How to Calculate Marathon Pace
What is Marathon Pace?
A marathon pace calculator converts a target finish time for a 26.2-mile (42.195km) race into the required pace per mile or kilometre, and helps plan even or negative split strategies.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Target pace (per mile) = Target time / 26.2
- 2Target pace (per km) = Target time / 42.195
- 3Negative split strategy: run the second half slightly faster than the first
- 4Heart rate zones help ensure you start conservatively enough to finish strong
Worked Examples
Input
Target 4:00:00 finish
Result
9:09/mile · 5:41/km
240 mins ÷ 26.2 = 9.16 min/mile
Input
Target 3:00:00
Result
6:52/mile · 4:16/km
Sub-3 is elite amateur level
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