How to choose your first half marathon

The half marathon is the most popular race distance for a reason: 21.1 km is a real challenge, but one you can train for in a few months without taking over your life. For a first one, the course, the weather and the cut-off matter more than the medal. Here is what to look at, in order of how much it changes your day.

1. Give yourself enough time to train

If you already run 5 km comfortably, most beginner half marathon plans take about 10 to 14 weeks. Starting from less, add a couple of months of easy running first. Count back from race day before you enter: spring and autumn are the busiest seasons, so there is plenty of choice for a date that fits.

2. Pick a flat course

Hills cost energy you’ll want in the last few kilometres. For a first half, look for a total climb under about 100 m, and check the profile for a long drag near the end. Every race page shows the elevation gain and the course profile, and the flattest half marathons ranks them worldwide.

3. Aim for a cool start

Most runners do best when it is around 5 to 12°C at the start. Heat hurts beginners most, because you are out on the course longer and the day warms up while you run. Each race page shows the usual start temperature and how warm it gets, from ten years of weather data; the race weather guide shows which months are coolest.

4. Check the cut-off

211 of the 711 half marathons we list publish a time limit. Most give you three to four hours, but 26 close the course in under three, which can catch out a run-walker. Here is the pace each limit asks for:

Estimate your time from a recent 5 or 10 km with the race time calculator (it adjusts for hills and heat), add a margin for a bad day, and make sure you finish well inside the limit.

5. Choose a big, well-supported race

A field of a few thousand means people around you at your pace all the way, regular water stations, often pacers, and crowds to carry you through the tough kilometres. Small races can be lovely, but you may run long stretches alone.

6. Make sure you can get in

Most half marathons are first come, first served: you register and you’re in, as long as it hasn’t sold out. Only 29 of the 711 we list use a lottery or a qualifying time, among them some of the most famous, so if you have your heart set on one, check how entry works first (see lotteries explained).

7. Keep the travel simple

A race close to home means your own bed and breakfast. A city break works well too: a half is short enough that you can enjoy the rest of the weekend. Arrive the day before at the latest, and see our race trip guide for when to book. In Europe, spring half marathons lists the big races from March to May.

A shortlist: the friendliest first half marathons

These open-entry road half marathons are flat (100 m of climbing or less), usually start between 4 and 16°C and stay under 22°C, have a big field and, where published, a cut-off of three hours or more. The list updates with our race data.

Browse more by region in half marathons in Europe and half marathons in North America, or filter by month, climb and temperature in the race finder.

Quick answers

How long does it take to train for a first half marathon?

About 10 to 14 weeks if you can already run 5 km without stopping; longer if you are starting from scratch.

Can I walk during a half marathon?

Yes. Many first-timers run-walk, and that is fine at almost every race. Just make sure your expected time fits inside the cut-off.

Should I run a half before a marathon?

It helps. A half teaches you pacing, fuelling and race-morning routine, and gives you a time to predict your marathon from. When you’re ready for the full distance, see how to choose your first marathon.