyPercentRule=all&page=1&bestResultsOnly=false&firstDay=1899-12-31&lastDay=2022-10-25|website=World Athletics|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=All-time men's best half-marathon|url=http://www.alltime-athletics.com/mhmaraok.htm|website=alltime-athletics.com|date=8 December 2020|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" !Rank !Time !Athlete !Date !Place !Ref |- !1 |56:42{{efn|1=Not ratified as a world record due to the runner's proximity to the lead pace car}} |{{flagathlete|Jacob Kiplimo|UGA}} |16 February 2025 |Barcelona |<ref>{{Cite web |last=Valiente |first=Emeterio |date=February 16, 2025 |title=Kiplimo obliterates world half marathon record in Barcelona, Kejelcha and Eisa impress in Castellón |url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/jacob-kiplimo-uganda-world-half-marathon-record-barcelona |access-date=February 16, 2025 |website=World Athletics}}</ref> |- !2 |57:30 |{{flagathlete|Yomif Kejelcha|ETH}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia {{!}} REPORT {{!}} World Athletics |url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kejelcha-world-half-marathon-record-valencia |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=worldathletics.org}}</ref> |- !3 | 57:32 | {{flagathlete|Kibiwott Kandie|KEN}} | 6 December 2020 | Valencia | <ref name="2020.valencia">{{cite news|title=57:32! Kandie crushes half marathon world record in Valencia|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/kibiwott-kandie-half-marathon-world-record|publisher=World Athletics|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=6 December 2020|access-date=8 December 2020}}</ref> |- !4 |57:41 |{{flagathlete|Hagos Gebrhiwet|ETH}} |22 October 2023 |Valencia |<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Kandie and Chelimo victorious in Valencia {{!}} REPORTS {{!}} World Athletics |url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/valencia-half-marathon-2023-kandie-chelimo |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=worldathletics.org}}</ref> |- !5 |57:50 |{{flagathlete|Selemon Barega|ETH}} |22 October 2023 |Valencia |<ref name=":0" /> |- ! 6 | 57:59 | {{flagathlete|Alexander Mutiso|KEN}} | 6 December 2020 | Valencia |{{r|2020.valencia}} |- ! 7 | 58:01 | {{flagathlete|Geoffrey Kamworor|KEN}} | 15 September 2019 | Copenhagen | <ref name="Kamworor">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/49710148|title=Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor smashes half marathon world record|website=bbc.co.uk|date=15 September 2019|access-date=16 September 2019}}</ref> |- !8 |58:02 |{{flagathlete|Sabastian Sawe|KEN}} |6 March 2022 |Rome–Ostia |<ref>{{cite news|title=Mokoka breaks world 50km record with 2:40:13 in Gqeberha|url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/stephen-mokoka-world-50km-record-gqeberha|publisher=World Athletics|date=6 March 2022|access-date=3 April 2022}}</ref> |- !9 |58:07 |{{flagathlete|Abel Kipchumba|KEN}} |24 October 2021 |Valencia |<ref name="worldathletics.org">{{cite news|title=Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/letesenbet-gidey-half-marathon-record-valencia|publisher=World Athletics|date=24 October 2021|access-date=7 November 2021}}</ref> |- !10 |58:08 |{{flagathlete|Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli|KEN}} |8 March 2026 |Lisboa |<ref>{{cite web|title=EDP Lisbon Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/competition/calendar-results/results/7236103?eventId=10229633|access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> |- !11 |58:10 |{{flagathlete|Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi|KEN}} |15 September 2024 |Copenhagen |<ref>{{cite news|title=Sawe and Kipkemboi claim Copenhagen Half Marathon crowns|url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/sawe-kipkemboi-copenhagen-half-marathon-2024|publisher=World Athletics|date=15 September 2024|access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref> |- !12 | 58:11 | {{flagathlete|Philemon Kiplimo|KEN}} | 6 December 2020 | Valencia |{{r|2020.valencia}} |- !13 |58:16 |{{flagathlete|Rodrigue Kwizera|BDI}} |28 March 2026 |Prague |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Generali Prague Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/competition/calendar-results/results/7236038?eventId=10229633|website=World Athletics|access-date=22 April 2026}}</ref> |- !14 |58:17 |{{flagathlete|Daniel Mateiko|KEN}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Half Marathon - men - senior - all |url=https://worldathletics.org/records/all-time-toplists/road-running/half-marathon/all/men/senior |access-date=2024-10-27 |website=worldathletics.org}}</ref> |- !rowspan=2|15 |rowspan=2|58:23 | {{flagathlete|Zersenay Tadese|ERI}} | 21 March 2010 | Lisbon |<ref>{{cite web|title=Zersenay TADESE Profile|url=https://worldathletics.org/athletes/eritrea/zersenay-tadese-14167401|access-date=21 February 2026}}</ref> |- |{{flagathlete|Birhanu Balew|BHR}} |14 February 2026 |Ras Al Khaimah |<ref name="RAK26">{{cite web|title=Men's Half