How Long to Train for a Half Marathon? -

Training for a half marathon is an exciting challenge, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner. As a running coach, I’ve worked with many runners who set their sights on running 13.1 miles, and one of the most common things runners want clarification on is how long to train for a half marathon.

The answer to that question depends on your fitness level, experience, and goals. Some runners have never run much before, while others have been running consistently and just need to fine-tune their endurance and speed. Most half marathon training plans range from 8 to 16 weeks, and different length plans will work best for different types of runners.

How Long Does It Take to Train for a Half Marathon?

What Affects Your Training Time?

Several factors determine how long your half marathon training schedule should be. They include:

Your current fitness level – Are you a complete beginner or do you already run a few times per week?
Your running experience – Have you run races before or is this your first attempt at running a long distance?
Your goals – Are you aiming just to finish or to set a personal best?

General Training Timelines

Here’s a general overview of how long you can expect half marathon training to be to do it safely and reach your desired goals:

New runners – Typically need 16 weeks to build endurance safely.
Casual runners – Can be ready in 10–12 weeks with consistent training.
Experienced runners – May only need 8 weeks, especially if you maintain a strong running base year-round.

The Best Half Marathon Training Plans

No two runners are the same, so choosing the right plan for your experience and ability is the key to success. Here is an overview of different training plans:

8-Week Half Marathon Training Plan

This plan is best for experienced runners who already have a strong mileage base:

4–5 runs per week
Weekly long run reaching 10–11 miles by the end
Speed workouts and tempo runs to improve endurance and pace

10-Week Half Marathon Training Plan

Ideal for intermediate runners looking to increase mileage and fitness:

3–4 runs per week
Gradual mileage build-up to avoid injury
Mix of easy runs, tempo runs, and long runs to increase stamina

12-Week Half Marathon Training Plan

This is the most popular half marathon training timeline. Not too long or too short, it offers a great balance for those who have some running experience but need structured training:

3–4 runs per week with a focus on endurance
One long run per week, increasing to 10–11 miles
Strength training and cross-training included for injury prevention

If you like the idea of a 12-week timeline but are a more experienced runner who is looking to improve your finish time, advanced 12-week half marathon training plans incorporate higher volume and more intense speed workouts to help you reach your personal best.

16-Week Half Marathon Training Plan

If you’re pretty new to running long distances, this is the safest way to prepare without overloading your body:

Start with walk/run intervals to slowly build endurance
Gradually increase mileage each week to adapt to running longer distances
Rest days are included to allow recovery and prevent burnout

Couch to Half Marathon Training Plan

Starting from zero? A 16–20 week plan is your best option:

Begin with walking and short runs to build aerobic capacity
Slowly increase running time each week to strengthen your legs
Long run progression over time to prepare for the full 13.1 miles

5K to Half Marathon Training Plan

Comfortable running a 5K (3.1 miles)? You can typically transition to a half marathon in 12–14 weeks:

Gradually increase your long run each week to build endurance
Incorporate speed workouts and hill training for strength and efficiency
Focus on consistency to avoid injury and burnout

10K to Half Marathon Training Plan

If you already run 10K (6.2 miles) comfortably, you can usually get ready to run 13.1 miles in 8–10 weeks:

Increase your weekly long run distance to prepare for race day
Add tempo runs and interval training to build speed and endurance
Plan for a proper tapering period before the race

Can You Run a Half Marathon Without Training?

I get this question a lot, and the short answer is: you probably shouldn’t. While some highly fit athletes can push through a half marathon without training, most people will struggle and risk injury. A good training plan not only gets you to the finish line but makes the race an enjoyable experience instead of a painful one.

Half Marathon Training Tips

In addition to determining how long to train, here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re preparing for your race:

Don’t Skip Long Runs. Long runs build endurance and prepare your body for race day. Gradually increase the distance each week to allow proper adaptation.
Train at Race Pace. If you have a goal finish time, practice running at that pace during some of your training runs so your body gets used to it.
Listen to Your Body. It’s okay to take extra rest days if you’re feeling overly fatigued. Injuries happen when runners ignore warning signs.
Strength Train to Prevent Injuries. Adding strength training (even just bodyweight exercises) helps build strong legs and improves overall running efficiency.
Nutrition and Hydration Matter. Fueling properly before and after runs is just as important as the training itself. Experiment with hydration and nutrition strategies before race day.

FAQs:

Here’s an overview of common questions about how long half marathon training should be.

How long does it take to train for a half marathon?

Most runners need 8–16 weeks, depending on fitness level and experience.

How long should a beginner train for a half marathon?

Beginners should aim for 12–16 weeks to build endurance safely and avoid injuries.

How long does it take to go from couch to half marathon?

If you’re starting from scratch, expect 16–20 weeks to build endurance and prepare your body.

Can I train for a half marathon in 3 months?

Yes! 12 weeks (3 months) is an ideal timeframe for most runners to train properly.

Can I run a half marathon if I can run 10K?

If you can comfortably run a 10K, you can typically train for a half marathon in 8–10 weeks.

Can I run a half marathon without training?

Technically, yes, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Without training, you risk injury, burnout, and an unenjoyable race experience.

Ready to Start Training for a Half Marathon?

Hopefully, you now have more clarification on how long to train for a half marathon. As you can see, the answer depends on your fitness level and goals, but most runners should plan for 8–16 weeks of training. Whatever half marathon training plan you choose, consistency and smart training are the keys to success.

If you’re looking for training plans that have helped many runners get across the finish line feeling great, be sure to check out my comprehensive race training plans. In addition to a step-by-step weekly plan, you’ll also receive guides on strength training, pacing, fueling, injury prevention, rest and recovery, pre-race prep, race day strategies, motivation and more.

Looking for more personalized half marathon training? Contact me to set up a free call to learn more about my 1-on-1 run coaching services. Personalized run coaching is the most effective way to help you stay on track, overcome challenges, and achieve your running goals.

As a coach, my biggest advice is this: trust the process, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey. Running a half marathon is an incredible achievement, and with the right plan, you’ll be more than ready to cross that finish line feeling strong.