The half marathon, covering 21.1km, is more than just half of something bigger — it’s a fully-fledged challenge that has captivated runners worldwide. While the full marathon has its origins in ancient Greece, the half marathon has emerged since the 1960s as a modern endurance test, perfectly balancing ambition and attainability.
In this article (7 min read)
Ancient roots and the Marathon connection
Long-distance running can romantically trace its routes back to 490 BCE, when the Greek soldier Pheidippides is said to have run from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens, a distance of approximately 42.2km, to deliver news of victory. This legend inspired the modern marathon, first introduced in the 1896 Olympic Games.
However, the half marathon was never part of ancient history — it developed later as a way for runners to test their endurance without going the full distance. Think of it as a measured challenge rather than a diluted one.
The oldest Half Marathon in the World
While the half marathon distance only gained official recognition in recent decades, the oldest continuously run half marathon event in the world is the Route du Vin Half Marathon in Luxembourg. First held in 1962, this race has been a staple of the endurance running community and remains a challenging event with its tough mountain course through the French countryside. The Route du Vin race and others in Europe helped set the foundation for the half marathon’s growth as a recognised race distance.
Significant standalone half marathon events, including the UK’s Great North Run in 1981 with 12,000 participants, emerged throughout the 80s and other similarly distanced races of 20km or 25km began to be overtaken by the allure of running half a marathon. By 1992 World Athletics (then the IAAF) held their first global championship over the distance. Australian marathoning legend Steve Moneghetti was credited with a world best of 60 minutes, 6 seconds in 1992 in Tokyo, before later that year Kenyan Moses Tanui became the first to run the distance in under an hour.
The rise of the Half Marathon in Australia
Although marathons became a staple event in Australia through the 1970s and 80s, the half marathon followed closely behind before emerging as the more popular distance. The Gold Coast Marathon, first held in 1979, included a half marathon distance from its initial year and is believed to be Australia’s oldest existing event over the distance. The popularity of the distance was also embraced by the Melbourne Marathon, which added a half marathon race in 1992.
Another prominent race established in 1992 was the Sydney Morning Herald Half Marathon (now the Hoka Runaway Sydney Half Marathon) which has been one of the most popular and competitive standalone half marathons in Australia since its establishment. Conversely in the Harbour City, the Sydney Marathon did away with the popular distance in 2024 as part of its successful strategy to boost marathon entries and become a World Marathon Major.
Over the decades, these events have helped the half marathon gain mainstream popularity, offering runners a major goal to train toward without the extreme demands of a full marathon. You’ll find about twice as many half marathon events on the calendar as you will the full distance.
Why is the Half Marathon more than just half?
Here’s 4 reasons
1. A Half-Measured Challenge? Think Again!
Training for a marathon requires months of intense preparation, but a half marathon can typically be trained for in 10-12 weeks, offering a significant physical and mental challenge without the extreme toll of a full 42.2km race.
2. Half the Distance, Double the Fun?
Unlike a full marathon, which can leave runners sore and exhausted for days, half marathon recovery is much quicker, allowing for more frequent racing and maintaining momentum. A Half can be a goal or a milestone on the way to something bigger.
3. A Distance for All Runners
Whether you’re a beginner stepping up from 10Ks or a seasoned runner looking for a challenge, the half marathon has broad appeal. It’s a race where elite runners push the limits completing the distance in around an hour, while weekend warriors also find satisfaction.
For event organisers, it’s all done in half the time of a marathon – you’ll typically find twice as many half marathon events available around the country compared to marathons.
4. Scenic, Diverse, and Thrilling
From coastal routes to mountain trails, half marathons offer a variety of experiences that make every race unique. Australia is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking half marathons, proving that this distance is anything but second best.
Notable Australian Half Marathons
Sydney Half Marathon
The Sydney Half Marathon is a premier city race that takes runners on a breathtaking journey through the heart of Sydney. Held annually in May, this event features a scenic course winds through Sydney’s CBD, the Rocks and Pyrmont. An established part of the Sydney running scene since 1992, the race offers a mix of flat and rolling sections, making it an exciting challenge for runners of all levels.
Gold Coast Half Marathon
Australia’s longest running half marathon The Gold Coast Half Marathon is one of Australia’s premier road races, offering a stunning, flat, and fast course along the iconic Gold Coast shoreline. Held in early July as part of the Gold Coast Marathon weekend, this event attracts elite athletes and everyday runners looking to set personal bests in ideal winter running conditions. The race takes participants through scenic coastal streets, with ocean views and enthusiastic crowd support creating an electric atmosphere. Renowned for its smooth organization and fast course, the Gold Coast Half Marathon is a must-run event for those chasing speed and an unforgettable race-day experience.
Great Ocean Road Half Marathon
The Great Ocean Road Half Marathon offers one of the most breathtaking race experiences in Australia, set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s rugged coastline. Held in May as part of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, this unique 23km event (slightly longer than a traditional half marathon) takes runners along the winding, cliffside roads between Kennett River and Apollo Bay. With the sound of crashing waves and sweeping ocean views accompanying every stride, the race delivers an unforgettable challenge. The rolling hills and fresh sea air make it both a test of endurance and a celebration of nature, drawing runners eager to embrace one of Australia’s most scenic road races.
Melbourne Half Marathon
The Melbourne Half Marathon is a highlight of the annual Melbourne Marathon Festival, offering runners an unforgettable city race experience with a grand finish inside the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Held in October, the course takes participants through some of Melbourne’s most scenic locations, including St Kilda Road, Albert Park Lake, and the Yarra River. With a mix of flat and fast sections, it’s a great race for those chasing a personal best or simply soaking up the incredible atmosphere. The final stretch into the MCG, where thousands of spectators cheer runners across the line, makes this half marathon one of the most exhilarating in Australia.
Point to Pinnacle Half Marathon
The Point to Pinnacle Half Marathon, held in Hobart, Tasmania, is marketed as the world’s toughest half marathon, and for good reason. Covering 21.1km with a staggering 1,270m of elevation gain, the race starts at Wrest Point Casino and climbs relentlessly to the summit of kunanyi/Mount Wellington. Runners face a gruelling ascent with relentless hills, unpredictable weather, and breathtaking views over Hobart and the Derwent River. Held in November, this bucket-list event challenges participants both physically and mentally, rewarding them with an incredible sense of achievement at the top. The stunning but brutal course makes the Point to Pinnacle one of Australia’s most legendary and hardest half marathons.
Find a Half Marathon Near You
Looking to take on the challenge? Check out Half Marathons on Run2.au to explore upcoming races and start planning your next goal!
Upcoming Half Marathons