Marathon Results|url=https://worldathletics.org/competition/calendar-results/results/7237781?eventId=10229633|website=World Athletics|access-date=21 February 2026}}</ref> |- !17 |58:24 |{{flagathlete|Vincent Kibet Langat|KEN}} |14 September 2025 |Copenhagen |<ref>{{cite web|title=Men's Half Marathon Results|url=https://live.cphhalf.dk/list/|website=cphhalf.dk|access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref> |- !18 |58:27 |{{flagathlete|Gilbert Kipkosgei Kiprotich|KEN}} |23 March 2025 |Malaga |<ref>{{cite web|title=Men's Half Marathon Results|url=https://worldathletics.org/competition/calendar-results/results/7220619?eventId=10229633&gender=M|website=World Athletics|access-date=28 November 2025}}</ref> |- !19 |58:28 |{{flagathlete|Kennedy Kimutai|KEN}} |24 October 2021 |Valencia |<ref name="worldathletics.org" /> |- ! rowspan="2" |20 | rowspan="2" | 58:33 | {{flagathlete|Samuel Wanjiru|KEN}} | 17 March 2007 | The Hague |<ref>{{cite web|title=Samuel Kamau WANJIRU Profile|url=https://worldathletics.org/athletes/kenya/samuel-kamau-wanjiru-14209960|access-date=21 February 2026}}</ref> |- | {{flagathlete|Jemal Yimer|ETH}} | 28 October 2018 | Valencia | <ref name="auto4">{{cite news|title=Kiptum breaks world half marathon record in Valencia with 58:18|url=https://www.iaaf.org/news/report/world-half-marathon-record-valencia-kiptum|publisher=IAAF|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=28 October 2018|access-date=29 October 2018}}</ref> |- !22 |58:35 |{{flagathlete|Kenneth Kiprop Renju|KEN}} |19 February 2022 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref>{{cite news|title=Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/kiplimo-gebrzihair-course-records-ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon|publisher=World Athletics|author=Jess Whittington|date=19 February 2022|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> |- !23 |58:36 |{{flagathlete|Seifu Tura Abdiwak|ETH}} |19 February 2022 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref>{{cite news|title=Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/kiplimo-gebrzihair-course-records-ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon|publisher=World Athletics|author=Jess Whittington|date=19 February 2022|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> |- !24 |58:38 |{{flagathlete|Gideon Kipkertich Rono|KEN}} |14 February 2026 |Ras Al Khaimah |{{r|RAK26}} |- !rowspan=2|25 |rowspan=2|58:39 |{{flagathlete|Gemechu Dida|ETH}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kejelcha-world-half-marathon-record-valencia|website=World Athletics|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=27 October 2024|access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref> |- |{{flagathlete|Brian Kibor|KEN}} |26 October 2025 |Valencia |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ngetich sets world lead to win Valencia Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/valencia-half-marathon-2025-ngetich-kejelcha|website=World Athletics|access-date=29 October 2025}}</ref> |}
====Notes==== <small>Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 58:39:</small> *Jacob Kiplimo also ran 57:20 (2026), 57:31 (2021), 57:37 (2020), 57:56 (2022) and 58:09 (2024). *Kibiwott Kandie also ran 57:40 (2023), 58:10 (2022) and 58:38 (2020).<ref>{{cite news|title=Jepchirchir smashes women-only half marathon world record in Prague|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/news/report/peres-jepchirchir-world-half-marathon-record|publisher=World Athletics|date=5 September 2020|access-date=11 September 2020}}</ref> *Yomif Kejelcha also ran 57:41 (2023) 58:02 (2025) and 58:32 (2022). *Sabastian Sawe also ran 58:05 (2024), 58:24 (2024) and 58:29 (2023). *Hagos Gebrhiwet also ran 58:05 (2026). *Geoffrey Kamworor also ran 58:14 (2026). *Abraham Kiptum ran 58:18,<ref name="IAAF men record" /> but it was expunged for doping.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/50380276 |title=Abraham Kiptum: Kenyan runner gets four-year ban for anti-doping violation - BBC Sport |website=www.bbc.co.uk |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116135225/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/athletics/50380276 |archive-date=16 November 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> *Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi also ran 58:21 (2024). *Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli also ran 58:23 (2025). *Daniel Mateiko also ran 58:26 (2021). *Zersenay Tadese also ran 58:30<!-- alltime-athletics notes time as 58:31 --> (2011).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/news/news/tadese-blazes-5830-in-lisbon-second-fastest-h|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920045958/https://www.worldathletics.org/news/news/tadese-blazes-5830-in-lisbon-second-fastest-h|archive-date=2020-09-20|title=Tadese blazes 58:30 in Lisbon, second fastest Half Marathon ever | NEWS | World Athletics}}</ref> *Philemon Kiplimo also ran 58:34 (2021). *Rodrigue Kwizera also ran 58:38 (2025).
