Train for a half marathon, without guessing
Your honest date first, then one session a day.
From walking to half marathon: 30 to 46 weeks, adjusted to you once you start.
How long to train for a half marathon
| Goal | From “not moving much” | From “I walk” | From “I run a little” | From “I run a lot” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half marathon | 7 to 12 months | 30 to 46 weeks | 21 to 34 weeks | Already there |
The way there
- Walk. 30 minutes of brisk walking, 5 days a week.
- 5K. 5 km without walking.
- 10K. 10 km at an easy pace.
- Half marathon. A 16 to 18 km long run, with no pain the next day.
You join at the rung you are on today. A rung is passed by doing it, not by the calendar.
Common questions
How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
Training for a half marathon takes about 21 to 34 weeks if you already run 5K, and 7 to 12 months from not exercising at all.
What should my longest run be before a half marathon?
The longest run before a half marathon in this plan is 16 to 18 km, about two weeks before race day, with no pain lasting into the next day.
Can a beginner run a half marathon?
Yes, a beginner can run a half marathon after building through 5K and 10K first. Planned walking breaks make it reachable for most healthy adults.
Written and checked by the AskDoc Medical Team. How we review. Health education, not medical advice.