If you’re thinking about running a half marathon, you may be wondering, How long does it take to train for a half marathon?
Your training period for a half marathon race (13.1 miles) depends on numerous factors, including your current fitness level, your running experience, and your goals for the race.
Beginner runners who have never done a half marathon before should plan to train anywhere from 10 to 16 weeks, depending on their starting point. Taking a gradual approach will help you safely and comfortably progress with your training and avoid running injuries.
Most experienced runners who have already run a 5K or other race may be ready to run a half marathon with six to eight weeks of preparation. But if they’re hoping to beat a personal record, they should plan on dedicating 10 to 12 weeks to half marathon-specific training.
If you’ve been running or run/walking for a few months and you’ve already tried a shorter race distance, such as a 5K, you’re probably ready to start training for a half marathon.
Here’s an estimate of the time commitment to expect with half marathon training, based on your starting point, and some training schedules so you can see what the training looks like:
Half Marathon Training Plans for Beginner Runners
If you’ve never run a half marathon and you’re currently running under 10 miles each week, expect to spend 12 to 14 weeks preparing for your half marathon. You should plan on running at least three times a week in the beginning, and at least four times a week as your training progresses. You’ll also want to incorporate 1-2 days of cross-training to help build your fitness and boost your injury resistance.
In terms of the weekly time commitment, the highest mileage weeks of your training will be three, four, and five weeks before your race. During the final two weeks before the half marathon, you’ll start dialing your mileage down during your tapering phase.
Here are some half marathon training plans for beginners:
Run/Walk Half Marathon Schedule: This 12-week half marathon training plan is perfect for beginners who want to run/walk a half marathon. To start this plan, you should have been run/walking for at least two months and should have a base mileage of about 8-10 miles per week.
Half Marathon Training Schedule for Beginners: This 12-week half marathon training plan is designed for beginner runners who want to complete a half marathon race. It assumes that you already run at least eight miles per week. If you’ve never run before, follow this step-by-step plan for building a running base before you start with the training plan.
Half Marathon Training Plans for Intermediate and Advanced Runners
If you have a little more running experience and feel like you’re past the beginner stage, you could be ready for a half marathon in anywhere from 6 to 10 weeks. Plan to run at least 4 to 5 days a week, with 1 to 2 days of cross-training, such as cycling or swimming. You can start after Week 1 of these programs if you already have the base mileage established.
8-Week Half Marathon Training Plan: This 8-week half marathon training plan that will help you race it to your full potential.
12-Week Half Marathon Training Schedule for Intermediate Runners: This 12-week intermediate half marathon training plan to help you run your fastest half marathon.
3 Day a Week Half Marathon Training Plan: This 12-week half marathon training plan is perfect for busy runners who want to train for a half and possibly even improve their time. It’s based on three specific runs each week: a tempo run, an interval run, and a long run.
Half Marathon Training Schedule for Advanced Runners: Before you start this 12-week half marathon training plan, you need to be able to run 8 miles comfortably and be able to run 4 to 5 days a week.
More About Half Marathon Training:
- 13 Tips for Running Your First Half Marathon
- 13 Things to Know Before Running a Half Marathon
- Tips to Make Long Runs Easier
Running coach, avid runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