<small>Performance annulled due to doping offences:</small>
{| class="wikitable" !Time !Athlete !Date !Place !Ref |- | 57:49 | {{flagathlete|Rhonex Kipruto|KEN}} | 6 December 2020 | Valencia |{{r|2020.valencia}} |- | 58:30 | {{flagathlete|Rodgers Kwemoi|KEN}} | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah |<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kenyan runner Kwemoi banned 6 years for blood doping|url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/trackandfield/story/_/id/40164862/kenyan-runner-kwemoi-banned-6-years-blood-doping|website=ESPN|access-date=27 February 2026}}</ref> |}
===Women=== *Correct {{As of|2026|2|lc=y}}. <ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Women's Half Marathon All-time toplist|url=https://worldathletics.org/records/all-time-toplists/road-running/half-marathon/all/women/senior?regionType=world&page=1&bestResultsOnly=false&firstDay=1899-12-31&lastDay=2025-10-26&maxResultsByCountry=all&eventId=10229541&ageCategory=senior|website=World Athletics|access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref> <ref name="AlltimeAthletics">{{cite web|title=All-time women's best half-marathon|url=http://www.alltime-athletics.com/whmaraok.htm|website=alltime-athletics.com|date=26 October 2025|access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref> {| class="wikitable sortable" !Rank !Time !Athlete !Date !Place !Ref |- !1 |1:02:52 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Letesenbet Gidey|ETH}} |24 October 2021 |Valencia |<ref name="Gidey record">{{cite news|title=Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/letesenbet-gidey-half-marathon-record-valencia|publisher=World Athletics|date=24 October 2021|access-date=6 November 2021}}</ref> |- !2 |1:03:04 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Agnes Jebet Ngetich|KEN}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref name="Valencia2024">{{Cite web|title=Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kejelcha-world-half-marathon-record-valencia|website=World Athletics|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=27 October 2024|access-date=1 November 2024}}</ref> |- !3 |1:03:21 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Fotyen Tesfay|ETH}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref name="Valencia2024"/> |- !4 |1:03:32 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Lilian Kasait Rengeruk|KEN}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref name="Valencia2024"/> |- !5 |1:03:51 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Yalemzerf Yehualaw|ETH}} |24 October 2021 |Valencia |<ref name="Gidey record"/> |- !6 |1:04:01 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Loice Chemnung|KEN}} |15 February 2026 |Barcelona |<ref>{{cite web|title=Weini Kelati Barcelona Half Marathon 2026 Result|url=https://www.mitjamarato.barcelona/en/i-am-a-runner/results/|website=mitjamarato.barcelona|access-date=17 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Ethiopian Hagos Gebrhiwet and Kenyan Loice Chemnung win the Mitja Marató de Barcelona half marathon|url=https://athleticsillustrated.com/ethiopians-hagos-gebrhiwet-and-laice-chemnung-win-the-mitja-marato-de-barcelona/|author=Christopher Kelsall|date=15 February 2026|access-date=16 February 2026}}</ref> |- !7 |1:04:02 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Ruth Chepng'etich|KEN}} |4 April 2021 |Istanbul |<ref name="Chepngetich smashes world half mara">{{cite news|title=Chepngetich smashes world half marathon record in Istanbul|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/chepngetich-istanbul-half-marathon-record-202|publisher=World Athletics|date=4 April 2021|access-date=2 June 2021}}</ref> |- !8 |1:04:13 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Joyciline Jepkosgei|KEN}} |16 February 2025 |Barcelona |<ref name="Jepkosgei Barcelona 2025">{{Cite web|title=Kiplimo obliterates world half marathon record in Barcelona, Kejelcha and Eisa impress in Castellón|url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/jacob-kiplimo-uganda-world-half-marathon-record-barcelona|website=World Athletics|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=16 February 2025|access-date=26 February 2025}}</ref> |- !9 |1:04:14 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Girmawit Gebrzihair|ETH}} |19 February 2022 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="RAK2022">{{cite news|title=Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/kiplimo-gebrzihair-course-records-ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon|publisher=World Athletics|author=Jess Whittington|date=19 February 2022|access-date=19 February 2022}}</ref> |- !10 |1:04:14 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Ejgayehu Taye|ETH}} |27 October 2024 |Valencia |<ref name="Valencia2024"/> |- !11 |1:04:21 |{{flagathlete|Tsigie Gebreselama|ETH}} |9 March 2025 |Lisboa |<ref name="Gebreselama Lisbon 2025">{{Cite web|title=Tsigie Gebreselama pulverizou recorde pessoal na EDP Meia Maratona de Lisboa|url=https://www.jogadadomes.pt/?p=40414|website=Jogada do Mes|date=10 March 2025|access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref> |- !12 |1:04:22 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Hellen Obiri|KEN}} |19 February 2022 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="RAK2022"/> |- !13 |1:04:31 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Ababel Yeshaneh|ETH}} |21 February 2020 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="Yeshaneh record">{{cite news|title=Yeshaneh breaks half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah|url=https://www.worldathletics.org/news/report/yeshaneh-world-record-ras-al-khaimah-half-mar|publisher=World Athletics|date=21 February 2020|access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref> |- !14 |1:04:36 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Sheila Chepkirui|KEN}} |19 February 2022 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="RAK2022"/> |- !15 |1:04:37 |{{flagathlete|Irine Kimais|KEN}} |19 February 2023 |Barcelona |<ref name="Kimais Barcelona 2023">{{Cite web |last=Valiente |first=Emeterio |date=19 February 2023 |title=Kimais, Jepkosgei and Langat brilliant in Barcelona, Obiri and Kibet reign in Ras Al Khaimah |url=https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon-obiri-kibet |access-date=19 February 2023 |website=World Athletics}}</ref> |- !16 |1:04:37 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Sutume Kebede|ETH}} |14 January 2024 |Houston |<ref name="Kebede Houston 2024">{{Cite web|title=2024 Houston Half Marathon Results|url=https://track.rtrt.me/e/HOU-2024#/leaderboard/half-top-50-guntime-F/FINISH-H|website=track.rtrt.me|date=14 January 2024|access-date=14 January 2024}}</ref> |- !17 |1:04:40 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Senbere Teferi|ETH}} |11 February 2024 |Barcelona |<ref name="Jepkosgei Barcelona 2024">{{Cite web|title=Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/barcelona-half-marathon-2024|website=World Athletics|author=Emeterio Valiente|date=11 February 2024|access-date=11 February 2024}}</ref> |- !18 |1:04:44 |{{flagathlete|Likina Amebaw|ETH}} |14 September 2025 |Copenhagen |<ref name="Amebaw Copenhagen 2025">{{Cite web|title=Amebaw runs 1:04:44 at Copenhagen Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/amebaw-copenhagen-half-marathon-2025|website=World Athletics|date=14 September 2025|access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref> |- !19 |1:04:46 |{{flagathlete|Margaret Kipkemboi|KEN}} |22 October 2023 |Valencia |<ref name="Kipkemboi Valencia 2023">{{Cite web|title=Kipkemboi