You want a challenge. A goal that gets you out of bed on a rainy morning – preferably not too early if you’re anything like me. One that makes you lace up after work, even when the couch looks tempting. But which distance should you go for? The 10K? 10 miles? Or the half marathon?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your experience, the time you have available, and what you want to get out of your training. In this blog, we’ll compare these three popular distances so you can make a smarter choice.

A quick overview

Factors that shape your decision

1. Training experience

Never raced a 10K? Then that’s your logical starting point. You’ll build your base fitness, learn how to hold pace, and gain confidence. Don’t underestimate how much time your body needs to adapt sustainably.

Follow the well-trodden path: go from 5K to 10K, then 10 miles, then a half. Avoid giant leaps – very few runners manage them without setbacks or injury.

2. Available time

A focused 10K training block can take around 8 weeks. Preparing for your first half marathon is better done over 12–16 weeks, ideally after successfully completing a 10K. The rule of thumb: the longer the distance, the more time you need to build resilience and endurance.

3. Training frequency per week

• 2–3 runs per week? Stick with 10K.

• 3–4 runs per week? 10 miles is realistic.

• At least 4 runs per week? Then the half marathon becomes achievable.

Training frequency and volume go hand in hand. Research consistently shows that increased training volume improves success rates for recreational runners. That doesn’t mean you must run more, but your chances improve if you do. Trenara even offers a marathon plan with only 3 runs per week. I wrote it myself – but I’d only recommend it if you also do another endurance sport alongside running.

4. Ambition vs. fun

Want to take part just for the experience, without worrying about the clock? Then 10K is a great choice. Looking for more ambition, or to truly test your limits? Go for 10 miles or a half. Longer races also bring a bigger mental challenge. If your goal is to enjoy the event atmosphere, you may want the certainty of a shorter distance.

5. Events

Your choice may also be shaped by the type of event you want. Both large and small races have their charm.

• 10K → from big city races to local fun runs, they’re everywhere

• 10 miles → often large-scale national events, like the Antwerp 10 Miles or Dam tot Damloop

• Half marathon → the perfect excuse for a “runcation”: think Valencia, Copenhagen, Berlin – some of Europe’s most beautiful races are over 21.1 km

How Trenara helps you

In Trenara you’ll find plans for all three distances. We factor in your level, target pace, and personal circumstances. And because our algorithm is adaptive, your plan adjusts when you miss a session, run stronger than expected, or simply have an off day.

Whether you pick 10K, 10 miles, or half marathon, your plan grows with you.

Distance-specific tips

10K

• Work on speed: add strides or short intervals

• Practice race pace in shorter runs

• Keep it fun: 10K is meant to be challenging, not crushing

10 miles

• Focus on endurance: longer blocks at threshold pace prepare you for 16 km

• Practice drinking during runs, though fueling isn’t usually necessary

• Treat it as the perfect stepping stone to a half marathon

Half marathon

• Practice fueling and hydration on your long runs

• Build your long runs up to true LSDs (18–20 km)

• Sharpen pacing skills: spread your energy and avoid starting too fast

Or just install Trenara – we build these tips into your plan automatically.

Conclusion

Each distance has its appeal. 10K delivers speed and satisfaction, 10 miles is the iconic challenge in Belgium and the Netherlands, and the half marathon is the ultimate endurance test without committing to the full marathon.

👉 Whatever you choose, Trenara puts you on the start line with a personalized plan that prepares both body and mind. Unlock your personal best.