Quick reference
Running Pace Chart
A pace chart maps your per-mile pace to projected finish times across standard race distances. Use the table below for quick planning, then open Pace Time when you need custom calculations, split math, or scenario comparisons.
What is a pace chart?
A pace chart is one of the oldest tools in running. It is a simple reference table: pick your pace per mile (or per kilometer) on one axis, pick a race distance on the other, and read the projected finish time at the intersection. Coaches tape them to clipboards, runners pin them to fridges, and race organizers print them on the back of bibs.
The chart below covers paces from 6:00 per mile through 13:00 per mile - a range that includes competitive club runners through first-time participants - across the four most common road-race distances.
Pace chart: pace per mile → projected finish time
| Pace / mile |
Pace / km |
5K |
10K |
Half Marathon |
Marathon |
| 6:00 |
3:44 |
18:38 |
37:17 |
1:18:39 |
2:37:19 |
| 6:30 |
4:02 |
20:11 |
40:23 |
1:25:12 |
2:50:23 |
| 7:00 |
4:21 |
21:44 |
43:29 |
1:31:44 |
3:03:28 |
| 7:30 |
4:40 |
23:18 |
46:35 |
1:38:17 |
3:16:33 |
| 8:00 |
4:58 |
24:51 |
49:42 |
1:44:50 |
3:29:38 |
| 8:30 |
5:17 |
26:24 |
52:48 |
1:51:22 |
3:42:43 |
| 9:00 |
5:35 |
27:57 |
55:54 |
1:57:55 |
3:55:48 |
| 9:30 |
5:54 |
29:30 |
59:00 |
2:04:27 |
4:08:53 |
| 10:00 |
6:13 |
31:03 |
1:02:06 |
2:11:00 |
4:21:58 |
| 10:30 |
6:31 |
32:36 |
1:05:12 |
2:17:32 |
4:35:03 |
| 11:00 |
6:50 |
34:10 |
1:08:19 |
2:24:05 |
4:48:08 |
| 11:30 |
7:09 |
35:43 |
1:11:25 |
2:30:37 |
5:01:13 |
| 12:00 |
7:27 |
37:16 |
1:14:31 |
2:37:09 |
5:14:18 |
| 12:30 |
7:46 |
38:49 |
1:17:37 |
2:43:42 |
5:27:23 |
| 13:00 |
8:05 |
40:22 |
1:20:43 |
2:50:14 |
5:40:28 |
Times assume even pacing over the full distance. 5K = 3.107 mi, 10K = 6.214 mi, Half marathon = 13.109 mi, Marathon = 26.219 mi.
How to use a pace chart
There are two ways to read the chart, depending on your starting point:
Starting from a goal time: Scan the column for your race distance and find the finish time closest to your target. Read left to see the pace per mile you would need to hold.
Starting from a training pace: Find your current comfortable pace in the left column and read across. The finish times show what that pace would produce if held for each race distance - useful for setting realistic expectations.
When a chart is not enough
A pace chart is static. It covers standard distances at round paces, and it assumes perfectly even effort. Real race planning usually involves questions the chart cannot answer:
- What if my pace is 8:17 per mile, not 8:00 or 8:30?
- What if I want to run the first half slower and the second half faster?
- What finish time does 5:42 per km produce over a 15K?
- How much time do I gain per mile if I speed up by 10 seconds?
That is where Pace Time picks up. The app handles arbitrary paces, custom distances, and time arithmetic - enter 8:17 × 26.2 or 1:45:00 ÷ 13.1 and get the answer immediately.
Pace per mile vs. pace per kilometer
The chart above shows both units. To convert between them, multiply or divide by 1.609:
Mile → km: 8:00 ÷ 1.609 = ~4:58 per km
Km → mile: 5:00 × 1.609 = ~8:03 per mile
Pace Time includes a convert function that handles this without manual math, so you can switch between units on the fly.