and Kandie win Valencia Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/kipkemboi-kandie-valencia-half-marathon-2023|website=World Athletics|date=22 October 2023|access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref> |- !rowspan=2|20 |rowspan=2|1:04:49 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} |{{flagathlete|Brigid Kosgei|KEN}} |21 February 2020 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="Yeshaneh record"/> |- |{{flagathlete|Fantaye Belayneh|ETH}} |11 January 2026 |Houston |<ref name="Chepngeno Houston 2022">{{Cite web|title=Ethiopia's Fantaye Belayneh wins women's Aramco Houston Half Marathon|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/article/aramco-houston-half-marathon-fentaye-belayneh-21286174.php|website=Houston Chronicle|access-date=2 March 2026}}</ref> |- !22 |1:04:52 |{{flagathlete|Fancy Chemutai|KEN}} |9 February 2018 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="Chemutai RAK 2018">{{Cite web|title=Chemutai runs 1:04:52 at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/chemutai-ras-al-khaimah-half-marathon-2018|website=World Athletics|date=9 February 2018|access-date=26 October 2025}}</ref> |- !23 |1:04:53 |{{flagathlete|Irine Chepet Cheptai|KEN}} |22 October 2023 |Valencia |<ref name="Kipkemboi Valencia 2023"/> |- !24 |1:04:55 |{{flagathlete|Mary Keitany|KEN}} |9 February 2018 |Ras al-Khaimah |<ref name="Chemutai RAK 2018"/> |- !25 |1:05:00 |{{flagathlete|Sharon Lokedi|KEN}} |14 September 2025 |Copenhagen |<ref name="Amebaw Copenhagen 2025"/> |}
====Notes==== <small>Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 1:05:00:</small> *Agnes Jebet Ngetich also ran 1:03:08 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2025). *Fotyen Tesfay also ran 1:03:35 (2025) and 1:04:46 (2022). *Yalemzerf Yehualaw also ran 1:03:44 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} {{AthAbbr|a}} (2021, not legal), 1:04:22 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2022), 1:04:40 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2021) and 1:04:46 (2020). *Ruth Chepng'etich also ran 1:04:16 {{AthAbbr|+}} {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2024). *Hellen Obiri also ran 1:04:22 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2022), 1:04:48 (2022) and 1:04:51 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2021).<ref name="Obiri Istanbul 2022">{{Cite web |last=Whittington |first=Jess |date=2022-03-27 |title=Obiri and Kwemoi claim half marathon crowns in Istanbul |url=https://www.worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-label-road-races/news/obiri-kwemoi-istanbul-half-marathon |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=World Athletics}}</ref> *Joyciline Jepkosgei also ran 1:04:29 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2024), 1:04:46 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} (2023), 1:04:51 (2017) and 1:04:52 (2017).<ref name="Jepkosgei Valencia 2017">{{Cite web|url=https://worldathletics.org/news/report/valencia-half-marathon-2017-joyciline-jepkosg|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201023104711/https://worldathletics.org/news/report/valencia-half-marathon-2017-joyciline-jepkosg|archive-date = 2020-10-23|title = Jepkosgei breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORT | World Athletics}}</ref> *Brigid Kosgei also ran 1:04:50 (2020), 1:04:50 (2020) and 1:04:50 {{AthAbbr|Mx}} {{AthAbbr|a}} (2019, not legal).
==World leading times== [[File:20070909 Chicago Half Marathon.JPG|thumb|300px|The Chicago Half Marathon is a Chicago Marathon tune-up on Lake Shore Drive in the South Side of Chicago.]] [[File:Bristol Half Marathon.jpg|thumb|300px|Runners taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon]] This table lists the best half marathon performances per year since 1970, as recorded by the ARRS.<ref name=ARRSRankingsHalf>{{cite web |url=https://www.arrs.run/YR_HMar.htm |title=Yearly Ranking Leaders: Half Marathon |website=ARRS |access-date=2015-05-01 }}</ref>
