[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.