Marathon Time Calculator

Enter your target marathon finish time to calculate pace per km/mile, average speed, and split times.

Pace = Total Time / Distance. For a marathon (42.195 km), pace per km = finish time in minutes / 42.195. Split times are calculated proportionally for each distance marker.
For a 3:30:00 marathon: Pace is 4:58/km or 8:00/mile. Key splits: Half marathon at 1:45:00, 30km at 2:30:00, 40km at 3:20:00. Average speed: 12.06 km/h or 7.49 mph.

What is a good marathon time?

A good marathon time varies by age and gender. For recreational runners, finishing under 4 hours is a common goal. Elite runners complete marathons in under 2:30, while world records are around 2:01-2:02 for men and 2:14-2:15 for women. The average marathon time is typically between 4:30-5:00.

How do I calculate my marathon pace?

To calculate marathon pace, divide your target finish time by the marathon distance (42.195 km or 26.2 miles). For example, if targeting a 4-hour marathon, divide 240 minutes by 42.195 km to get approximately 5:41 per kilometer, or divide by 26.2 miles to get approximately 9:09 per mile.

What pace do I need to run a sub-3 hour marathon?

To run a sub-3 hour marathon, you need to maintain approximately 4:16 per kilometer or 6:52 per mile. This requires running at about 14.1 km/h or 8.7 mph for the entire 42.195 km distance. This is an advanced goal that requires extensive training.

How important are split times in marathon running?

Split times are crucial for marathon pacing. They help you maintain consistent effort and avoid starting too fast, which can lead to "hitting the wall" later. Experienced marathoners often aim for negative splits (running the second half faster) or even pacing throughout the race.

What is the halfway point of a marathon?

The halfway point of a marathon is 21.0975 km or 13.1 miles (a half marathon distance). Many runners use this split to gauge their pacing strategy. However, due to fatigue, the second half typically takes longer than the first half for most runners.

How should I pace my first marathon?

For your first marathon, start conservatively and aim for even pacing or slightly negative splits. Run the first 30-35 km at a comfortable pace that feels easy, then gradually increase effort. Avoid the temptation to start too fast, as this often leads to significant slowdown in the final kilometers.

What factors affect marathon finish time?

Marathon finish time is affected by training volume, running experience, course terrain and elevation, weather conditions (temperature and wind), pacing strategy, nutrition and hydration, and overall fitness level. Proper training and race-day execution are the most controllable factors for achieving your goal time.