Skip to content

First half marathon

How Long Should You Train for a Half Marathon?

Twelve weeks is common after a base; starting from zero requires more runway.

Plain answerAllow about 12 weeks for the specific half-marathon block after you have established regular running. If you cannot yet run or run/walk for roughly 30 minutes comfortably, add a base-building phase first. The honest total may be 16–20 weeks or longer.

Why every “12-week plan” is different

The title describes the race block, not the runner who may enter it. The B.A.A. first-timer plan begins with multiple 2–3-mile runs and a 5-mile long run. Great Run offers both beginner and run/walk tracks with different starting assumptions. Neither is a couch-to-half-marathon promise.

SourceGreat Run half-marathon plans
Separate 12-week run/walk, beginner, and improver plans illustrate why the correct track depends on current capacity.

Count backward with room

Place the 12-week block on the calendar, then add two buffer weeks for illness, travel, or repeating a build week. If the base is not ready before that window begins, choose a later race rather than forcing the date.

Fitness is not the only clock

Long-run fueling, clothing, shoes, travel, and recovery also need rehearsal. A plan that barely reaches the distance while leaving no time to test execution is not complete preparation.

Run More! You can do it!

RunTeaming is a running game for iPhone and Android. Your best qualifying run of the week becomes your score on a five-runner team. The app supplies the team and matches it against another team near its level, so you do not have to recruit anyone or share a time or place.

Use the button to choose iPhone or Android and see the current installation options.

Try RunTeaming

Run anywhere · No team to recruit · No shared schedule · Choose the installation page for your phone