Pómaraton

Pómaraton is a non-diacritic form of the Polish term półmaraton, which denotes a half marathon, a long-distance road race of 21.0975 kilometers, exactly half the distance of a full marathon (42.195 km). In Polish, półmaraton literally means “half marathon,” and the correct spelling uses the ł character; the simplified spelling pómaraton is occasionally seen in non-Polish texts.

The distance 21.0975 km is the standard for the event worldwide. Many half marathons have their courses certified for accuracy by international authorities such as World Athletics and AIMS, ensuring measured distance and fair comparisons across races. Races are typically held on paved streets in urban or scenic settings, often starting and finishing in central locations to maximize accessibility and spectator support.

Origins and popularity: Half marathons grew with the expansion of mass-participation road racing in the late 20th century and have since become among the most common long-distance events globally. They attract runners of varied experience levels, from beginners to elites, and are frequently included in city festivals and charitable campaigns. In Poland, the distance is widely organized and widely used as a stepping stone for runners seeking longer distances or faster times.

Race format and participation: Most events use timing chips, aid stations, and dedicated lanes or closed streets. Courses may be point-to-point or loops and often feature separate starts for different pace groups. Age categories and prize structures are common, with elite fields sometimes offered prize money.

Training and records: Training plans typically run 8–16 weeks, combining base mileage, tempo work, and long runs. Finishing times depend on course difficulty, weather, and the runner’s level of preparation. Notable half marathons include major national events and international races that help define the discipline’s competitive landscape.