A pace chart is arithmetic, not a readiness test
Half-marathon average pace is finish time divided by 21.0975 kilometres or 13.1094 miles. The chart below is useful for conversion, but the exact average should not become an opening-5K command when weather, hills or congestion change the cost.
Worked example: a two-hour goal
Two hours is 120 minutes. Dividing by 21.0975 gives about 5:41 per kilometre; dividing by 13.1094 gives about 9:09 per mile. A sensible execution range might start a few seconds slower, settle by effort through the middle and reserve the final decision for the last 5K.
Use the running pace calculator for exact conversions. Create A, B and C ranges before race morning. Adjust by effort on hills or into wind, and do not chase a lost split with an abrupt surge.
Turn average pace into checkpoints
Write expected elapsed-time ranges for 5K, 10K, 15K and 20K, then add the known course features. The purpose is to detect a large pacing error without staring at every kilometre. A crowded first kilometre that is ten seconds slow does not need an immediate repayment. A sustained early split that is faster than the trained range deserves restraint.
For rolling courses, keep the target effort stable and allow pace to move. For warm or windy conditions, revise the finish-time range before the start instead of pretending the original arithmetic controls the day. Review the race's aid layout and use only fuel and fluid practices already tested in training.
Half marathon pace chart (common finish times)
Use the chart the smart way
- The half rewards pacing discipline.
- Train by effort on easy days.
- Use workouts to validate goal pace.
Tools:
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