🏃 Running Pace Calculator

Q: How do I calculate my running pace?

Pace is your time divided by distance — typically expressed as minutes per kilometre or minutes per mile. For example, a 25-minute 5K is 5:00/km (25 ÷ 5). Enter any two of the three values (distance, time, pace) and this calculator solves for the third.

Q: What is a good 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon pace?

Average finish times for recreational runners (all ages): 5K — 28–32 min (5:36–6:24/km); 10K — 55–65 min; half-marathon — 1:55–2:15 (5:25–6:25/km); marathon — 4:00–4:30 (5:42–6:24/km). Elite runners run marathons under 2:10 (3:05/km).

Q: How do I convert minutes per km to minutes per mile?

Multiply your min/km pace by 1.609 to get min/mile. So 5:00/km becomes ~8:03/mile. To go from min/mile to min/km, divide by 1.609. This calculator shows both automatically.

Q: What's the difference between pace and speed?

Pace measures time per distance (min/km) — lower is faster. Speed measures distance per time (km/h) — higher is faster. 5:00/km equals 12.0 km/h. Most runners think in pace; cyclists and treadmills typically show speed.

Q: What pace do I need for a sub-2-hour half marathon?

A sub-2:00 half marathon requires holding 5:41 per kilometre (9:09 per mile) or faster across the full 21.1 km. Aim for around 5:35/km in training so you build a safety margin for race-day fatigue and hills.

Q: How should I pace a marathon?

Most runners perform best with even or slightly negative splits — running the second half at the same pace or marginally faster than the first. Avoid going out faster than goal pace; time banked early is almost always lost later once fatigue sets in.

Calculate your pace, finish time or distance for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, marathon and custom runs. Min/km, min/mile and km/h all supported.

Race / distance

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

🏃 Tip: Race-day pace usually slows slightly with distance — projections assume even pacing. Use them as a target, not a guarantee.

Understanding Running Pace

Pace is the time it takes to cover one kilometre or one mile, written as m:ss. A pace of 5:00/km means each kilometre takes five minutes. Lower numbers = faster. Pace is the most useful pacing metric for runners because it scales naturally with race distance — if you can hold 5:00/km for a 10K, your half-marathon pace will be roughly 5:10–5:20/km.

Recreational Runner Benchmarks (2024 RunRepeat global data)

5K: 30 min average — pace 6:00/km (9:39/mile)
10K: 56 min average — pace 5:36/km (9:00/mile)
Half marathon: 2:02 average — pace 5:47/km (9:18/mile)
Marathon: 4:20 average — pace 6:10/km (9:55/mile)

How to Improve Your Pace

Tempo runs: 20–40 min at "comfortably hard" — improves lactate threshold
Interval training: short bursts at 5K pace with recovery jogs
Long slow runs: build aerobic endurance, run 25–30% slower than race pace
Strength training: 2× per week prevents injury and improves economy
Consistency beats intensity: 4–5 runs per week for 8+ weeks typically drops 5K time by 1–2 min

Pace vs Speed Conversion

4:00/km = 15.0 km/h
5:00/km = 12.0 km/h
6:00/km = 10.0 km/h
7:00/km = 8.6 km/h

Common Race Pace Chart

Find your target pace for popular distances, or see what finish time a given pace produces. Times assume even pacing throughout.

Pace (min/km)	5K	10K	Half Marathon	Marathon
4:30/km	22:30	45:00	1:34:56	3:09:53
5:00/km	25:00	50:00	1:45:29	3:30:59
5:30/km	27:30	55:00	1:56:02	3:52:04
6:00/km	30:00	1:00:00	2:06:35	4:13:10
6:30/km	32:30	1:05:00	2:17:08	4:34:16
7:00/km	35:00	1:10:00	2:27:41	4:55:22

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my running pace? Pace is your time divided by distance — usually shown as minutes per kilometre or per mile. A 25-minute 5K is 5:00/km (25 ÷ 5). Enter any two of distance, time and pace and the calculator solves for the third.

What is a good 5K, 10K, half-marathon and marathon pace? For recreational runners: 5K around 30 min (6:00/km), 10K around 56 min (5:36/km), half-marathon around 2:02 (5:47/km) and marathon around 4:20 (6:10/km). Elite marathoners run under 2:10 (about 3:05/km).

How do I convert minutes per km to minutes per mile? Multiply your min/km pace by 1.609 to get min/mile, so 5:00/km is about 8:03/mile. Divide by 1.609 to go the other way. The calculator shows both automatically.

What's the difference between pace and speed? Pace is time per distance (min/km) — lower is faster. Speed is distance per time (km/h) — higher is faster. 5:00/km equals 12.0 km/h.

What pace do I need for a sub-2-hour half marathon? You need to hold 5:41/km (9:09/mile) or faster across the full 21.1 km. Train at around 5:35/km to build a safety margin for fatigue and hills.

How should I pace a marathon? Aim for even or slightly negative splits — the second half at the same pace or marginally faster. Going out faster than goal pace almost always backfires once fatigue sets in.

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Important Note: Training plans should be tailored to your fitness level and health. Consult a coach or qualified medical professional before starting a new training regimen, especially if you have heart or joint conditions.

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