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 breaking the psychological Sub-2:00 hour barrier or pushing for a competitive Sub-1:30 finish, holding an even rhythm prevents early lactic acid accumulation.
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.