{{Sticky header}} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sticky-header sortable" style="font-size:95%;" |- !scope="col"|Year !scope="col"|Time !scope="col"|Men !scope="col"|Place !scope="col"|Time !scope="col"|Women !scope="col"|Place |- !scope="row"|1970 |{{tts|1:03:53}} |{{flagathlete|Derek Graham|GBR}} |Belfast | | | |- !scope="row"|1971 |{{tts|1:05:25}} |{{flagathlete|Ron Hill|GBR}} |Freckleton |{{tts|1:23:56}} |{{flagathlete|Kathy Gibbons|USA}} |Phoenix |- !scope="row"|1972 |{{tts|1:04:23}} |{{flagathlete|Víctor Manuel Mora|COL}} |Coamo |{{tts|1:31:55}} |{{flagathlete|Nadia Garcia|USA}} |San Diego |- !scope="row"|1973 |{{tts|1:05:07}} |{{flagathlete|Mario Cuevas|MEX}} |Maracaibo | | | |- !scope="row"|1974 |{{tts|1:04:45}} |{{flagathlete|Vladimir Merkushin|URS}} |Wieze |{{tts|1:23:11}} |{{flagathlete|Chantal Langlacé|FRA}} |Ay |- !scope="row"|1975 |{{tts|1:05:08}} |{{flagathlete|Paul Angenvoorth|FRG}} |Grevenmacher | | | |- !scope="row"|1976 |{{tts|1:03:46}} |{{flagathlete|Rafael Pérez|CRC}} |Coamo |{{tts|1:29:43}} |{{flagathlete|Rita Borralho|POR}} |Nazaré |- !scope="row"|1977 |{{tts|1:02:37}} |{{flagathlete|Toshihiro Matsumoto|JPN}} |Beppu |{{tts|1:22:05}} |{{flagathlete|Silvana Cruciata|ITA}} |Milan |- !scope="row"|1978 |{{tts|1:02:47}} |{{flagathlete|Tony Simmons|GBR}} |Welwyn Garden City |{{tts|1:15:04}} |{{flagathlete|Marty Cooksey|USA}} |San Diego |- !scope="row"|1979 |{{tts|1:02:32}} |{{flagathlete|Kirk Pfeffer|USA}} |Las Vegas |{{tts|1:14:03}} |{{flagathlete|Patti Catalano|USA}} |Manchester |- !scope="row"|1980 |{{tts|1:02:16}} |{{flagathlete|Stan Mavis|USA}} |New Orleans |{{tts|1:13:59}} |{{flagathlete|Marja Wokke|NED}} |The Hague |- !scope="row"|1981 |{{tts|1:01:47}} |{{flagathlete|Herb Lindsay|USA}} |Manchester |{{tts|1:11:16}} |{{flagathlete|Joan Samuelson|USA}} |San Diego |- !scope="row"|1982 |{{tts|1:01:36}} |{{flagathlete|Michael Musyoki|KEN}} |Philadelphia |{{tts|1:09:57}} |{{flagathlete|Grete Waitz|NOR}} |Gothenburg |- !scope="row"|1983 |{{tts|1:01:32}} |{{flagathlete|Paul Cummings|USA}} |Dayton |{{tts|1:09:10}} |{{flagathlete|Joan Samuelson|USA}} |Philadelphia |- !scope="row"|1984 |{{tts|1:01:52}} |{{flagathlete|Alberto Cova|ITA}} |Milan |{{tts|1:08:34}} |{{flagathlete|Joan Samuelson|USA}} |Philadelphia |- !scope="row"|1985 |{{tts|1:00:55}} |{{flagathlete|Mark Curp|USA}} |Philadelphia |{{tts|1:09:44}} |{{flagathlete|Joan Samuelson|USA}} |Philadelphia |- !scope="row"|1986 |{{tts|1:00:43}} |{{flagathlete|Michael Musyoki|KEN}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:09:03}} |{{flagathlete|Ingrid Kristiansen|NOR}} |Drammen |- !scope="row"|1987 |{{tts|1:01:04}} |{{flagathlete|Carl Thackery|GBR}} |Barnsley |{{tts|1:06:40}} |{{flagathlete|Ingrid Kristiansen|NOR}} |Sandnes |- !scope="row"|1988 |{{tts|1:01:00}} |{{flagathlete|John Treacy|IRL}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:08:49}} |{{flagathlete|Grete Waitz|NOR}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|1989 |{{tts|1:01:10}} |{{flagathlete|Matthews Temane|RSA|1928}} |Durban |{{tts|1:08:31}} |{{flagathlete|Ingrid Kristiansen|NOR}} |New Bedford |- !scope="row"|1990 |{{tts|1:00:34}} |{{flagathlete|Steve Moneghetti|AUS}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:09:33}} |{{flagathlete|Rosa Mota|POR}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|1991 |{{tts|1:00:51}} |{{flagathlete|Moses Tanui|KEN}} |Milan |{{tts|1:07:59}} |{{flagathlete|Elana Meyer|RSA|1928}} |East London |- !scope="row"|1992 |{{tts|1:00:24}} |{{flagathlete|Benson Masya|KEN}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:08:42}} |{{flagathlete|Liz McColgan|GBR}} |Dundee |- !scope="row"|1993 |{{tts|59:47}} |{{flagathlete|Moses Tanui|KEN}} |Milan{{efn|Published in IAAF documents, including [http://www2.iaaf.org/Results/lists/AllTime/outdoor/G/M/hmar.html IAAF top lists] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090216150827/http://www2.iaaf.org/Results/lists/AllTime/outdoor/G/M/hmar.html |date=2009-02-16 }}. The ARRS has suggested that the Stramilano half marathon course might have been short in 1993 and lists the [https://www.arrs.run/YR_HMar.htm best time] for 1993 as 1:00:15 by Moses Tanui from Kenya.