The 5th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships was held on September 29, 1996, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

A total of 206 athletes, 134 men and 72 women, from 53 countries took part.

[1] †: Cristina Burca from  Romania was initially 8th (1:12:37), but disqualified later.

From 2 May 1999, the IAAF imposed a life ban on her.

[2] The participation of 206 athletes (134 men/72 women) from 53 countries is reported.