Pace, time and distance
Pace is the time it takes to cover one unit of distance, such as minutes per mile or per kilometer. Runners use it because it is easier to hold and to check on a watch than speed. Enter any two of time, distance and pace, and the calculator finds the third, plus your speed and finish times for common races at the same pace.
Example: running 10 km in 50 minutes is a pace of 5:00 per km or 8:03 per mile, 12 km/h. At that pace a half marathon takes 1:45:29.
Formulas
- Pace = time ÷ distance
- Time = pace × distance
- Distance = time ÷ pace
Using pace in training
Most training should feel easy, often 60 to 90 seconds per mile slower than race pace. Tempo runs sit near the pace you could hold for about an hour, and intervals are faster than race pace for short repeats. Hills, heat and wind all slow your pace at the same effort, so go by feel on those days.
Frequently asked questions
Is a race time at one distance a good guide for another?
Only roughly. You slow down as the distance grows, so a marathon pace is usually 15 to 30 seconds per mile slower than your 10K pace.
How do I turn pace into speed?
Divide 60 by the pace in minutes. A pace of 8:00 per mile is 60 ÷ 8 = 7.5 miles per hour.
Can I use it for walking, cycling or swimming?
Yes. The math is the same for any activity; choose the distance unit that fits.