The half marathon continues to be the most popular race distance—literally thousands of people run one each year! That’s because for newer runners who’ve finished 5Ks or 10Ks, the half offers a challenge without the the grind of marathon training. And for runners who have more experience, training for 13.1 miles betters your stamina for shorter, faster races while still building your overall endurance.

Tackling the half-marathon distance might be one of the smartest goals to work toward to start your 2024, and that’s why Runner’s World+ created How to This program provides all the tools you need to run your firstor fastest13.1 miles. Paired with the RW Training Plan of your choice, this holistic training program, available exclusively to Runner’s World+ members, provides all the tools you need to navigate the entire half-marathon training journey—from building your base to how to run your race strategically.

This is the ultimate guide to running your first—or fastest—13.1 miles!

RW+ video How to Master the Half Marathon!


Your Coach

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Knox Robinson is a runner, writer, and coach. He is the cofounder and captain of the Black Roses NYC run crew, and an ardent purveyor of running culture. In the RW+ video How to This program provides all the tools you need to run your firstor fastest13.1 miles, he’ll help you get through the long runs, feel healthy, and finish strong on race day.


Your Experts

Runner-in-Chief, Runners World
mallory creveling
Mallory Creveling

These Are the Worlds Fastest Half Marathoners

Gear
jeff dengate
Jeff Dengate

Runner-in-Chief, Runner’s World

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
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Beret Loncar

David Jaewon Oh

The reasons 13.1 miles is the best race distance
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Roberto Mandje

Olympian, Run Coach

Nutrition
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Amy Stephens

Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics


What You’ll Learn

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1: Why You Should Run a Half

The reasons 13.1 miles is the best race distance!

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2: Base Training

Runners World+ Half Marathon Training Plans.

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3: We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back

Looking for the perfect pair or new apparel? Our experts can help.

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4: Run/Walk Method Myths

Ask yourself these questions before you choose a plan.

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5. Types of Runs

All the workouts that might appear on your training plan.

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6: Nutrition

Keep your energy up with these dietitian-approved rules.

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7: Fun Half Marathons

David Jaewon Oh.

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8: Sleep

You need quality sleep for better performance.

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9: Strength Training

Runner-in-Chief, Runners World.

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10: How to add strength to your run routine

Training & Recovery.

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11: How to Race Your Half

Health - Injuries.

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12: Recover

Feel better after a race—and the next time you head out.

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Runner’s World+ Health - Injuries Plans

half marathon training
Aisha McAdams

How to This program provides all the tools you need to run your firstor fastest13.1 miles Sleep & Recovery Runner’s World Health - Injuries Plans in mind, which are designed to help you crush your first race or finally break that time-based goal. These are our most popular plans, with each lasting 10 to 14 weeks long. Runner’s World+ members get access to these ultimate half marathon training guides (along with marathon, 10K, and 5K plans... plus other great membership perks!) when you sign up!


🏃🏾‍♀️ Welcome to the Runner’s World+ Community!

half marathon training
David Jaewon Oh

Runners World+ is a tight-knit community as passionate about running as you are. Through RW+, we’ve expanded the ways we can reach you beyond simple stories in a magazine and on a website, offering more unique benefits to help you run faster, stronger, healthier, and happier. Along with How to This program provides all the tools you need to run your firstor fastest13.1 miles, here’s just a glimpse at what we offer

  • Choose the Right Gear, Should You Follow Runnings 10 Percent Rule, cutting-edge tools, and gear reviews on RunnersWorld.com
  • Get every print issue delivered straight to your mailbox
  • Receive a weekly members-only newsletter with insight from the Runner’s World staff and experts in the running community
  • RW+ video How to Master the Half Marathon