Find your required pace per mile and per km for any half marathon goal time, from 1:30 to 3:00 hours.
Enter your half marathon goal to calculate your pace.
Same goal pace, three common formats:
⭐ = common milestone | Distance: 21.098 km / 13.109 miles
A half marathon is 21.0975 km (13.1094 miles) — exactly half the full marathon distance. This calculator tells you the per-mile and per-km pace you need to maintain from start to finish to hit any goal time between 1:30 and 3:00. It also shows your required speed in mph and km/h.
The half marathon is the fastest-growing race distance in the world. It rewards endurance training without the brutal recovery demands of a full marathon. Most runners train 8–16 weeks for a half, peaking at 35–50 miles/week (56–80 km/week). The race itself typically takes 1:45–2:30 for solid recreational runners.
Pacing strategy: Run the first 5K at goal pace or 5–10 sec/mile slower. Settle into your target pace from km 5–15. If you feel strong at km 15, you can slightly accelerate through the finish. Resist the temptation to go out fast — most failed half marathons are lost in km 1–3.
The average half marathon time is around 2:05–2:15 for recreational runners. A sub-2:00 finish is a common goal that requires a 9:09/mile or 5:41/km pace — achievable with 3–4 months of consistent training. Sub-1:45 is competitive, and sub-1:30 is elite for age-group runners.
The best strategy is to run even or slightly negative splits. Start at your goal pace and resist going out too fast in the first 5K — most runners fade badly if they start even 10 seconds per mile too fast. Check your pace every km in the first half and adjust accordingly.
Multiply your 5K time by 4.67 to estimate your half marathon time. For example, a 25-minute 5K suggests a half marathon around 1:57. This assumes adequate long-run training (your longest run should reach 16–18 km before race day).
For most runners finishing in under 2 hours, water at aid stations is sufficient. If your goal time is over 1:45, taking a gel or chew at around the 10K mark can help maintain energy. Practice your fueling strategy in long runs before race day.
In 2026, it's crucial to factor in weather conditions when planning your half marathon pace. High temperatures or humidity can significantly impact your performance. If you're running in warmer weather, adjust your pace by 10-20 seconds per mile slower than optimal. Stay hydrated and consider training in similar conditions to acclimate your body. Conversely, cooler temperatures can allow for faster paces, but be cautious of wind chill. Always check the forecast leading up to race day for the best pacing strategy.