Below you’ll find tables detailing several half marathon superlatives: Note that we said “on record-eligible courses.” Some well-known fast times because they were achieved on a course with too much net elevation drop and/or too much separation between the start and finish. Each half marathoner appears on the first list, for the fastest performers in history, only once. The third set of tables, for fastest performances in history, allows for a runner to appear more than once.
For example, world record-holder Yomif Kejelcha occupies three spots on the men’s fastest-performances list. The tables are current as of October 25, 2026. We also have a list of the world’s fastest marathoners (and marathons). 10 Fastest Half Marathoners on Record-Eligible Course: Women 10 Fastest Half Marathoners on Record-Eligible Course: Men 10 Fastest American Half Marathoners on Record-Eligible Course: Women 10 Fastest Half Marathons on Record-Eligible Course: Women 10 Fastest Half Marathons on Record-Eligible Course: Men Progression of World Record Since 2004: Women Progression of World Record Since 2004: Men Scott is a veteran running, fitness, and health journalist who has held senior editorial positions at Runner’s World and Running Times.
Much of his writing translates sport science research and elite best practices into practical guidance for everyday athletes. He is the author or coauthor of several running books, including Running Is My Therapy, Advanced Marathoning, and Meb for Mortals. Scott has also written about running for Slate, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and other members of the sedentary media.
His lifetime running odometer is past 110,000 miles, but he’s as much in love as ever.
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