Find your per-mile pace for any marathon finish time. This complete marathon pace chart covers every finish time from 3:00 to 6:00, with mile-by-mile splits for the most popular goal times.
Medical disclaimer: The training information in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider or sports medicine professional before beginning any new training program, particularly if you have a pre-existing health condition, injury history, or have been inactive for an extended period.
Whether you are chasing a Boston qualifier, running your first marathon, or just trying to figure out what pace you need to hold for 26.2 miles, this marathon pace chart has every answer. Below you will find every major finish time from 3:00 to 6:00 mapped to the per-mile and per-kilometer pace you need to maintain, plus mile-by-mile split tables for the most popular goal times.
How Long Is a Marathon?
A marathon is exactly 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers). The most common marathon finish time for recreational runners in the United States is approximately 4:20–4:40. A "good" marathon time depends entirely on your experience level and training background. Elite athletes finish in under 2:10. Competitive age-groupers target sub-3:30. Most first-timers are happy to finish under 5:00 or even 6:00.
Marathon Pace Chart
All paces assume even splits across all 26.2 miles. Find your target finish time in the left column to see the exact per-mile and per-km pace you need to hold.
| Finish Time | Per Mile Pace | Per KM Pace |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 6:52/mi | 4:16/km |
| 3:05:00 | 7:04/mi | 4:23/km |
| 3:10:00 | 7:15/mi | 4:30/km |
| 3:15:00 | 7:27/mi | 4:37/km |
| 3:20:00 | 7:38/mi | 4:45/km |
| 3:25:00 | 7:50/mi | 4:52/km |
| 3:30:00 | 8:01/mi | 4:59/km |
| 3:35:00 | 8:13/mi | 5:06/km |
| 3:40:00 | 8:24/mi | 5:13/km |
| 3:45:00 | 8:35/mi | 5:20/km |
| 3:50:00 | 8:47/mi | 5:28/km |
| 3:55:00 | 8:58/mi | 5:35/km |
| 4:00:00 | 9:09/mi | 5:41/km |
| 4:05:00 | 9:21/mi | 5:48/km |
| 4:10:00 | 9:32/mi | 5:55/km |
| 4:15:00 | 9:44/mi | 6:03/km |
| 4:20:00 | 9:55/mi | 6:10/km |
| 4:25:00 | 10:07/mi | 6:17/km |
| 4:30:00 | 10:18/mi | 6:24/km |
| 4:35:00 | 10:30/mi | 6:31/km |
| 4:40:00 | 10:41/mi | 6:38/km |
| 4:45:00 | 10:52/mi | 6:45/km |
| 4:50:00 | 11:04/mi | 6:53/km |
| 4:55:00 | 11:15/mi | 7:00/km |
| 5:00:00 | 11:27/mi | 7:07/km |
| 5:05:00 | 11:38/mi | 7:14/km |
| 5:10:00 | 11:50/mi | 7:21/km |
| 5:15:00 | 12:01/mi | 7:28/km |
| 5:20:00 | 12:13/mi | 7:35/km |
| 5:25:00 | 12:24/mi | 7:42/km |
| 5:30:00 | 12:35/mi | 7:49/km |
| 5:35:00 | 12:47/mi | 7:57/km |
| 5:40:00 | 12:58/mi | 8:04/km |
| 5:45:00 | 13:10/mi | 8:11/km |
| 5:50:00 | 13:21/mi | 8:18/km |
| 5:55:00 | 13:32/mi | 8:25/km |
| 6:00:00 | 13:44/mi | 8:32/km |
Sub-4 Hour Marathon Pace
Running a marathon under 4 hours requires a pace of 9:09 per mile (5:41 per km) for all 26.2 miles. The sub-4 marathon is one of the most popular goals among recreational runners — roughly the equivalent of the sub-2:00 half marathon standard. Achieving it requires weekly training mileage of 40–50 miles and the ability to complete a long run of 20–22 miles. On race day, the key is starting slightly conservatively (9:15 per mile for the first 10 miles) and banking your negative split energy for miles 18–26.
