What is a good half marathon time? Under about 2:13, the 2024 U.S. median (2:03 men, 2:21 women). Plus a pace chart for every time from 1:30 to 3:30.
Medical disclaimer: The training information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider or sports medicine professional before beginning any new training program, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition, injury history, or have been inactive for an extended period.
Whether you are chasing a sub-2 hour half marathon, looking to break 1:45, or just trying to figure out what pace you need to hold to finish in 2:30, this pace chart has you covered. Below you will find every major half marathon finish time from 1:30 to 3:30, mapped to the per-mile and per-kilometer pace you need to maintain to hit it.
What Is a Good Half Marathon Time?
A good half marathon time is anything faster than about 2:13, the median U.S. finish in 2024. Men's median was 2:03:28 and women's was 2:21:42, across about a million results. Breaking 2:00 beats more than half of men and puts women in the top quarter of every age group, and 1:45 is top-quarter for men of any age.
Those numbers come from Outside Run's analysis of about one million half marathon results from U.S. races in 2024. The median is the runner in the exact middle of the field, and it is a better yardstick than the mean because a long tail of walkers and run-walkers pulls the mean slower.
So "good" depends on who you are comparing yourself with. The middle half of men aged 30 to 39 finished between 1:46:32 and 2:20:31. For women 30 to 39 that range was 2:02:23 to 2:42:46. Land anywhere inside those ranges and you ran a normal, solid half marathon. Faster than the top of the range and you beat three out of four runners your age.
What Is a Good Half Marathon Time by Age?
Times hold steady through your 20s and 30s, then slow more with each decade. Here are the 2024 U.S. medians by age group, alongside the time you would need to reach the top 25 percent.
| Age | Men median | Men top 25% | Women median | Women top 25% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-29 | 1:59:14 | 1:45:56 | 2:16:29 | 2:00:55 |
| 30-39 | 2:00:41 | 1:46:32 | 2:20:00 | 2:02:23 |
| 40-49 | 2:03:53 | 1:49:05 | 2:24:15 | 2:05:45 |
| 50-59 | 2:10:15 | 1:54:17 | 2:32:18 | 2:12:13 |
| 60-69 | 2:18:50 | 2:00:15 | 2:42:14 | 2:19:55 |
| 70-79 | 2:36:02 | 2:14:02 | 3:02:22 | 2:38:18 |
Source: Outside Run, "What's a 'Good' Half Marathon Time?" (2024 U.S. results). A 2:30 from a 65-year-old woman beats the median for her age group by more than 12 minutes, while the same time from a 25-year-old man is slower than his median by half an hour. Compare yourself with your own row, not the whole field.
Is a 2-Hour Half Marathon Good?
Yes. A 2:00 half marathon means holding 9:09 per mile for 13.1 miles, and it is faster than the median for women in every age group and for men 30 and older. Only men in their 20s have a faster median, at 1:59:14. Two hours is also the most popular target in the sport: in the 2024 data, both men and women in their 20s show a large spike of finishers just under 2:00.
What Is a Fast Half Marathon Time?
If you want a number that is objectively fast, look at the top 10 percent. In the 2024 data, that took 1:34:31 for men 30 to 39 and 1:49:52 for women 30 to 39. The top 5 percent in the same age groups ran 1:27:44 and 1:42:27. That is why sub-1:30 is such a meaningful benchmark for men and sub-1:45 is for women.
What Is a Good Half Marathon Time for a Beginner?
For a first half marathon, the best goal is finishing healthy and wanting to run another one. Time comes later. If you want a number, use a recent 5K or 10K result in the pace calculator to predict a realistic finish, then start a little slower than that pace for the first few miles.
Florida adds one more variable. Heat and humidity slow everybody down, so a fall or winter race will usually give you a faster time than the same effort in April or May. Our guide to running in the Florida heat covers how much to adjust. When you are ready to train for it, the 13-week half marathon training plan and the sub 1:50 half marathon training plan give you a week-by-week path.
What Is a Good Half Marathon Pace?
The median U.S. half marathon finish in 2024 was about 2:13, or about 10:09 per mile (see the data above). A "good" pace depends entirely on your experience level, training background, and goals. For first-timers, simply finishing is an excellent goal. For competitive age-groupers, sub-1:45 is a meaningful benchmark. For elite amateur runners, sub-1:30 is the mark. The pace chart below covers all of these ranges and everything in between.
