A half marathon is a road running event of 21.0975 kilometres (13 miles 192.5 yards)—half the distance of a marathon.[1] 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.[2] 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.[examples needed]
Athletics Half marathon | |
---|---|
World records | |
Men | Yomif Kejelcha 57:30 (2024) |
Women | Mx: Letesenbet Gidey 1:02:52 (2021)
Wo: Peres Jepchirchir 1:05:16 (2020) |
A half marathon world record is officially recognised by World Athletics.[3][4] The men's world record time, pending ratification, is 57:30, set by Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia in October 2024 in Valencia, Spain.[5] 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.[6]
Participation in half marathons has grown steadily since 2003,[7] partly because it is a challenging distance, but does not require the same level of training that a marathon does.[7] In 2008, Running USA reported that the half marathon is the fastest-growing type of race.[7]
History
editThe 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.[8] 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.
All-time top 25
editMen
editRank | Time | Athlete | Date | Place | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 57:30 | Yomif Kejelcha (ETH) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [11] |
2 | 57:31 | Jacob Kiplimo (UGA) | 21 November 2021 | Lisbon | [12] |
3 | 57:32 | Kibiwott Kandie (KEN) | 6 December 2020 | Valencia | [13] |
4 | 57:41 | Hagos Gebrhiwet (ETH) | 22 October 2023 | Valencia | [14] |
– | 57:49[a] | Rhonex Kipruto (KEN) | 6 December 2020 | Valencia | [13] |
5 | 57:50 | Selemon Barega (ETH) | 22 October 2023 | Valencia | [14] |
6 | 57:59 | Alexander Mutiso (KEN) | 6 December 2020 | Valencia | [13] |
7 | 58:01 | Geoffrey Kamworor (KEN) | 15 September 2019 | Copenhagen | [15] |
8 | 58:02 | Sabastian Sawe (KEN) | 6 March 2022 | Rome–Ostia | [16] |
9 | 58:07 | Abel Kipchumba (KEN) | 24 October 2021 | Valencia | [17] |
10 | 58:10 | Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi (KEN) | 15 September 2024 | Copenhagen | [18] |
11 | 58:11 | Philemon Kiplimo (KEN) | 6 December 2020 | Valencia | [13] |
12 | 58:17 | Daniel Mateiko (KEN) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [19] |
13 | 58:23 | Zersenay Tadese (ERI) | 21 March 2010 | Lisbon | |
14 | 58:28 | Kennedy Kimutai (KEN) | 24 October 2021 | Valencia | [17] |
15 | 58:30 | Rodgers Kwemoi (KEN) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [20] |
16 | 58:33 | Samuel Wanjiru (KEN) | 17 March 2007 | The Hague | |
Jemal Yimer (ETH) | 28 October 2018 | Valencia | [21] | ||
18 | 58:35 | Kenneth Kiprop Renju (KEN) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [22] |
19 | 58:36 | Seifu Tura Abdiwak (ETH) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [23] |
20 | 58:39 | Gemechu Dida (ETH) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [24] |
21 | 58:40 | Abraham Cheroben (BHR) | 17 September 2017 | Copenhagen | |
Muktar Edris (ETH) | 24 October 2021 | Valencia | [17] | ||
Amdework Walelegn Tadese (ETH) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [25] | ||
24 | 58:41 | Vincent Langat (KEN) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [26] |
25 | 58:42 | Bedan Karoki Muchiri (KEN) | 9 February 2018 | Ras al-Khaimah | [27] |
Eric Kiptanui (KEN) | 8 April 2018 | Berlin | [28] | ||
Stephen Kiprop (KEN) | 8 February 2019 | Ras al-Khaimah | [29] | ||
Kelvin Kiptum (KEN) | 6 December 2020 | Valencia | [13] |
Notes
editBelow is a list of other times equal or superior to 58:43:
- Jacob Kiplimo also ran 57:37 (2020), 57:56 (2022) and 58:09 (2024).
- Kibiwott Kandie also ran 57:40 (2023), 58:10 (2022) and 58:38 (2020).[30]
- Yomif Kejelcha also ran 57:41 (2023) and 58:32 (2022).
- Sabastian Sawe also ran 58:05 (2024), 58:24 (2024), 58:29 (2023).
- Abraham Kiptum ran 58:18,[3] but it was expunged for doping.[31]
- Isaia Kipkoech Lasoi also ran 58:21 (2024).
- Zersenay Tadese also ran 58:30 (2011).[32]
- Daniel Mateiko also ran 58:26 (2021) and 58:40 (2022).
- Philemon Kiplimo also ran 58:34 (2021).
