Half Marathon Calculator
Calculate your half marathon finish time, required pace, split times, and training pace zones. Perfect for planning your 13.1 mile race strategy and training.
What is a good half marathon time?
Average half marathon times: Beginners: 2:15-2:45, Intermediate: 1:45-2:15, Advanced: 1:30-1:45, Elite: sub-1:15 (men), sub-1:20 (women). First-time goal: Simply finish! Common goals: sub-2:00 (intermediate), sub-1:45 (advanced). Your ideal time depends on age, gender, training, and experience. Focus on personal progress rather than comparing to others.
How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
Typical training: 10-14 weeks for runners with base fitness (can run 3-4 miles comfortably). Beginners may need 12-16 weeks. Plans include: 3-5 runs per week, weekly long runs building to 10-12 miles, tempo runs, easy runs, and rest days. Build mileage gradually (10% per week max). Include a 2-week taper before race day.
What pace should I run my half marathon?
Run 15-30 seconds per mile slower than your 5K or 10K pace. Use this calculator to determine pace from goal time. Start conservatively - first 3 miles should feel easy. Aim for even pacing or negative splits (second half faster). Practice race pace during long runs. Adjust for weather, hills, and course conditions. Better to start slower than burn out early.
How should I pace my first half marathon?
First half marathon strategy: Start 20-30 seconds per mile slower than goal pace. First 5K should feel very comfortable. Gradually settle into goal pace by mile 5-6. If feeling strong at mile 10, pick up pace slightly. Goal: finish strong, not struggle. Common mistake: starting too fast due to race excitement. Use split times to monitor pacing throughout race.
What are half marathon pace zones for training?
Training pace zones based on half marathon race pace: Easy runs: 15-20% slower (recovery, base building), Long runs: 10-15% slower (endurance), Tempo runs: 5-10% slower (lactate threshold), Threshold: race pace (sustained effort), Intervals: 10-15% faster (VO2 max). Most training (70-80%) should be easy pace. Quality workouts (tempo, threshold, intervals) 1-2 times per week.
How do half marathon and marathon paces compare?
Marathon pace is typically 20-40 seconds per mile slower than half marathon pace. Example: 8:00/mi half marathon pace → 8:30-9:00/mi marathon pace. Half marathon is 46% of marathon distance but requires 55-60% of marathon time due to sustainable pace. Use half marathon as marathon predictor: multiply finish time by 2.1-2.2 for estimated marathon time. Half marathons excellent marathon training races.
What should I eat before and during a half marathon?
Before (2-3 hours): Easily digestible carbs (bagel, banana, oatmeal), 300-500 calories. Avoid high fiber, fat, protein. During: Races under 90 minutes may not need fuel. If 90+ minutes, take gel/chews at 45-60 minutes. Hydrate at every station (small sips). Practice nutrition strategy during long training runs. Never try new foods race day. Post-race: Carbs + protein within 30 minutes for recovery.