Half Marathon Pace Chart
All paces assume even splits for all 13.1 miles. Use your target finish time in the left column to find the per-mile and per-km pace you need to hold.
| Finish Time | Per Mile Pace | Per KM Pace |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30:00 | 6:52/mi | 4:16/km |
| 1:35:00 | 7:15/mi | 4:30/km |
| 1:40:00 | 7:38/mi | 4:44/km |
| 1:45:00 | 8:01/mi | 4:59/km |
| 1:50:00 | 8:23/mi | 5:13/km |
| 1:55:00 | 8:46/mi | 5:27/km |
| 2:00:00 | 9:09/mi | 5:41/km |
| 2:05:00 | 9:32/mi | 5:55/km |
| 2:10:00 | 9:55/mi | 6:10/km |
| 2:15:00 | 10:18/mi | 6:24/km |
| 2:20:00 | 10:41/mi | 6:38/km |
| 2:25:00 | 11:04/mi | 6:52/km |
| 2:30:00 | 11:27/mi | 7:07/km |
| 2:35:00 | 11:49/mi | 7:21/km |
| 2:40:00 | 12:12/mi | 7:35/km |
| 2:45:00 | 12:35/mi | 7:49/km |
| 2:50:00 | 12:58/mi | 8:03/km |
| 2:55:00 | 13:21/mi | 8:18/km |
| 3:00:00 | 13:44/mi | 8:32/km |
| 3:05:00 | 14:07/mi | 8:46/km |
| 3:10:00 | 14:30/mi | 9:00/km |
| 3:15:00 | 14:52/mi | 9:15/km |
| 3:20:00 | 15:15/mi | 9:29/km |
| 3:25:00 | 15:38/mi | 9:43/km |
| 3:30:00 | 16:01/mi | 9:57/km |
Sub-2 Hour Half Marathon Pace
Running a half marathon under 2 hours requires maintaining a pace of 9:09 per mile (5:41 per km) for all 13.1 miles. This is one of the most popular half marathon goals among recreational runners, and it is achievable with consistent training for most runners who can currently run a 5K in under 30 minutes.
To run sub-2:00, consider starting at 9:05–9:10 per mile and holding steady through mile 10, then picking up the pace over the final 5K if you have energy remaining. Negative splitting (running the second half slightly faster) is the most reliable strategy for a sub-2:00 finish.
1:45 Half Marathon Pace
A 1:45 half marathon requires 8:01 per mile (4:59 per km). This is a strong, competitive time: in the 2024 U.S. data it is inside the top 25 percent for men of every age and inside the top 10 percent for women under 50. Runners targeting 1:45 should be comfortable with tempo runs at 7:30–7:45 per mile and should have a 5K time under 24 minutes. Training should include weekly mileage of 35–45 miles.
1:30 Half Marathon Pace
A sub-1:30 half marathon requires holding 6:52 per mile (4:16 per km) for the full distance — a demanding pace that puts men in their 20s and 30s in the top 5 to 10 percent of their age group and men 40 and older in the top 5 percent. It is faster than the top 5 percent of women in every age group. Runners chasing this goal typically have a 5K time under 21 minutes and train 50+ miles per week with structured speed work.
2:15 Half Marathon Pace
A 2:15 finish requires 10:18 per mile (6:24 per km). This is an excellent goal for newer runners or those returning from injury. At this pace, you are moving fast enough to get a genuine race experience while keeping the effort manageable. Runners targeting 2:15 should be able to comfortably run 8–10 miles in training and complete long runs of 10+ miles.
2:30 Half Marathon Pace
A 2:30 half marathon requires 11:27 per mile (7:07 per km). This is a common goal for runners who are new to the half marathon distance or who prefer a run/walk approach. The 2:30 finish is well within reach for anyone who has done consistent training and can complete a 10-mile long run.
Half Marathon Splits by Mile
If you want to track your progress mile by mile, here are the cumulative split times for the most popular goal times. Even splits mean each mile takes the same amount of time as the one before it.
| Mile | 1:45 Goal | 2:00 Goal | 2:15 Goal | 2:30 Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:01 | 9:09 | 10:18 | 11:27 |
| 2 | 16:01 | 18:18 | 20:36 | 22:53 |
| 3 | 24:02 | 27:28 | 30:54 | 34:20 |
| 4 | 32:02 | 36:37 | 41:12 | 45:46 |
| 5 | 40:03 | 45:46 | 51:29 | 57:13 |
| 6 | 48:03 | 54:55 | 1:01:47 | 1:08:39 |
| 7 (halfway) | 56:04 | 1:04:05 | 1:12:05 | 1:20:06 |
| 8 | 1:04:05 | 1:13:14 | 1:22:23 | 1:31:32 |
| 9 | 1:12:05 | 1:22:23 | 1:32:41 | 1:42:59 |
| 10 | 1:20:06 | 1:31:32 | 1:42:59 | 1:54:25 |
| 11 | 1:28:06 | 1:40:41 | 1:53:17 | 2:05:52 |
| 12 | 1:36:07 | 1:49:51 | 2:03:35 | 2:17:18 |
| 13 | 1:44:07 | 1:59:00 | 2:13:52 | 2:28:45 |
| 13.1 (finish) | 1:45:00 | 2:00:00 | 2:15:00 | 2:30:00 |
Find Florida Half Marathons
Now that you know your goal pace, it is time to find a race. Florida has an outstanding calendar of half marathons, especially from October through March when the weather is cooperative. Browse upcoming Florida half marathons on Run Florida Run to find your next race, or check out the Central Florida half marathon calendar for races in the Orlando area. If you are building up to the half marathon distance, a 13-week half marathon training plan gives you a structured path to the start line.
