Marathon Pace Chart

This marathon pace chart makes it easy to see exactly what steady rhythm you need to hit your target finish time. Instead of doing the math in your head, you can quickly look up your goal and see the clock times you should expect at every major milestone along the course.

By default, this is a running pace chart in km because that is how most races in Tokyo are marked. But if you prefer miles, you can switch units with one tap. You can also highlight your goal pace to keep your eyes on the prize and print a clean copy to review before the starting gun.

How your pace becomes your finish time

checkpoint time = pace per km × distance

Your split times are simply your running pace multiplied by the distance you have covered. If you settle into a 5:30 per kilometer rhythm, 10 kilometers will take you exactly 55:00. The full marathon distance of 42.195 km at that same pace brings you across the line in 3:52:04. This chart does all that calculation for you.

How to use this chart

If you already have a finish time in mind, scan the right side of the chart until you spot it. Then, look left to see the per-kilometer pace you need to maintain. If you are more comfortable training by pace, find your comfortable rhythm in the left column and read right to see what finish time that effort will earn you.

Typing your goal into the highlight box keeps your row marked as you scroll. This is especially helpful if you want to compare a few different scenarios, like your ambitious A goal and your realistic B goal.

Keep in mind that this chart assumes you will run the exact same pace from the start line to the finish line. In reality, you will probably fluctuate a little. If you want a more detailed plan that includes options like starting slow and speeding up later, check out our marathon pace calculator.

Pacing your Tokyo Marathon

If you are running the Tokyo Marathon, you have a fantastic opportunity to use an even pacing strategy. The course is famously flat, which means the steady splits you see on this chart are very achievable on race day.

The first six kilometers actually trend slightly downhill. It is incredibly common to feel great here and run faster than you planned. Try to resist that urge. Let the downhill make your goal pace feel effortless, rather than trying to bank extra time. Going out too fast almost always hurts your finish time.

Early March mornings in Tokyo are usually quite brisk, often around 6°C before the start. This is wonderful weather for a marathon, but make sure you dress warmly while waiting in your corral.

If you want to practice your goal pace with other runners before race day, our free weekly email lists group runs happening all over Tokyo. You can also browse our club directory to find a local community that trains at your exact speed.