3:30 Marathon Pace
A 3:30 marathon requires 8:01 per mile (4:59 per km). This is a competitive qualifying standard that puts you well into the top 20% of most marathon fields. Runners targeting 3:30 typically have a half marathon PR under 1:43 and train 50+ miles per week. A Boston Qualifier for most age groups falls near or below 3:30.
4:30 Marathon Pace
A 4:30 marathon requires 10:18 per mile (6:24 per km). This is an excellent goal for runners in their second or third marathon. At this pace, you are running strong and consistent for the full 26.2 miles — a meaningful achievement at any experience level. Runners targeting 4:30 should have a half marathon time under 2:05 and be comfortable with 16–18 mile long runs.
5:00 Marathon Pace
A 5-hour marathon requires 11:27 per mile (7:07 per km). This is a solid goal for newer marathon runners and run-walkers who want to complete the distance and enjoy the experience. A run/walk strategy — running for 4 minutes and walking for 1 minute, for example — can get most runners to the finish well under 5:00 as long as training is consistent.
Marathon Mile Split Chart
Use these cumulative split times to track your progress at each mile marker on race day. Even splits mean each mile is exactly the same as the one before it.
| Mile | 3:30 Goal | 4:00 Goal | 4:30 Goal | 5:00 Goal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:01 | 9:09 | 10:18 | 11:27 |
| 5 | 40:05 | 45:45 | 51:30 | 57:15 |
| 10 | 1:20:10 | 1:31:30 | 1:43:00 | 1:54:30 |
| 13.1 (half) | 1:45:00 | 2:00:00 | 2:15:00 | 2:30:00 |
| 16 | 2:08:16 | 2:26:24 | 2:44:48 | 3:03:12 |
| 18 | 2:24:18 | 2:44:42 | 3:05:24 | 3:26:06 |
| 20 | 2:40:20 | 3:03:00 | 3:26:00 | 3:49:00 |
| 22 | 2:56:22 | 3:21:18 | 3:46:36 | 4:11:54 |
| 24 | 3:12:24 | 3:39:36 | 4:07:12 | 4:34:48 |
| 26 | 3:28:26 | 3:57:54 | 4:27:48 | 4:57:42 |
| 26.2 (finish) | 3:30:00 | 4:00:00 | 4:30:00 | 5:00:00 |
Marathon Pace by Minute-Per-Mile
If you think in terms of per-mile pace rather than finish time, here is how your pace translates to a marathon finish:
| Per Mile Pace | Marathon Finish Time |
|---|---|
| 7:00/mi | 3:03:22 |
| 7:30/mi | 3:16:22 |
| 8:00/mi | 3:29:21 |
| 8:30/mi | 3:42:20 |
| 9:00/mi | 3:55:20 |
| 9:30/mi | 4:08:19 |
| 10:00/mi | 4:21:19 |
| 10:30/mi | 4:34:18 |
| 11:00/mi | 4:47:17 |
| 11:30/mi | 5:00:17 |
| 12:00/mi | 5:13:16 |
| 12:30/mi | 5:26:15 |
| 13:00/mi | 5:39:15 |
| 13:30/mi | 5:52:14 |
| 14:00/mi | 6:05:13 |
Florida Marathons to Target
Florida's marathon calendar runs from October through March, when temperatures are manageable and the flat terrain makes for fast times. Browse upcoming Florida marathons on Run Florida Run to find your next race. Central Florida runners should look at the Publix Orlando Marathon in December — a flat, well-organized race through the streets of Orlando. For Jacksonville-area runners, the Jacksonville area marathon calendar includes several strong options each winter season.
Before your race, use our half marathon pace chart to set your halfway split goal, and check our beginner marathon training plan if you are preparing for your first 26.2.