What pace matches my marathon goal time?

Enter your goal time and the calculator instantly shows the required average pace per kilometre and per mile. The split table turns that into checkpoint times.

What is a negative split?

A negative split means running the second half faster than the first. It is often the smartest race strategy because you start conservatively and finish strong rather than fading.

Does the calculator account for hills or wind?

No, the table assumes an even effort on flat terrain. Adjust your expectation slightly for a hilly course or strong wind.

Is my goal time achievable?

Use the VDOT calculator to see which marathon time matches your recent races. If your goal is well above your current level, plan a build-up phase first.

Marathon pace calculator — pace and splits for your marathon

Goal time

Pace / km

Required pace

–/km

Speed

0.0km/h

Strategy

Pick your strategy

Splits

Split table

Distance	Pace	Cumulative
1 km	5:20 /km	5:20
2 km	5:20 /km	10:40
3 km	5:20 /km	16:00
4 km	5:20 /km	21:20
5 km	5:20 /km	26:40
6 km	5:20 /km	32:00
7 km	5:20 /km	37:20
8 km	5:20 /km	42:40
9 km	5:20 /km	47:59
10 km	5:20 /km	53:19
11 km	5:20 /km	58:39
12 km	5:20 /km	1:03:59
13 km	5:20 /km	1:09:19
14 km	5:20 /km	1:14:39
15 km	5:20 /km	1:19:59
16 km	5:20 /km	1:25:19
17 km	5:20 /km	1:30:39
18 km	5:20 /km	1:35:59
19 km	5:20 /km	1:41:19
20 km	5:20 /km	1:46:39
21 km	5:20 /km	1:51:59
22 km	5:20 /km	1:57:19
23 km	5:20 /km	2:02:39
24 km	5:20 /km	2:07:59
25 km	5:20 /km	2:13:19
26 km	5:20 /km	2:18:39
27 km	5:20 /km	2:23:58
28 km	5:20 /km	2:29:18
29 km	5:20 /km	2:34:38
30 km	5:20 /km	2:39:58
31 km	5:20 /km	2:45:18
32 km	5:20 /km	2:50:38
33 km	5:20 /km	2:55:58
34 km	5:20 /km	3:01:18
35 km	5:20 /km	3:06:38
36 km	5:20 /km	3:11:58
37 km	5:20 /km	3:17:18
38 km	5:20 /km	3:22:38
39 km	5:20 /km	3:27:58
40 km	5:20 /km	3:33:18
41 km	5:20 /km	3:38:38
42 km	5:20 /km	3:43:58
42.20 km	5:20 /km	3:45:00

How it works

How do you calculate your marathon pace?

The calculator divides your goal time by the marathon distance and gives the average pace per kilometre. The split table shows when you should pass each checkpoint if you run evenly — handy for checking you are on course during the race.

Good to know

Running even pays off

Most personal bests over the marathon are run with an even or slightly negative split: the second half as fast or a touch faster than the first. Starting too fast is the classic mistake — the split table keeps you honest.

Tips

From goal time to training

A goal time is only realistic if your training backs it up. Check with the VDOT calculator whether your goal fits your current level, and use our personal plan to train towards it.

FAQ