}} |{{tts|1:09:35}} |{{flagathlete|Valentina Yegorova|RUS|1991}} |St Petersburg |- !scope="row"|1994 |{{tts|1:00:02}} |{{flagathlete|Benson Masya|KEN}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:07:59}} |{{flagathlete|Uta Pippig|GER}} |Kyoto |- !scope="row"|1995 |{{tts|1:00:26}} |{{flagathlete|Simon Lopuyet|KEN}} |Lisbon |{{tts|1:07:59}} |{{flagathlete|Uta Pippig|GER}} |Kyoto |- !scope="row"|1996 |{{tts|1:00:31}} |{{flagathlete|Paul Koech|KEN}} |Ivry-sur-Seine |{{tts|1:09:15}} |{{flagathlete|Nadia Prasad|NCL|1853}} |Paris |- !scope="row"|1997 |{{tts|59:56}} |{{flagathlete|Shem Kororia|KEN}} |Košice |{{tts|1:07:36}} |{{flagathlete|Elana Meyer|RSA}} |Kyoto |- !scope="row"|1998 |{{tts|59:17}} |{{flagathlete|Paul Tergat|KEN}} |Milan |{{tts|1:07:29}} |{{flagathlete|Elana Meyer|RSA}} |Kyoto |- !scope="row"|1999 |{{tts|59:22}} |{{flagathlete|Paul Tergat|KEN}} |Milan |{{tts|1:06:44}} |{{flagathlete|Elana Meyer|RSA}} |Tokyo |- !scope="row"|2000 |{{tts|1:00:30}} |{{flagathlete|Kenichi Takahashi|JPN}} |Tokyo |{{tts|1:07:07}} |{{flagathlete|Paula Radcliffe|GBR}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|2001 |{{tts|59:52}} |{{flagathlete|Fabián Roncero|ESP}} |Berlin |{{tts|1:06:47}} |{{flagathlete|Paula Radcliffe|GBR}} |Bristol |- !scope="row"|2002 |{{tts|59:41}} |{{flagathlete|Haile Gebrselassie|ETH}} |Lisbon |{{tts|1:07:19}} |{{flagathlete|Sonia O'Sullivan|IRL}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|2003 |{{tts|1:00:01}} |{{flagathlete|Hendrick Ramaala|RSA}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:05:39}} |{{flagathlete|Paula Radcliffe|GBR}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|2004 |{{tts|59:37}} |{{flagathlete|Dejene Berhanu|ETH}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:07:55}} |{{flagathlete|Benita Johnson|AUS}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|2005 |{{tts|59:05}} |{{flagathlete|Zersenay Tadese|ERI}} |South Shields |{{tts|1:07:33}} |{{flagathlete|Derartu Tulu|ETH}} |South Shields |- !scope="row"|2006 |{{tts|58:55}} |{{flagathlete|Haile Gebrselassie|ETH}} |Tempe |{{tts|1:07:16}} |{{flagathlete|Edith Masai|KEN}} |Berlin |- !scope="row"|2007 |{{tts|58:35}} |{{flagathlete|Samuel Wanjiru|KEN}} |The Hague |{{tts|1:06:25}} |{{flagathlete|Lornah Kiplagat|NED}} |Udine |- !scope="row"|2008 |{{tts|59:15}} |{{flagathlete|Haile Gebrselassie|ETH}}<br />{{flagathlete|Deriba Merga|ETH}} |Lisbon<br />New Delhi |{{tts|1:07:57}} |{{flagathlete|Philes Ongori|KEN}} |Marugame |- !scope="row"|2009 |{{tts|58:52}} |{{flagathlete|Patrick Makau|KEN}} |Ras al-Khaimah |{{tts|1:06:36}} |{{flagathlete|Mary Keitany|KEN}} |Birmingham |- !scope="row"|2010 |{{tts|58:23}} |{{flagathlete|Zersenay Tadese|ERI}} |Lisbon |{{tts|1:07:07}} |{{flagathlete|Elvan Abeylegesse|TUR}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2011 |{{tts|58:30}} |{{flagathlete|Zersenay Tadese|ERI}} |Lisbon |{{tts|1:05:50}}<ref name="Keitany 2011">{{cite web |url=http://www.iaaf.org/news/report/keitany-smashes-half-marathon-world-record-in |title=Keitany smashes half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah |date=February 18, 2011 |website=IAAF |access-date=2015-05-03 }}</ref> |{{flagathlete|Mary Keitany|KEN}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2012 |{{tts|58:47}} |{{flagathlete|Atsedu