Running a half-marathon is an amazing accomplishment, but it can be as challenging as it is rewarding. It takes a lot of training, a lot of persistence, and a lot of motivation.
If you cannot do this, you’re going to find it difficult to continue the half-marathon when the day comes.
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do a lot in preparation to keep yourself going when it gets tough.
Training with a friend. Making a running playlist. These are just some of the things you can do to improve your persistence.
However, the most helpful you can do to keep yourself focused and motivated is by timing your runs to see how long it takes you to run the distance of a half-marathon.
This will enable you to pace yourself throughout the race, so you can look after your body and keep it moving as you reach the finish line.
What Is A Half-Marathon?
A half-marathon is a long-distance race, typically around 13 miles and 192 yards (or approximately 21 Kilometers.)
People typically run a half-marathon, but there is the option to jog or walk in many of them.
It is important to train for a half-marathon no matter how you aim to achieve it.
If you do choose to run, here are some things to look out for so you can better prepare for the race.
Time-Tracking Apps
For the practiced runner, a 13.1-mile half-marathon takes approximately one hour.
For those new to running or who are walking the marathon, it takes around 3+ hours to finish.
Of course, you can only estimate race times, and it will never be exact, but using a calculator or a chart can help you closely estimate how long the marathon will take.
These should be based on recent marathons so you know the information is up to date.
So, you’re able to know approximately how long it would take you to run your target half-marathon, and you can make training preparations from there.
Accuracy In Half-Marathon Time Predictions
Even if you complete your training, other factors that can have a significant impact on half-marathon times are weather conditions, terrain, and how you feel physically and mentally on the day of the race.
Chances are, only experienced runners and people who have completed the half-marathon numerous times will achieve their time goals.
If you’re new to running and half-marathons, then it is more important that you focus on finishing the race, no matter how long it takes you.
Getting A More Precise Race Time Estimate
If the half-marathon you’re running is 10K, then you’ll want to practice with races and training runs that are around the same distance, as this will give you a more accurate estimate when putting your finishing times into a time-tracking calculator.
Ideally, it would be a good idea to use times from recent races and update every time you finish one.
This is so your fitness levels remain accurate. We recommend entering race times around six weeks or less, before your target half-marathon.
This will also help with preparing for the weather conditions on the day, as you will have experience running in all kinds of weather.
Additionally, the 6 weeks mark means weather conditions for the half-marathon may be similar, and therefore your running time will be more realistic.
By doing this, you will know if there’s anything extra you need to prepare, like a larger water bottle, or a race outfit suitable for respective weather conditions.
Your Running Time Estimation And The Next Steps
As soon as you have built up a good prediction for your half-marathon time, you should work out your average pace for the half-marathon by using a pace calculator.
From here, you can set a plan – taking breaks, talking to supporters about when to expect you, etc.
This can ease a lot of worries about an upcoming race, which can help you focus on your goals.
Please Note: It is a rookie mistake to start too fast. You should pace yourself and slow down, to begin with, and do this until you reach the seventh mile.
At this point, depending on how tired you are or how comfortable you feel, you can choose to keep the same pace, or slow down and continue running at your new pace until the tenth mile.
On average, you’ll only have three miles left to go, and this is the point where you can change it up!
If you’re feeling motivated or energized, you can speed up and run faster than you have all race.
Alternatively, you can choose to stick to the same pace if that is more comfortable for you. No matter what, finishing the half-marathon is a great achievement!
General Information On Half-Marathons
Will you place in the middle of the pack, bring the race to a close, or be in the top 5%?
If you’re curious about your finishing place in the half-marathon, it will be helpful to look into the results from previous races.
Generally, organizers want to keep things as similar as possible, so the field size and the finishing times will be fairly accurate for the year you are running, too.
Again, weather conditions may be an affecting factor, so don’t rule this out on the day.
However, please note that a few half-marathons have time limits, meaning they need to be run in order to be finished on time.
Ensure you research this ahead of time, so you can plan your training accordingly.
If you want to do a half marathon that includes walk-friendly times, then there are a variety of half-marathons to look out for, you can always find one that’s right for you and your level of fitness!
Final Thoughts
Knowing how long it can take to run a half-marathon helps a lot when preparing for a race.
Not only will you improve your fitness levels, but you can also prepare for different situations such as bad weather or difficult terrain.
This will enable you to keep yourself motivated and focused while running.
There are different time calculators and charts you can use to keep track of your running speed and distance.
This can help you estimate roughly how long it would take you to run the half marathon, so you can plan your race day around that.
For the most accurate readings, try to enter races you’ve participated in no longer than six weeks before the half-marathon.
However, no tracker can ever be fully accurate.
To get as accurate results as possible, try practice runs in races that are close in distance to your half-marathon.
Research previous years of your half-marathon and look at finishing times for that year. This will make your goals more realistic and attainable.
On the day, it is helpful to start slow and work on building your pace around the tenth mile, so you have the option from there to continue as you are or give it your all!
But please make sure that you pace yourself and take breaks when you need to.
Finishing the race is more important than achieving it in a certain time frame.
Most importantly, half-marathons are not easy, so be proud of yourself for committing to it and trying your best to achieve your goals.
Hi, my name is Matt Williams and I have been competing in races all over the world for almost a decade. My love for running began when I was a child, always alongside my parents as they trained for their own triathlons.
I now chase the race all over the world, mixing my two passions - sightseeing and racing. I have been through 10 countries and countless cities, and I’m only getting started.
If you want to experience the high of finishing your first race, please enjoy my website full of advice and personal experience. Who knows - maybe I’ll see you on the track one day!