Women
editRank | Time | Athlete | Date | Place | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1:02:52 Mx | Letesenbet Gidey (ETH) | 24 October 2021 | Valencia | [35] |
2 | 1:03:04 Mx | Agnes Jebet Ngetich (KEN) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [36] |
3 | 1:03:21 Mx | Fotyen Tesfay (ETH) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [37] |
4 | 1:03:32 Mx | Lilian Kasait Rengeruk (KEN) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [38] |
5 | 1:03:51 Mx | Yalemzerf Yehualaw (ETH) | 24 October 2021 | Valencia | [39] |
6 | 1:04:02 Mx | Ruth Chepng'etich (KEN) | 4 April 2021 | Istanbul | [40] |
7 | 1:04:14 Mx | Girmawit Gebrzihair (ETH) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [41] |
1:04:14 Mx | Ejgayehu Taye (ETH) | 27 October 2024 | Valencia | [42] | |
9 | 1:04:22 Mx | Hellen Obiri (KEN) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [43] |
10 | 1:04:29 Mx | Joyciline Jepkosgei (KEN) | 11 February 2024 | Barcelona | [44] |
11 | 1:04:31 Mx | Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) | 21 February 2020 | Ras al-Khaimah | [45] |
12 | 1:04:36 Mx | Sheila Chepkirui (KEN) | 19 February 2022 | Ras al-Khaimah | [46] |
13 | 1:04:37 | Irine Kimais (KEN) | 19 February 2023 | Barcelona | [47] |
1:04:37 Mx | Sutume Kebede (ETH) | 14 January 2024 | Houston | [48] | |
15 | 1:04:40 Mx | Senbere Teferi (ETH) | 11 February 2024 | Barcelona | [49] |
16 | 1:04:46 | Margaret Kipkemboi (KEN) | 22 October 2023 | Valencia | [14] |
17 | 1:04:49 | Brigid Kosgei (KEN) | 21 February 2020 | Ras al-Khaimah | [50] |
18 | 1:04:52 | Fancy Chemutai (KEN) | 9 February 2018 | Ras al-Khaimah | [51] |
19 | 1:04:53 | Irene Chepet Cheptai (KEN) | 22 October 2023 | Valencia | [14] |
20 | 1:04:55 | Mary Keitany (KEN) | 9 February 2018 | Ras al-Khaimah | [52] |
21 | 1:05:01 Mx | Tsehay Gemechu (ETH) | 28 August 2022 | Larne | [53] |
22 | 1:05:03 Mx | Vicoty Chepngeno (KEN) | 16 January 2022 | Houston | [54] |
23 | 1:05:04 | Joan Chelimo (KEN) | 7 April 2018 | Prague | [55] |
24 | 1:05:06 | Peres Jepchirchir (KEN) | 10 February 2017 | Ras al-Khaimah | [33] |
25 | 1:05:07 | Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui (KEN) | 9 February 2018 | Ras al-Khaimah | [56] |
Notes
editBelow is a list of other times equal or superior to 1:05:07:
- Yalemzerf Yehualaw also ran 1:03:44 Mx a (2021, not legal),[57] 1:04:22 Mx (2022),[58] 1:04:40 Mx (2021), 1:04:46 (2020).
- Brigid Kosgei also ran 1:04:28 Mx a (2019).
- Hellen Obiri also ran 1:04:48 (2022), 1:04:51 Mx (2021).[59]
- Joyciline Jepkosgei also ran 1:04:46 (2023), 1:04:51 (2017),[60] 1:04:52 (2017).
- Sheila Chepkirui also ran 1:04:53 Mx (2021).
- Ruth Chepngetich also ran 1:05:06 (2020).
Season's bests
editThis table lists the best half marathon performances per year since 1970, as recorded by the ARRS.[61]
The largest half marathon ever held was Broloppet (the Bridge race) between Copenhagen in Denmark and Malmö in Sweden with 79,719 finishers, held in connection with the Øresund Bridge inauguration in 2000.[63][64]
See also
editNotes
edit- ^ annulled due to doping violations
- ^ Published in IAAF documents, including IAAF top lists Archived 2009-02-16 at the Wayback Machine. The ARRS has suggested that the Stramilano half marathon course might have been short in 1993 and lists the best time for 1993 as 1:00:15 by Moses Tanui from Kenya.
References
edit- ^ "USATF: Course Measurement and Certification Procedures" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-06-29. Retrieved 2019-04-25.
- ^ "Chip timing", Wikipedia, 2023-03-28, retrieved 2023-07-16
- ^ a b Emeterio Valiente (28 October 2018). "Kiptum breaks world half marathon record in Valencia with 58:18". IAAF. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ^ "Records by discipline: Women's outdoor half marathon". IAAF. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
- ^ "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORTS | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ "Stats | World Athletics | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ a b c Hanc, John (July 24, 2008). "Sometimes Half Is Better Than Whole". NY Times. Retrieved 2009-02-09.
- ^ "THE HISTORY OF THE HALF". Runner's World. 2022-07-01.
- ^ "Men's Half Marathon All-time toplist". World Athletics. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ "All-time men's best half-marathon". alltime-athletics.com. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORT | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ "Kiplimo breaks world half marathon record in Lisbon". World Athletics. 21 November 2021. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d e Emeterio Valiente (6 December 2020). "57:32! Kandie crushes half marathon world record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 8 December 2020.
