Half marathon

[3][4] The men's world record time, pending ratification, is 56:42, set by Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda in February 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.

[5] The women's world record, in a mixed-gender race, is 1:02:52, set by Letesenbet Gidey of Ethiopia in October 2021 in Valencia, Spain.

In a female-only race, the women's world record is 1:05:16, set by Peres Jepchirchir of Kenya in October 2020.

[7] In 2008, Running USA reported that the half marathon is the fastest-growing type of race.

[8] The event grew in popularity leading to the eventual establishment of the World Athletics Road Running Championships in 1992, originally titled the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships.

Runners taking part in the Bristol Half Marathon