Running Pace Calculator
Enter your race distance and finish time to calculate pace per mile, pace per kilometer, and average speed.
Common Race Paces & Finish Times
| Race | 10:00/mi pace | 8:00/mi pace | 6:00/mi pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K (3.1 mi) | 31:00 | 24:50 | 18:38 |
| 10K (6.2 mi) | 1:02:00 | 49:38 | 37:13 |
| Half (13.1 mi) | 2:11:06 | 1:44:48 | 1:18:36 |
| Marathon (26.2 mi) | 4:22:12 | 3:29:36 | 2:37:12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is running pace?
Running pace is the time it takes to cover one unit of distance — typically minutes per mile (min/mi) or minutes per kilometer (min/km). It is the inverse of speed. A pace of 8:00/mile means you cover one mile in 8 minutes, equivalent to 7.5 mph or about 12.1 km/h.
What is a good running pace for beginners?
A comfortable beginner pace is typically 10:00–14:00 min/mile (6:12–8:41 min/km). The most important guideline for new runners is the 'talk test' — you should be able to hold a conversation at your easy pace. Rushing pace development is the most common cause of injury in new runners.
What pace do I need to qualify for Boston Marathon?
Boston Qualifying (BQ) standards vary by age and sex. For men 18–34: 3:00:00 (6:52/mile pace). For women 18–34: 3:30:00 (8:01/mile pace). Standards become more generous with age. Actual acceptance often requires running 2–6 minutes faster than the BQ standard due to the field size cap.
How do I use pace to plan a race?
Once you know your target finish time, divide the total time by the distance to get your required pace. For example, a 2-hour half marathon (13.1 miles) requires a 9:09/mile pace. Use this calculator to check pace requirements for any goal time. For training, most coaches recommend easy runs at 60–90 seconds per mile slower than race pace.