What is running pace?
Pace is how long it takes you to cover one kilometre (or mile). It is the number most runners use to plan training and races, because it stays the same whether you run 5 km or 42 km.
This calculator solves any one of pace, time or distance when you know the other two, and predicts your finish time for popular race distances.
How it is calculated
Speed is the reverse of pace: km/h = 3,600 ÷ seconds per kilometre. A mile is 1.609 km.
Worked example
5 km in 25 minutes
- Pace
- 5:00 per km
- Speed
- 12 km/h
- 10K at this pace
- 0:50:00
- Half marathon
- 1:45:29
Pacing tips
- Start races at or just slower than your goal pace; a fast start is the most common mistake.
- Run most training at an easy, conversational pace and only a few sessions a week fast.
- Race predictions assume you can hold the pace — longer distances usually need a slightly slower pace.

