Athlete running during half marathon

Since 2003, participation in half marathons has been steadily increasing. If your skepticism or questioning in your abilities is holding you back from running in one of these races, we are here to convince you otherwise.

 

REASONS TO RUN A HALF MARATHON:

 

  • To say you did. How great is it going to feel when you cross that finish line, and you can look at your friends, family, and YOURSELF, and say “I did it. I actually did it.” Not only will you have a newfound feeling of accomplishment, you will also have some bragging rights.

 

  • To get that medal. I mean…have you seen those things?! The medal you receive for finishing a half marathon is something that you can show off and cherish for the rest of your life. No matter how much time goes by, that medal will serve as a reminder of something that you proudly accomplished earlier in your lifetime.

 

  • To check it off your bucket list. Everybody has one or more thing(s) that they want to accomplish at some point in their lifetime. If running a half or full marathon isn’t on it, it should be! Completing a half or marathon is something that some people dream of doing one day. Why not join in?!

 

  • Because you can. Thomas Jefferson once stated that “if we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves.” If you believe that completing a half marathon is impossible, rid yourself of that mindset. You truly can do anything you set your mind to, and running a half marathon is no exception.

 

  • To inspire others. The opportunity to inspire action and change in others is a feeling that cannot compare to most others. There are those around you who will be moved by the risk you are taking and might even be inspired enough to run a half marathon of their own one day!

 

  • You might actually like it. Don’t just assume that you are going to hate it. Look at the glass half full because you could actually enjoy participating in a half marathon. Stop looking at all the negatives that you think could come with it, and start looking at the positives!

 

  • To feel a part of something bigger than yourself. Half marathons draw in anywhere from hundreds to thousands of participants. Not only will you be participating with all those who are running with you, but also all the people around the world who run in these races as well.

 

  • The perks. Not only do you get a flashy medal, but you also get a t-shirt and other perks that your specific race has to offer. Most races offer food and drink after your race is over along with some live entertainment! Who doesn’t love free stuff? J

 

  • The scenic and fun races you can participate in. There are races all over that you can compete in. Whether you want to run along the beach in Miami or run along Lake Shore drive in downtown Chicago, there are always beautiful sites to be seen.

 

  • You want to run a full marathon one day. If your goal is to run a full marathon one day, build up to it. Starting off with a half marathon is a great way to see where you’re at when it comes to your progress in running a full!

 

  • Because others can’t. There are some people out there who would love the opportunity to participate in a half marathon, but they physically cannot. Run for those who can’t.

 

  • You never have to do it again. Simply put, if you run it once and don’t enjoy it, no one will force you to do one again.

 

  • Get in shape. We aren’t going to sugar coat it…13.1 miles is not a short distance. BUT, that’s why there are training programs that have been created to make sure you are in the shape you need to complete a half marathon. If you are looking to shed some calories and get yourself in shape, running a half marathon is the perfect way to do it.

 

13.1) Because really…why not? So, after reading all of this, why not run a half marathon?

 C.K.

“Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done.”- Louis D. Brandeis