Run Pace Sub-2 Half Marathon Pace
Required pace: 5:41 /km · 9:09 /mileFinish time 2:00:00
Breaking two hours is the half marathon goal more runners chase than any other. The pace is 5:41 per kilometre, which brings you past 10K in 56:53 with 11.1 km still to go.
Courses are measured on the shortest legal line, and most runners cover a little more. Aim for around 5:37 per kilometre on your watch so the extra distance does not cost you the goal.
| Checkpoint | Distance | Elapsed time |
|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5 km | 28:26 |
| 10K | 10 km | 56:53 |
| Finish | 21.1 km | 2:00:00 |
| Mile | Elapsed time |
|---|---|
| 1 mi | 9:09 |
| 2 mi | 18:18 |
| 3 mi | 27:28 |
| 4 mi | 36:37 |
| 5 mi | 45:46 |
| 6 mi | 54:55 |
| 7 mi | 1:04:05 |
| 8 mi | 1:13:14 |
| 9 mi | 1:22:23 |
| 10 mi | 1:31:32 |
| 11 mi | 1:40:41 |
| 12 mi | 1:49:51 |
| 13 mi | 1:59:00 |
| 13.1 mi | 2:00:00 |
| Race | Time | Pace (min/km) | Pace (min/mile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 26:05 | 5:13 | 8:24 |
| 10K | 54:23 | 5:26 | 8:45 |
| 10 Miles | 1:30:04 | 5:36 | 9:00 |
| Marathon | 4:10:12 | 5:56 | 9:33 |
Predicted with the Riegel formula (t2 = t1 × (d2/d1)^1.06). It is most reliable between similar distances.
Frequently asked questions
What pace is a sub-2 half marathon?
You need to average 5:41 per kilometre, about 9:09 per mile. That is the slowest even pace that still gets you under 2:00:00.
What 5K time do I need for a sub-2 half marathon?
By the Riegel formula, a 5K of about 26:05 matches a 2:00 half marathon. A 5K of 25 minutes or faster gives you a more comfortable margin.
How long does it take to train for a sub-2 half marathon?
Runners who can already finish a half in about 2:10 often need 10 to 12 weeks of steady training, with one tempo session and one long run of 16 to 19 km each week.