- ^ a b c d "Kandie and Chelimo victorious in Valencia | REPORTS | World Athletics". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
- ^ "Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor smashes half marathon world record". bbc.co.uk. 15 September 2019. Retrieved 16 September 2019.
- ^ "Mokoka breaks world 50km record with 2:40:13 in Gqeberha". World Athletics. 6 March 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- ^ a b c "Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 7 November 2021.
- ^ "Sawe and Kipkemboi claim Copenhagen Half Marathon crowns". World Athletics. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
- ^ "Half Marathon - men - senior - all". worldathletics.org. Retrieved 2024-10-27.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (28 October 2018). "Kiptum breaks world half marathon record in Valencia with 58:18". IAAF. Retrieved 29 October 2018.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ "Bedan Karoki Muchiri Ras-Al-Khaimah Half Marathon 2018 Result". premiertiming.com. 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ "Erick Kiptanui Berlin Half Marathon 2018 Result". mikatiming.net. 8 April 2018. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
- ^ Jon Mulkeen (8 February 2019). "Kiprop equals course record, Teferi clocks fastest debut at Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon". IAAF. Retrieved 10 February 2019.
- ^ "Jepchirchir smashes women-only half marathon world record in Prague". World Athletics. 5 September 2020. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
- ^ "Abraham Kiptum: Kenyan runner gets four-year ban for anti-doping violation - BBC Sport". www.bbc.co.uk. Archived from the original on 16 November 2019. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ "Tadese blazes 58:30 in Lisbon, second fastest Half Marathon ever | NEWS | World Athletics". Archived from the original on 2020-09-20.
- ^ a b "Women's Half Marathon All-time toplist". World Athletics. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ "All-time women's best half-marathon". alltime-athletics.com. 8 December 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
- ^ "Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ "Gidey smashes world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. 24 October 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ "Chepngetich smashes world half marathon record in Istanbul". World Athletics. 4 April 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (27 October 2024). "Kejelcha breaks world half marathon record in Valencia". World Athletics. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (11 February 2024). "Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona". World Athletics. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Yeshaneh breaks half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ Jess Whittington (19 February 2022). "Kiplimo and Gebrzihair break course records in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2022.
- ^ Valiente, Emeterio (19 February 2023). "Kimais, Jepkosgei and Langat brilliant in Barcelona, Obiri and Kibet reign in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
- ^ "2024 Houston Half Marathon Results". track.rtrt.me. 14 January 2024. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
- ^ Emeterio Valiente (11 February 2024). "Jepkosgei and Kandie triumph in Barcelona". World Athletics. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Yeshaneh breaks half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah". World Athletics. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- ^ "Fancy Chemutai Ras-Al-Khaimah Half Marathon 2018 Result". premiertiming.com. 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ "Mary Keitany Ras-Al-Khaimah Half Marathon 2018 Result". premiertiming.com. 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ "Yehualaw and Yimer run UK all-comers' records in Larne". World Athletics. 28 August 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ Jess Whittington (16 January 2022). "D'Amato and Chepngeno impress as records fall in Houston". World Athletics. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
- ^ Bob Ramsak (7 April 2018). "Melly sizzles to 1:05:04 victory at Prague Half Marathon". IAAF. Retrieved 13 April 2018.
- ^ "Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui Ras-Al-Khaimah Half Marathon 2018 Result". premiertiming.com. 9 February 2018. Archived from the original on 9 February 2018. Retrieved 9 February 2018.
- ^ "Yehualaw smashes world half marathon record in Larne". World Athletics. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
- ^ "Yehualaw and Yimer run UK all-comers' records in Larne". World Athletics. 28 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ Whittington, Jess (2022-03-27). "Obiri and Kwemoi claim half marathon crowns in Istanbul". World Athletics. Retrieved 2022-03-27.
- ^ "Jepkosgei breaks world half marathon record in Valencia | REPORT | World Athletics". Archived from the original on 2020-10-23.
- ^ "Yearly Ranking Leaders: Half Marathon". ARRS. Retrieved 2015-05-01.
- ^ "Keitany smashes half marathon world record in Ras Al Khaimah". IAAF. February 18, 2011. Retrieved 2015-05-03.
- ^ "Bridge Race 2000". Archived from the original on 2004-11-19. Retrieved 2009-03-27.
- ^ "Senaste". Marathon.se. 8 June 2023.
Further reading
edit- Nilson, Finn; Lundkvist, Erik; Wagnsson, Stefan; Gustafsson, Henrik (2019-12-19). "Has the second 'running boom' democratized running? A study on the sociodemographic characteristics of finishers at the world's largest half marathon". Sport in Society. 24 (4): 659–669. doi:10.1080/17430437.2019.1703687. ISSN 1743-0437.