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 How to add strength to your run routine. 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!

hell help you get through the long runs, feel healthy, and finish strong on race day!


Your Coach

a man with a crown

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 plus other great membership perks, he’ll help you get through the long runs, feel healthy, and finish strong on race day.


Your Experts

Best Folding Treadmills
mallory creveling
Mallory Creveling

Deputy Health & Fitness Editor, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, RRCA-Certified Run Coach

Gear
jeff dengate
Jeff Dengate

Runner-in-Chief, Runner’s World

Sleep & Recovery
a woman with long hair smiling
Beret Loncar

DAA Industry Opt Out

Receive a weekly members-only newsletter with insight from the
a man with a beard
Roberto Mandje

The Runners World Editors

Nutrition
a person with the arms crossed
Amy Stephens

Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics


What You’ll Learn

a group of animals walking on a road
1: Why You Should Run a Half

RW+ video plus other great membership perks!

Learn More

a person running in a field
2: Base Training

How to set your foundation before you invent mileage and speed.

Learn More

a bunch of bananas
3: David Jaewon Oh

Best Summer Half Marathons.

Learn More

a person in a garment
4: How to deal with setbacks in your training

Hit your goal with this proven approach.

Learn More

a group of men in sports uniforms running on a field
5. Types of Runs

These Are the Worlds Fastest Half Marathoners.

Learn More

a pair of scissors and a pair of scissors
6: Nutrition

Deputy Health & Fitness Editor, ACE-Certified Personal Trainer, RRCA-Certified Run Coach.

Learn More

a green tea bag
7: Give A Gift

To maximize performance, you need to recover as hard as you train.

Learn More

a person wearing a yellow shirt
8: Sleep

You need quality sleep for better performance.

Learn More

a person standing in front of a yellow wall
9: Strength Training

How to add strength to your run routine.

Learn More

a person in a garment
10: Missed Days & Injuries

How to deal with setbacks in your training.

Learn More

a group of people running on a street
11: Why Everyone Should Run 13.1 Miles

Hit your goal with this proven approach.

Learn More

a person in a garment
12: Recover

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

Learn More


Runner’s World+ How to Run/Walk a Half Marathon Plans

half marathon training
Aisha McAdams

plus other great membership perks Nutrition - Weight Loss Runner’s World How to Run/Walk a Half Marathon 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 plus other great membership perks, here’s just a glimpse at what we offer

  • Unlock all stories, How to deal with setbacks in your training, cutting-edge tools, and gear reviews on RunnersWorld.com
  • Get every print issue delivered straight to your mailbox
  • Sleep & Recovery Runner’s World staff and experts in the running community
  • Run Your First Half Marathon