What is pace?
Pace is the time you need for one kilometre, shown in minutes and seconds per kilometre. A pace of 5:41 means every kilometre takes 5 minutes and 41 seconds. Runners prefer pace over km/h because split times are easy to work out in your head and watches display it directly.
How the calculator works
Pace = time divided by distance in kilometres. Speed in km/h is 60 divided by pace in minutes. Pace per mile uses 1.609344 km per mile. The split table assumes an even pace without surges.
To run the second half faster, plan a negative split with the split calculator.
Typical marathon and half marathon paces
- Sub-4 marathon: 5:41 min/km (9:09 min/mile)
- Sub-3:30 marathon: 4:58 min/km
- Sub-3 marathon: 4:15 min/km (6:52 min/mile)
- Sub-2 half marathon: 5:41 min/km
- Sub-1:45 half marathon: 4:58 min/km
- Sub-50 10k: 5:00 min/km
Values are rounded. Enter your target time above for the exact second.
Frequently asked questions
What pace do I need for a sub-4 marathon?
For 3:59:59 you need 5:41 min/km or 9:09 min/mile, about 10.55 km/h. Allow a few seconds of buffer: GPS watches and the racing line often add 200 to 400 metres compared with the official distance.
How do I convert km/h to min/km?
Divide 60 by the speed in km/h. 12 km/h gives 60 / 12 = 5.0 minutes, a pace of 5:00 min/km. The pace converter also handles miles.
Why does my watch show a different distance?
Official courses are measured along the shortest possible line. In a race you run wide on corners, weave around people and GPS drifts, so your watch usually shows slightly more.
Does pace work for trail races?
Only partly. On trails, elevation and terrain matter more than distance. For trail races the km-effort calculator gives a better comparison.