Preparing for a 21.1 km race? Finding your ideal half marathon target pace is the key to executing a strong, fatigue-free finish.
Whether you’re targeting Sub-2:00 or Sub-1:30, a controlled opening rhythm can reduce the chance of spending too much effort in the first half.
Below is the complete half marathon pace and split reference chart for finish time targets from 1:15:00 to 2:30:00 in 5-minute increments.
Complete Half Marathon Pace & Split Reference Table#
This table details the average pace per kilometer (min/km), average pace per mile (min/mile), and cumulative split times at 5K, 10K, 15K, and 20K.
| Finish Goal | Target Pace (min/km) | Target Pace (min/mi) | 5K Split | 10K Split | 15K Split | 20K Split |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:15:00 Sub-1:15 | 3:33 /km | 5:43 /mi | 17:46 | 35:33 | 53:19 | 1:11:05 |
| 1:20:00 | 3:47 /km | 6:06 /mi | 18:57 | 37:55 | 56:52 | 1:15:50 |
| 1:25:00 | 4:02 /km | 6:29 /mi | 20:08 | 40:17 | 1:00:26 | 1:20:34 |
| 1:30:00 Sub-90 | 4:16 /km | 6:52 /mi | 21:20 | 42:40 | 1:04:00 | 1:25:20 |
| 1:35:00 | 4:30 /km | 7:15 /mi | 22:31 | 45:02 | 1:07:33 | 1:30:04 |
| 1:40:00 Sub-1:40 | 4:44 /km | 7:38 /mi | 23:42 | 47:24 | 1:11:06 | 1:34:48 |
| 1:45:00 Sub-1:45 | 4:58 /km | 8:01 /mi | 24:53 | 49:46 | 1:14:39 | 1:39:32 |
| 1:50:00 | 5:13 /km | 8:24 /mi | 26:04 | 52:08 | 1:18:12 | 1:44:16 |
| 1:55:00 | 5:27 /km | 8:47 /mi | 27:15 | 54:30 | 1:21:45 | 1:49:00 |
| 2:00:00 Sub-2:00 | 5:41 /km | 9:09 /mi | 28:26 | 56:53 | 1:25:19 | 1:53:45 |
| 2:05:00 | 5:55 /km | 9:32 /mi | 29:37 | 59:15 | 1:28:52 | 1:58:30 |
| 2:10:00 | 6:10 /km | 9:55 /mi | 30:49 | 1:01:37 | 1:32:26 | 2:03:14 |
| 2:15:00 | 6:24 /km | 10:18 /mi | 32:00 | 1:03:59 | 1:35:59 | 2:07:58 |
| 2:20:00 | 6:38 /km | 10:41 /mi | 33:10 | 1:06:21 | 1:39:32 | 2:12:43 |
| 2:30:00 Sub-2:30 | 7:06 /km | 11:27 /mi | 35:32 | 1:11:05 | 1:46:38 | 2:22:12 |
Breakdown of Key Half Marathon Targets#
🏃 Sub-1:30 Half Marathon Pace#
- Required Pace:
4:16 /km(6:52 /mi) - 10K Checkpoint:
42:40 - Key Focus: High threshold maintenance. Demands steady tempo runs at or slightly faster than 4:16/km to raise your anaerobic threshold.
🏃 Sub-1:45 Half Marathon Pace#
- Required Pace:
4:58 /km(8:01 /mi) - 10K Checkpoint:
49:46 - Key Focus: Consistent cadence & stride control. Maintaining a foot turnover of 170+ SPM keeps contact time low and conserves energy.
🏃 Sub-2:00 Half Marathon Pace#
- Required Pace:
5:41 /km(9:09 /mi) - 10K Checkpoint:
56:53 - Key Focus: Aerobic base & steady pacing. Avoid starting the first 5K faster than 28:00 to ensure you have energy reserve for the final 3 kilometers.
Frequently Asked Questions#
What pace do I need to run a sub-2 hour half marathon?#
To break the 2-hour half marathon barrier (1:59:59), you need an average pace of 5:41 per kilometer (or 9:09 per mile). Your 10K split must be 56:53 or faster.
How do I train to increase my half marathon pace?#
Focus on structured 80/20 training: log 80% of your weekly volume at easy Zone 2 effort, and dedicate 20% to Threshold (T) tempo runs and 1K intervals at your target race pace.
Track Your Half Marathon Progress with Apex Run#
Why guess your stamina on race day when your watch already holds the answer?
With Apex Run, your Apple Health workout history automatically reveals:
- Target Pace Recommendations: Calculated from your actual training VDOT and heart rate reserves.
- ACWR Fatigue Tracking: Ensure you don’t overtrain before race day.
- Free Core Analytics: Clean, private, and local-first analytics with a 14-day Pro trial for iPhone runners.