Updated June 17, 2026
To hit a goal marathon or half-marathon time, divide the finish time in minutes by the race distance. A 4:00 marathon (240 minutes) over 26.2 miles requires a 9:09 per mile pace. A 2:00 half marathon (120 minutes) over 13.1 miles requires a 9:09 per mile pace as well. Use the tables below to find your target split instantly.
Half-marathon pace chart
| Goal finish time | Required pace (min/mi) | Required pace (min/km) |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30:00 | 6:51/mi | 4:15/km |
| 1:45:00 | 7:59/mi | 4:58/km |
| 2:00:00 | 9:09/mi | 5:41/km |
| 2:15:00 | 10:18/mi | 6:24/km |
| 2:30:00 | 11:27/mi | 7:07/km |
| 3:00:00 | 13:44/mi | 8:32/km |
Marathon pace chart
| Goal finish time | Required pace (min/mi) | Required pace (min/km) |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 6:52/mi | 4:16/km |
| 3:30:00 | 8:01/mi | 4:59/km |
| 4:00:00 | 9:09/mi | 5:41/km |
| 4:30:00 | 10:18/mi | 6:24/km |
| 5:00:00 | 11:27/mi | 7:07/km |
| 5:30:00 | 12:35/mi | 7:49/km |
| 6:00:00 | 13:44/mi | 8:32/km |
How to use a pace chart in training
Find your goal time in the chart and memorize the per-mile split. On long training runs, aim for that pace or 30 to 60 seconds slower to build endurance without burning out. On tempo runs, train at or slightly faster than goal pace to get comfortable holding it under fatigue. Most coaches recommend saving 5 to 10 percent of your effort for the second half of any race, so starting a fraction slower than goal pace is better than starting too fast.
Negative splits: the smartest race strategy
A negative split means running the second half faster than the first. Nearly every world marathon record has been set with even or negative splits. Start 5 to 10 seconds per mile slower than goal pace for the first third, settle into pace through the middle, then run the final miles on feel. Most runners improve their finish time by resisting the adrenaline-fueled urge to go out hard.
How much does pace change between half and full marathon?
Most recreational runners can sustain a half-marathon pace that is roughly 20 to 30 seconds per mile faster than their marathon pace. If your comfortable marathon pace is 10:00/mile, expect your best half-marathon pace to be around 9:30 to 9:45. Use the pace calculator to dial in your splits for any goal time.