Central Florida runners should also look at the OUC Orlando Half Marathon in December, one of the region's premier events and now in its 50th year.
Find Your Next Florida Half Marathon
Knowing the pace is one thing; putting it on a start line is another. Browse every upcoming half marathon in Florida with dates and registration links, or run your own numbers through the pace calculator. Not sure which race to target? Compare the best half marathons in Florida by season.
Sources
- Brian Rock, "What's a 'Good' Half Marathon Time? Here's What the Latest Data Says", Outside Run, updated January 19, 2026. Analysis of about one million 2024 U.S. half marathon results: overall median about 2:13, men 2:03:28, women 2:21:42, plus age-group medians, quartiles and top 5 and 10 percent times.
- Jens Jakob Andersen, "The State of Running 2019", RunRepeat, updated March 25, 2024. Global average half marathon pace of 5:40 per km for men and 6:22 per km for women (about 1:59:33 and 2:14:19 for 13.1 miles), from 107.9 million race results, 1986 to 2018.
- Pace chart and split times are calculated from 13.1094 miles (21.0975 km), rounded to the nearest second, assuming even pacing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good half marathon time? expand_more
A good half marathon time is anything faster than about 2:13, the median U.S. finish in 2024 across roughly a million results. The median was 2:03:28 for men and 2:21:42 for women. Breaking 2:00 beats more than half of men and puts women in the top quarter of every age group.
What is the average half marathon time? expand_more
The median U.S. half marathon finish in 2024 was about 2:13: 2:03:28 for men and 2:21:42 for women, according to Outside Run's analysis of about one million results. RunRepeat's global data from 1986 to 2018 puts the average pace at 5:40 per km for men and 6:22 per km for women, or about 1:59:33 and 2:14:19.
Is a 2 hour half marathon good? expand_more
Yes. A 2:00 half marathon (9:09 per mile) is faster than the 2024 U.S. median for women in every age group and for men 30 and older. Only men in their 20s have a faster median, at 1:59:14.
What is a good half marathon time by age? expand_more
In 2024 U.S. results, the median was 1:59:14 for men 20-29, 2:00:41 for men 30-39, 2:03:53 for men 40-49 and 2:10:15 for men 50-59. For women it was 2:16:29 (20-29), 2:20:00 (30-39), 2:24:15 (40-49) and 2:32:18 (50-59). Beating your age group's median is a good time.
What pace is a 2 hour half marathon? expand_more
A 2 hour half marathon requires a pace of 9:09 per mile, or 5:41 per kilometer, maintained for all 13.1 miles. This is one of the most popular half marathon goals among recreational runners.
What pace do I need for a sub 2 hour half marathon? expand_more
To run a sub-2 hour half marathon, you need to maintain a pace of 9:09 per mile (5:41/km) or faster. Many runners aim for 9:05 per mile to give themselves a small cushion. Starting slightly conservative and picking up the pace after mile 10 is a reliable strategy.
What is a good half marathon time for a beginner? expand_more
For a first half marathon, finishing healthy is the goal. If you want a benchmark, the 2024 U.S. median was about 2:13 overall, 2:03:28 for men and 2:21:42 for women, so anything near your age group's median is a solid debut. Use a recent 5K or 10K in a pace calculator to set a realistic target.
What pace is a 1:45 half marathon? expand_more
A 1:45 half marathon requires an average pace of 8:01 per mile (4:59 per km). In 2024 U.S. results that is inside the top 25 percent for men of every age and inside the top 10 percent for women under 50. Runners targeting 1:45 should have a 5K time under 24 minutes.
How do I run a sub 2 hour half marathon? expand_more
To break 2 hours in a half marathon, train consistently at 30–40 miles per week, include one weekly tempo run at 8:30–8:45 per mile, and build your long run to 12–14 miles. On race day, start at exactly 9:09 per mile and resist going out too fast in the first 3 miles. If you feel strong at mile 10, you can push to the finish.
What is a half marathon pace chart? expand_more
A half marathon pace chart maps finish times to the average per-mile or per-km pace needed to achieve them. For example, a 2:00 finish = 9:09/mile, a 1:45 finish = 8:01/mile, and a 2:30 finish = 11:27/mile. Pace charts help runners set realistic goals and use GPS watches or race clocks to stay on target during the race.
What pace is a 1:30 half marathon? expand_more
A 1:30 half marathon requires holding 6:52 per mile, or 4:16 per kilometer, for the full 13.1 miles. That is a strong competitive amateur time and generally takes structured speed work, not just mileage.
What pace is a 2:30 half marathon? expand_more
A 2:30 half marathon requires holding 11:27 per mile, or 7:07 per kilometer. This is a common and very achievable target for first-time half marathoners, and it works well as a run-walk goal.