Truth is, a half marathon isn’t half of anything. It’s 21 kilometers. It’s 13.1 miles. It’s a legit race on its own.
As I train for my next 21K on May 4th, I’ve caught myself saying, “It’s just a half.” But that’s not true. There’s nothing just about it. A half marathon is a serious challenge, demanding endurance, speed, and strategy.
On Saturdays, I often run a 5K parkrun. No one calls that ‘half of a 10K.’ It’s a fun, fast, and competitive race in its own right. If you’re in Western Washington, I invite you to join me for a parkrun in Renton: Renton Parkrun. If that’s too far, check out the site—you’ll probably find a free parkrun near you.
Back to the 21K. It’s time we give this race the respect it deserves. Maybe we should stop calling it a ‘half’ and start calling it what it is—the 21K, the 13.1 Miler, or something even cooler. How about we call it the Half Crazy? Whatever we call it, one thing is clear: this race is a test of grit and determination, and everyone who crosses that finish line should be proud.
So if you’re training for a 21K, own it. Don’t downplay it. You’re taking on a race that demands your best, and that’s something worth celebrating. Check out our running stickers to share your love of the half. Or whatever we are calling it now.~:-)
