Running Pace Calculator
Calculate running pace, finish time, or distance from any two of the three — with race-time projections for 5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon.
That's a pace of 3:06/km (5:00/mi) at an average speed of 19.31 km/h (12.00 mph).
Race times at this pace
Results update as you type. Race projections assume even pace — real race times typically slow slightly over longer distances due to fatigue and hills.
Formula
Three identities: pace = time / distance,
time = pace × distance, and
distance = time / pace. The race
projections multiply your pace per kilometre by the four standard distances (5 km, 10 km,
21.0975 km, 42.195 km).
Related calculators
Frequently asked questions
What's a typical running pace?▾
Wide range. New runners often start around 12:00–14:00 per mile (~7:30–8:45 per km). Recreational runners settle around 9:00–11:00/mi (~5:35–6:50/km). Sub-3-hour marathoners run ~6:50/mi (~4:15/km). Elite men's marathon record is ~4:35/mi (2:50/km). Compare yourself to your own past times rather than averages — pace is profoundly individual.
What's the math?▾
Pace = time ÷ distance. 5 miles in 50 minutes = 10 min/mile. Time = pace × distance. Distance = time ÷ pace. The calculator above does whichever direction you need based on which two fields you fill in.
How do I project a marathon time from a 5K?▾
Several formulas exist; the simplest is the Riegel formula: T2 = T1 × (D2 / D1)^1.06. So a 22-minute 5K projects to a 22 × (26.2/3.1)^1.06 ≈ 3h26 marathon — under perfect conditions. Real marathons usually run ~5–10% slower than the formula because endurance fades faster than the exponent assumes. This calculator just multiplies pace by distance, which assumes even effort throughout.
Pace per km vs pace per mile?▾
American races and treadmills usually report pace per mile; international races and most fitness apps default to per kilometer. The result above shows both. Conversion: minutes per mile × 0.6214 = minutes per km. 8:00/mi = 4:58/km, 10:00/mi = 6:13/km, 12:00/mi = 7:27/km.
Why don't real-world race times match this calculator?▾
Three reasons. First, pace fade: most runners slow over the second half. Second, course terrain — hills, wind, aid stations cost time. Third, race-day variables (heat, humidity, GI distress, crowded starts). The calculator is pure arithmetic — useful for setting target paces, but real finish times are typically 2–5% slower for 10K and below, 5–10% slower for half/full marathon.
Should I train at race pace?▾
Mostly no. Established training plans (Daniels, Pfitzinger, Hansons, Hal Higdon) prescribe most runs at much slower paces than goal race pace, with smaller doses of tempo, interval, and at-pace work. Spending all training at race pace plateaus and injures you. Pace targets are useful for race day planning, not weekly training.