Half Marathon Finishers in U.S. Top 2 Million for First Time

According to soon-to-be-released Running USA data, more than 2 million runners finished a half marathon in the U.S. in 2014—a new record for the distance, which continues to increase in popularity.

The total number of 2,046,637 finishers represents a nearly 10 percent growth from 2014, and is a huge number compared to 658,000 finishers just nine years ago.

How are those 2 million broken out?

• Half marathon finishers are 61 percent female and 39 percent male, consistent with recent years.
• The average age of a half marathon finisher is 37 years old (39 for men, 36 for women). About 54 percent of finishers were between 20-39 years old, 42 percent were over 40, and 4 percent were under 20.
• Collectively, Americans are running half marathons slower than ever—not surprising considering the distance is becoming more inclusive. In 2014, the average male finished in 2:02:55 and the average female in 2:21:22. For comparison’s sake, in 2006 men finished in 1:58:07 and women in 2:16:33.
• The largest half marathon in the U.S.? The NYRR Brooklyn Half with 25,610 finishers, though the Indianapolis Mini Marathon (25,524) and Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas (25,227) were right on its heels.
• There were 432 half marathons across the U.S. with 1,000 or more finishers.

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