Last updated: May 2026
Calculate running or cycling pace, speed, finish time, and splits. Enter any two values to compute the rest.
Calculate Your Pace
Calculate Your Speed
Calculate Finish Time
Common Race Finish Times by Pace
| Pace (min/mi) | 5K | 10K | Half Marathon | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 /mi | 18:38 | 37:17 | 1:18:35 | 2:37:11 |
| 7:00 /mi | 21:45 | 43:30 | 1:31:33 | 3:03:05 |
| 8:00 /mi | 24:51 | 49:42 | 1:44:30 | 3:29:01 |
| 9:00 /mi | 27:57 | 55:55 | 1:57:28 | 3:54:57 |
| 10:00 /mi | 31:04 | 1:02:08 | 2:11:26 | 4:22:53 |
| 12:00 /mi | 37:17 | 1:14:33 | 2:37:22 | 5:14:44 |
Pace: Total time (in minutes) ÷ Distance = Pace in min/mile (or min/km). Convert between units: min/km = min/mi ÷ 1.60934.
Speed: Distance ÷ Time (in hours) = Speed in mph or kph. Speed (mph) × 1.60934 = Speed (kph).
Finish time: Pace × Distance = Total time. For example, 9:00/mi × 26.2 miles = 235.8 minutes = 3:55:48.
Splits: Each mile (or 5K checkpoint) takes the same time as your pace. Cumulative time is the running total.
Pace calculations assume constant effort throughout the race. Real-world performance varies due to terrain, weather, fatigue, and race-day conditions.
Pace is one of the most important metrics in running — it tells you how long it takes to cover one mile (or one kilometer) and determines whether you'll hit your goal finish time on race day. Unlike speed, which expresses distance per unit of time (e.g., mph), pace expresses time per unit of distance (e.g., min/mile). Most runners and race clocks use pace rather than speed because it directly maps to a race course: if you need to run a 2-hour half marathon, you simply divide 120 minutes by 13.1 miles to get your required pace of 9:09/mile.
Training at the right pace is equally important. Running every workout too fast leads to overtraining and injury; running too slowly fails to build the aerobic base needed to race faster. Most modern training plans prescribe 80% of weekly mileage at easy conversational pace (roughly 60–75% of max heart rate) and only 20% at tempo or interval intensity — a ratio backed by extensive sports science research.
| Race | Distance | Finish at 10:00/mi | Finish at 8:00/mi | Finish at 6:00/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Mile | 1 mi | 10:00 | 8:00 | 6:00 |
| 5K | 3.1 mi | 31:00 | 24:48 | 18:36 |
| 10K | 6.2 mi | 1:02:00 | 49:36 | 37:12 |
| Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | 2:11:00 | 1:44:48 | 1:18:36 |
| Marathon | 26.2 mi | 4:22:00 | 3:29:36 | 2:37:12 |
What is a good running pace?
It depends entirely on your age, fitness level, and goal distance. For a recreational runner, completing a 5K at 10:00–12:00/mile is a solid starting point. An average recreational marathon finisher runs around 10:00–11:00/mile. Elite runners cover marathons at under 5:00/mile. A "good" pace is one that challenges you while remaining sustainable for the full distance.
What is the difference between pace and speed?
Pace measures how much time it takes to cover one unit of distance (e.g., 9:00 per mile). Speed measures how much distance you cover in one unit of time (e.g., 6.7 mph). They are reciprocals of each other: speed (mph) = 60 ÷ pace (min/mile). Most runners use pace; cyclists and triathletes more commonly use speed.
How can I improve my running pace?
The most effective strategies include interval training (short fast repeats with rest), tempo runs (sustained effort at a comfortably hard pace), and simply increasing weekly mileage to build aerobic base. Consistency over months matters more than any single workout. Most runners improve 30–60 seconds per mile in their first year of structured training.
What pace do I need for a 2-hour half marathon?
To finish a half marathon in exactly 2:00:00, you need to maintain a pace of 9:09 per mile (5:41 per km). To build in a small buffer for aid stations or hills, most runners target 9:00/mile in training. This requires a comfortable 10K race pace of around 8:30/mile or faster.
What are negative splits?
Negative splits means running the second half of a race faster than the first half. It is widely considered the optimal race strategy because it prevents going out too fast and hitting the wall late in the race. Most course records and personal bests are set with negative or even splits. Achieving negative splits requires disciplined early pacing — starting slightly slower than goal pace feels uncomfortable but pays dividends in the final miles.