Tsegay|ETH}} |Prague |{{tts|1:06:49}} |{{flagathlete|Mary Keitany|KEN}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2013 |{{tts|58:54}} |{{flagathlete|Geoffrey Kipsang|KEN}} |Ras al-Khaimah |{{tts|1:06:09}} |{{flagathlete|Lucy Kabuu|KEN}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2014 |{{tts|58:48}} |{{flagathlete|Abraham Cheroben|KEN}} |Valencia |{{tts|1:05:12}} |{{flagathlete|Florence Kiplagat|KEN}} |Barcelona |- !scope="row"|2015 |{{tts|59:10}} |{{flagathlete|Abraham Cheroben|KEN}} |Valencia |{{tts|1:05:09}} |{{flagathlete|Florence Kiplagat|KEN}} |Barcelona |- !scope="row"|2016 |{{tts|58:44}} |{{flagathlete|Solomon Yego|KEN}} |Ostia |{{tts|1:05:51}} |{{flagathlete|Violah Jepchumba|KEN}} |Prague |- !scope="row"|2017 |{{tts|58:40}} |{{flagathlete|Abraham Cheroben|BHR}} |Copenhagen |{{tts|1:04:51}} |{{flagathlete|Joyciline Jepkosgei|KEN}} |Valencia |- !scope="row"|2018 |{{tts|58:18}} |{{flagathlete|Abraham Kiptum|KEN}} |Valencia |{{tts|1:04:52}} |{{flagathlete|Fancy Chemutai|KEN}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2019 |{{tts|58:01}} |{{flagathlete|Geoffrey Kamworor|KEN}} |Copenhagen |{{tts|1:05:28}} |{{flagathlete|Brigid Kosgei|KEN}} |Manama |- !scope="row"|2020 |{{tts|57:32}} |{{flagathlete|Kibiwott Kandie|KEN}} |Valencia |{{tts|1:04:31}} |{{flagathlete|Ababel Yeshaneh|ETH}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2021 |{{tts|57:31}} |{{flagathlete|Jacob Kiplimo|UGA}} |Lisbon |{{tts|1:02:52}} |{{flagathlete|Letesenbet Gidey|ETH}} |Valencia |- !scope="row"|2022 |{{tts|57:56}} |{{flagathlete|Jacob Kiplimo|UGA}} |Ras al-Khaimah |{{tts|1:04:14}} |{{flagathlete|Girmawit Gebrzihair|ETH}} |Ras al-Khaimah |- !scope="row"|2023 |{{tts|57:40}} |{{flagathlete|Kibiwott Kandie|KEN}} |Valencia |{{tts|1:04:37}} |{{flagathlete|Irine Kimais|KEN}} |Barcelona |- !scope="row"|2024 |{{tts|57:30}} |{{flagathlete|Yomif Kejelcha|ETH}} |Valencia |{{tts|1:03:04}} |{{flagathlete|Agnes Ngetich|KEN}} |Valencia |- !scope="row"|2025 |{{tts|56:42}} |{{flagathlete|Jacob Kiplimo|UGA}} |Barcelona |{{tts|1:03:08}} |{{flagathlete|Agnes Ngetich|KEN}} |Valencia |}
The largest half marathon ever held was Broloppet (the Bridge race) between Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden with {{formatnum:79719}} finishers, held in connection with the Øresund Bridge inauguration in 2000.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sm.luth.se/~grip/PersonalStuff/Running/Broloppet2000/about.html|title=Bridge Race 2000|access-date=2009-03-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041119003717/http://www.sm.luth.se/~grip/PersonalStuff/Running/Broloppet2000/about.html|archive-date=2004-11-19|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marathon.se/nyheter|title=Senaste|website=Marathon.se|date=8 June 2023 }}</ref>
==See also== {{Portal|Athletics}} * List of half marathon races * World Athletics Half Marathon Championships * Mini marathon * Quarter marathon * Half marathon world record progression * One hour run
==Notes== {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist|30em}}
== Further reading ==
* {{Cite journal|last1=Nilson|first1=Finn|last2=Lundkvist|first2=Erik|last3=Wagnsson|first3=Stefan|last4=Gustafsson|first4=Henrik|date=2019-12-19|title=Has the second 'running boom' democratized running? A study on the sociodemographic characteristics of finishers at the world's largest half marathon|journal=Sport in Society|volume=24|issue=4|pages=659–669|doi=10.1080/17430437.2019.1703687|issn=1743-0437 |ref=none|doi-access=free}}
==External links== {{Commons category}} *[https://iaaf.gekko.de/?a=road-running&d=half-marathon IAAF list of half-marathon records in XML]
{{Athletics events}} {{Racing}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Half marathons Category:Road running distances Category:Long-distance running disciplines