If you’ve ever searched for a good time for a half marathon, you’re definitely not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most common questions runners ask when they sign up for their first race.
However, the answer isn’t as simple as a single number. Instead, a good half marathon time depends on your experience, your training, and your personal goals. Because of that, it’s far more helpful to look at realistic ranges rather than fixed targets.
So, let’s break it down properly.
What Is Considered a Good Time for a Half Marathon?
Generally speaking, a good half marathon time is one that reflects consistent training and sensible pacing. In other words, it’s a time you earn rather than force.
For most runners, a good time usually falls into one of these brackets:
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Beginner: 2:10 – 2:30
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Intermediate: 1:45 – 2:10
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Advanced: 1:20 – 1:45
That said, these are only guidelines. Therefore, they should be used as reference points, not rigid expectations.
Good Half Marathon Time for Beginners
If this is your first half marathon, then finishing strong should be your main goal. After all, every runner starts somewhere.
Typically, beginner runners finish between 2 hours and 2 hours 30 minutes. This usually assumes:
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Running 3–4 times per week
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Completing long runs of 10–12 miles
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Prioritising completion over speed
However, many beginners make the same mistake. They start too fast. As a result, the second half becomes a struggle. Because of this, a good time is often one where you run consistently and enjoy the experience.
Good Half Marathon Time for Intermediate Runners
Once you’ve completed a few races, your expectations naturally change. At this point, improvement becomes the focus.
For intermediate runners, a good half marathon time generally sits between 1:45 and 2:00. At this level, runners often:
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Follow a structured training plan
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Include tempo runs and longer workouts
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Understand pacing and fueling strategies
As a result, gains come from smarter training rather than simply running more miles. Therefore, consistency matters more than intensity.
Good Half Marathon Time for Advanced Runners
Advanced runners usually aim for sub-1:30, with many targeting 1:20–1:25.
By this stage, training is far more refined. For example, advanced runners often:
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Train 5–6 days per week
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Build mileage year-round
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Focus heavily on recovery and nutrition
Even so, a good time isn’t always a personal best. Instead, it’s often about executing the race well despite tough conditions.
Good Half Marathon Time by Age
Age does influence performance. However, it doesn’t define your potential.
As a rough guide for recreational runners:
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20s–30s: 1:45 – 2:00
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40s: 1:50 – 2:05
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50s: 2:00 – 2:20
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60+: 2:15 – 2:45
Interestingly, many runners peak later. In fact, experience and smarter pacing often offset age-related changes.
What Is a Good Half Marathon Time for You?
Rather than comparing yourself to others, it’s better to ask a few simple questions:
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Did I pace the race well?
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Improve on my last attempt?
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Did I finish feeling strong?
If the answer is yes, then you ran a good half marathon time. Therefore, progress should always be measured personally.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, a good half marathon time is relative, not absolute.
Whether you run 2:30 or 1:20, the achievement is the same. You trained, showed up. You finished. Over time, improvement follows naturally.
So, focus on consistency, patience, and enjoyment. As a result, the clock will take care of itself.
Resources: https://runninglevel.com/running-times/half-marathon-times