Growing number of runners find Half-marathons fulfilling

By Amber Kuehn

For beginning runners, 26.2 miles can seem like a daunting task.

After a few 5-kilometer races, many become bored - searching for something more challenging, yet less intimidating than a full marathon.

The half-marathon has become the perfect stepping stone.

According to the most recent study by the Road Running Information Center, the half-marathon saw the largest upswing in events and finishers in the U.S., notching a 10 percent increase in 2007 following a 10 percent increase in 2006.

The 5K remains the most popular distance.

Nationwide, 5Ks account for 38 percent of races, and charity runs have made them increasingly common. But the rapidly growing interest in half-marathons says a lot about human nature.

"People like to be challenged," said Toni Reavis, host of EliteRacing TV. "With a 5K, you can roll out of bed and just go do it. But there is a feeling of accomplishment in the half, especially when you have to prepare for it."

Ryan Lamppa, media director for Running USA, said 10 years ago 373,000 people finished half-marathons. Last year, there were 650,000 finishers. There are also 180 more half-marathon events in the U.S. than there were a decade ago.

"I think a lot of it has to do with the name of the thing," Reavis said. "'Half-marathon' emotionally connects it to the marathon, but at the same time it's not as intimidating."

Billy Chorey, a Suffolk resident, said that was one of his reasons for signing up for Sunday's Virginia Beach race.

"The Rock 'n' Roll Half is a big race, and it had the 'M' word in its name," he said. "Having never run more than 5 miles or so, I wanted to have something new to work for."

Half-marathons are ideal for those with families or busy careers, said Katie Neitz, senior editor for Runner's World magazine.

"The training regimen for half-marathons isn't as demanding or hard on the body as marathon training," she said. "For people who are not able to devote all their time to a marathon but still want that sense of accomplishment, half-marathons are something to be celebrated."

Neitz, who has run in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon, credited the race for helping half-marathons gain credentials.

"It emphasizes entertainment and having fun," she said. "It's a welcoming environment and makes the race very inclusive."

In the Road Running Information Center report, the Virginia Beach Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon was listed as the 16th largest race in the country in terms of finishers in 2007. The beach was once desired by EliteRacing as a destination for a full marathon, but given the area's heat and humidity Reavis said it is much more bearable at 13.1 miles. And, he adds, Virginia Beach discredits the belief that it takes a marathon-distance race to draw elite competitors from all over the world. The race - and its $68,500 purse - frequently draws former Olympians and athletes from as far away as Kenya and Ethiopia.

Half-marathon fields are becoming as increasingly diverse as they are popular. Previously dominated by men, women now make up more than half of participants. The age of runners is also rising steadily.

"A lot of people who were never athletic in their youth start to see their expanding waistbands and want better health and a better quality of life," Reavis said.

Health benefits aside, self-fulfillment is a great motivator.

"It's like everyone's personal road to Damascus," Reavis said. "It's a personal discovery.

"At the finish line, you see people raising their arms with smiles on their faces, and you know it's just a wonderful sense of accomplishment."

Amber Kuehn, (757) 446-2522, amber.kuehn@pilotonline.com