The half marathon has been widely reported as the fastest growing road race distance in the US.
In 2008 to 2009 registration for the distance grew from 900,000 runners to over 1.1 million runners - a whopping 24%! Since 2000, US half-marathon finishers have jumped to over 1.1 million for a 131% increase.
Runners rank the half marathon as their favorite distance for the following reasons: ![K0643760[1] K0643760[1]](http://craigdadoly.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345225a069e201539038e515970b-pi)
It's the next challenge or step-up after completion of a 5 or 10K. Runners who are intimidated by the marathon find the half to be a doable distance. The half fills the void when marathoners decide that 26.2 miles is no longer for them. Runners use it to build fitness while training for a marathon and the chances for injury are fewer at the 13.1 mile distance. The training time is much less, and many walkers complete the 1/2 marathon without running a step.
For an excellent 1/2 marathon training program go to www.halhigdon.com/halfmarathon
For a list of many of the half marathons go to www.halfmarathons.net