Half Marathon Pace Chart

How to Use This Half Marathon Pace Chart

This table shows:

• Common Half Marathon target finish times
• The required pace per kilometre
• The equivalent pace per mile

To use it:

• Find your goal finish time
• Read across the row
• Use that pace as your guide for race day and training

Popular Half Marathon Time Goals (Quick Guide)

• Sub-1:30 → 4:16 min/km | 6:52 min/mile
• Sub-1:45 → 4:59 min/km | 8:01 min/mile
• Sub-2:00 → 5:41 min/km | 9:10 min/mile
• Sub-2:15 → 6:24 min/km | 10:19 min/mile

These are common goals for club races and mass-participation events.

What’s a Good Half Marathon Pace?

A “good” half marathon pace depends on your experience, training history and consistency.

As a broad guide:

• First-timers: 6:00–7:00 min/km
• Regular runners: 4:45–5:45 min/km
• Experienced runners: sub-4:30 min/km

Unlike a 5K or 10K, a half marathon pace should feel comfortably hard but sustainable from early on.

Half Marathon Pacing Strategy

The half marathon rewards patience and discipline.

A simple approach:

• KM 1–5: Settle into pace, stay relaxed
• KM 6–15: Hold steady, focus on efficiency
• KM 16–20: Increase effort gradually if possible
• Final KM: Give what’s left

Starting too fast is the most common reason runners fade late in a half marathon.

Using Half Marathon Pace in Training

Your half marathon pace is commonly used to guide:

• Long tempo runs
• Marathon-style progression runs
• Sustained threshold efforts

It’s a key pace for building endurance and confidence over longer distances.

Pace per KM vs Pace per Mile

Most UK races are measured in kilometres, but many runners still think in miles. This pace chart includes both so you can:

• Train confidently in either unit
• Follow race signage with ease
• Compare different training plans accurately

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I aim for even splits in a half marathon?

Yes. Even or slightly negative splits almost always lead to better results.

How much slower is half marathon pace than 10K pace?

For most runners, half marathon pace is around 15–30 seconds per km slower than 10K pace.

Is this pace chart suitable for beginners?

Absolutely. It’s especially helpful for first-time half marathon runners setting realistic goals.