I want to do a half marathon -- but walking, not running

[theobear]

Is this even a thing? I can't see how I can fit running into my life with a full time job and a toddler, and I like walking. I can do it in my lunch break without needing a shower afterwards and take the toddler in the buggy at the weekend. Will it be strange if I sign up for a race on this basis? I need a push towards getting fitter but need to be realistic about what I can achieve. Are there any particularly walker-friendly half marathons? Many thanks for your advice.

Some half marathons would be suitable I think - you just need to look to see if there's a cut-off time and work out if this would be long enough for you to complete the distance.

The bigger ones will cater for walkers as they are usually raising money for charity

But there's a cutoff time with most runs, so you would need to be quite quick I guess

How about run/walk Galloway method? At parkrun this morning some women were doing it.... I was impressed

Whereabouts are you based - the moon-walk/half moon are traditionally walked races www.walkthewalk.org/challenges/

Buggy running is 'a thing' op!!!

I would choose a walking event/challenge rather than entering a half marathon intended for runners and walking it.

Even at a brisk pace, it would likely take at least 3 hours which will be significantly slower than those running it and therefore potentially inconvenient for the organisers/Marshall etc

Having said that, you can get away with it at the Great North Run as there are always a significant contingent of walkers and extremely slow runners.

Thank you - I'll look at the link. Evenings may be possible but my job is quite demanding so I think I'll struggle to fit in a regular commitment. I live in Cardiff so the Cardiff half would be the obvious option. I'll see if I can find a good walking event though - I think I need some motivation! I suppose 4 hours would be a realistic guess of how long it would take.

Most cut off times are around the 3hr 15min mark, friends off mine are speed walking a half in a couple of weeks, they plan on having a lovely chat with the tail runner! If you aim for a bigger half there will be walkers.

I walked the vast majority of the (full) London marathon with no training. Probably jogged the first three miles, if that. It's fine - the cut off time is 8 hours so very easy to complete by walking. I did six hours fourteen mins. Power walking can be faster than the 'running' done by a lot of ppl at these events.

If you're going to walk I'd consider a full marathon:)

I did a "walk a marathon" event a few years ago (definitely didn't run any of it!) and we did it in just under 9 hours, so it's definitely doable!

@theobear my half way point time for the London marathon was two hours fifty six minutes, all walking bar a vague jog at start. Four hours is EASILY achievable if you are youngish and fitish

grobags I May well be doing that in a few weeks

I'm doing London Marathon and every obstacle possible has got in my way!

Thanks, I'll see what I can find online!

From Cardiff Half website:

Q. How slowly can I complete the race? Can I walk part of the race?

A. As detailed in the terms and conditions of entry, the Cardiff/University/Cardiff Half Marathon is a running race in which participants should make best efforts to complete the course within a 4 hour 30 minute cut-off point. In order to safely get the city moving again and protect all participants, after this time all roads will be reopened and throughout the race a sweep bus will collect those at the back of the race unable to keep up with the allotted 20 minute a mile pace. We encourage everyone to run as much as possible in order to avoid the cut-off time.

Sorry, pressed send too soon

You will still need to train to walk the distance. 4 hours is a long time on your feet, and you are still at risk of injury if you don’t prepare properly. Have a look at the Jeff Galloway approach which is a set ratio of run : walk.

So it sounds like I could do it but they don't really want me to? 🤷

They have time restrictions for roads opening and clearing away the finish line etc. Every race has a cut off point, usually imposed by local authorities for roads opening but also they have to consider safety of all - including marshals etc.

How about a virtual event first and see how you get on time wise? Then you’ll have a realistic idea of your finish time and if you’ll meet the cut off requirements.

@theobear - 20 minutes a mile is comfortable walking pace, so no, they are not saying you can't walk it :)

4 mph is a very achievable brisk walk, but there's no leeway if you need to slow for any reason (including a loo break, which is more likely the longer you're out)

And the organisers appear to see it as a running event, not a walking one, so no they probably don't want you to walk all the way.

Could you do a mix - jog a mile, then walk for 2, repeat a further 3 times and then do a sprint finish?

(Sorry posting loads on your thread!)

I know that my walking pace is about 15 minutes per mile, if I’m going a decent pace and not hanging around. That would complete a half in about 3 and a half hours.

Thanks for helping to steer me in the right direction - I've found this and I'm planning to sign up: www.macmillan.org.uk/get-involved/fundraising-events/event-detail/1595/gowermacmarathon14miles There is a 22 mile event too but I think that might be for next year...!

Oops - my post makes less sense than usual. They are looking at 3 mph, not 4, so perhaps there would be enough leeway.

(but you might like to try a sprint finish just for the fun if it )

That link looks great. Personally I’d look for walking events rather than running if you’re intending to walk the whole distance. It’ll still be rewarding, you’ll build an awesome fitness and that could lead you into running when / if you have time to fit in the training. Good luck!

Are you interested in walking it at night?

Moonwalk

Why don’t you just get a map, go out and walk 13 miles? I honestly don’t think that’s beyond most people.