How to Master the Run/Walk Method: Train for a Half Marathon

Runners can’t get enough of the half marathon—and for good reason. Not only is it a practical and challenging distance for all levels of runners, but it’s also a race widely offered at running events across the country. Dig through race calendars, and you’ll likely find plenty of half marathons in bucket-list locations and even your own backyard.And whether you’re looking to run your first or best half marathon, the run/walk method could be the smart, sustainable strategy you need to strongly cross the finish line.Runner’s World’s program, How to Master the Run/Walk Method, give you the training tools and plans necessary to conquer the 13.1-mile distance with walk intervals. Beginners and experienced run/walkers can find one of several training plans that fit their goals and give them confidence in their physical and mental fitness heading into race day.What You’ll LearnIn Runner’s World’s How to Master the Run/Walk Method: Train for a Half Marathon, we’ll teach you:What makes the half marathon distance ideal for run/walkersHow to choose a training plan suited for your half marathon goalsThe workouts you’ll complete during your half marathon training blockHow to execute a strong race planWatch Video“As you give yourself short walk breaks throughout the run, your body will feel fresher so you're able to go longer. That means if you have your sights set on a race like the half marathon, using the run/walk method can get you to the start line and finish line feeling strong and fast.”— Carissa Galloway, hostGo DeeperWhy a Half Marathon?The half marathon consistently ranks as one of the most popular race distances among runners. According to the 2026 RunningUSA Global Runner Survey, 38 percent of nearly 12,000 surveyed runners said the half was their favorite event—20 percentage points higher than the next most preferred distance (the marathon). The run/walk method can make the distance manageable for all levels of runners and even help you get a new personal record.“I ran my best half marathon using run/walk during the Savannah Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon,” says run/walker Cheryl Munn. “It was really hot. People were dropping like flies. I was able to maintain and be consistent by just keeping up the intervals.”To find your goal half marathon pace, use your data from your Magic Mile time trial. Multiply your timed mile by 1.2 to get your half marathon race pace. You’ll also use that pace to set your training paces and run/walk intervals you’ll use during your buildup to race day.Download Your Training PlanRunner’s World has three run/walk training plans to choose from to prepare for your half marathon: a beginner, intermediate, and advanced plan. Over anywhere from six to 16 weeks, you’ll incorporate run/walk workouts, easy walks, long runs, cross-training sessions, and rest days into your training block to build your endurance, speed, and confidence ahead of your half marathon.How to Execute Your Half MarathonRemember all of that patient, consistent work you put in during training? Trust that preparation on race day. It’s tempting to get caught up in the race day atmosphere and complete your first adrenaline-filled miles way too fast. As you begin your race, keep your run/walk ratio and goal pace in mind, and pace yourself strategically in the early miles so you don’t burn out.The half marathon is such a popular distance that the race course may be flooded with other athletes. As a run/walk athlete, keep in mind that not every runner around you will be taking walk breaks or taking them at the same time as you. Practice proper run/walk race etiquette by following these rules of thumb:Stick to the side of the course as you transition into your walk breakCheck your surroundings before stopping to ensure you don’t cut off any runners around youTransition smoothly back into the run and avoid jumping in front of other athletesAshley is Editor of Content Hype at Hearst’s Enthusiast & Wellness Group. She is a former collegiate runner at UNC Asheville where she studied mass communication. Ashley loves all things running; she has raced two marathons, plus has covered some of the sport’s top events in her career, including the Paris Olympics, U.S. Olympic Trials and multiple World Marathon Majors.