Are you preparing for a half marathon and want to know what the ideal half marathon pace is?
Keep reading to learn all you need to know to discover the right pace you should run!
Half marathon pace: what is the ideal pace?
How far is a half marathon?
A half marathon is precisely what its names suggest, the distance in half of a full marathon. That means it’s 21 km or 13.1 miles.
In addition, the half marathon is the equivalent of 53 complete laps on a regular 400m track.
Why run a half marathon?
You may debate between running a half marathon or a full marathon. Well, a half marathon allows you to train at a more moderate pace. In addition, you can commit less of your free time to doing it.
However, the half marathon is still a challenge. This means that it is enough work to keep you engaged but not to the point that it almost feels like a full-time job.
You can also choose to do a half marathon to prepare for a marathon. It helps you understand how it is training for a marathon, your pacing, and what you need to improve.
Half-marathon average times
Learning the average time can give you a good sense of what you can expect from other runners.
But remember that this is an average time, and every person has specific metrics to consider.
For example, the average finish time for half-marathons in the United States is 2:02:00 for males and 2:16:00 for females, according to RunRepeat’s 2019 State of Running report.
What is a good half marathon time?
Take a better look at the average time and pace to see how well the everyday runners are doing.
Half marathon pace: what is the ideal pace?
Across all ages and sexes, the average time for the half marathon is 1:50:15. This number is from Running Level. This website compiles and reports average finish times that come from different race distances and is based on age, sex, and ability.
The half marathon pace is 8:25 since the half marathon is 13.1 miles. For men, the site classifies a good half marathon time to be 1:43:33, which is a 7:54 pace.
For women, the number is 2:00:12, which is a 9:11 pace for 13.1 miles. It is essential to remember this is an average for women and men of all levels and ages.
As you could see, the data shared before talks about an average of all runners from different ages and levels.
The magazine Runner’s World shared an average by level based on the RunRepeat data as follows:
- Beginners: From 2 hours and 20 minutes to 3 hours;
- Intermediate: 2 hours;
- Elite runners: 1 hour and 10 to 30 minutes for men and 1 hour and 20 to 40 minutes for women.
Tips for your best half-marathon race pace
Now that you have all the data to show what you can see, here are some tips for reaching your best half marathon pace.
Calculators
Calculators are used a lot by runners. They help to create good strategies and to determine a half marathon pace. In addition, you can use many online options to track your overall race fitness and prepare yourself for the race day.
Workouts
It is essential to establish a workout plan to prepare your body for running and help you to understand your limits.
In addition, a good workout routine can prepare you to get to your ideal pace.
Training plan
A training plan will give you the structure you need to understand your needs concerning reaching your goal and discovering your running pace. Then, you can adjust to your lifestyle, schedule, and running level.
Moreover, a plan can keep you grounded and motivated to achieve your goal.
Now you know how essential a half marathon pace can be to your overall experience. Read our valuable content on our website to get more tips on preparing for a half-marathon!