🌍 Metric (km) 🇺🇸 Imperial (miles) 5K / 10K / Marathon
Running Pace Calculator
Convert between pace, speed, and race finish times. Running pace is expressed differently around the world — most countries use min/km; the US and UK also use min/mile. This calculator handles both.
Quick Answer
Pace (min/km) = 60 ÷ speed (km/h). A 5:00/km pace = 12 km/h = 7:27/mile. A 10-minute mile = 6:12/km. Marathon at 5:00/km pace = 3:30:59 finish. Most countries use km; US, UK, and some Commonwealth countries also use miles. Race distances (5K, 10K, marathon) are standardized worldwide.
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Running Units & Popular Races by Country
| Country | Pace Unit | Major Marathons |
|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | min/mile | New York, Boston, Chicago (World Marathon Majors) |
| 🇬🇧 UK | min/mile & min/km | London Marathon (World Major), Edinburgh, Manchester |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | min/km | Toronto Waterfront, Vancouver, Montreal |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | min/km | Sydney Marathon, Gold Coast, Melbourne |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | min/km | Berlin Marathon (World Major — fastest course), Frankfurt |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | min/km | Tokyo Marathon (World Major), Osaka, Fukuoka (historic) |
| 🌍 International / Athletics | min/km (official) | World Athletics: Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, London, Berlin, NYC |
Running Pace Reference Table
| Pace (min/km) | Pace (min/mile) | Speed (km/h) | 5K | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 | 6:26 | 15.0 | 20:00 | 2:48:30 |
| 4:30 | 7:14 | 13.3 | 22:30 | 3:09:37 |
| 5:00 | 8:03 | 12.0 | 25:00 | 3:30:44 |
| 5:30 | 8:51 | 10.9 | 27:30 | 3:51:52 |
| 6:00 | 9:39 | 10.0 | 30:00 | 4:12:59 |
| 6:30 | 10:28 | 9.2 | 32:30 | 4:34:06 |
| 7:00 | 11:16 | 8.6 | 35:00 | 4:55:14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What pace do I need to run a sub-4-hour marathon? ▾
To run a 4:00:00 marathon, you need to maintain a pace of 5:41 per km (9:09 per mile), or approximately 10.5 km/h (6.6 mph). The 4-hour marathon is a popular milestone for recreational runners worldwide. In the US, the average marathon finish time is about 4:32 for men and 4:55 for women (RunRepeat data, 2023).
Why does the US use miles while most of the world uses km? ▾
The US is one of only three countries (with Myanmar and Liberia) that has not officially adopted the metric system. Running pace in the US is traditionally expressed in minutes per mile. International races (Olympics, World Athletics events) and most global running apps support both. The 5K, 10K, and marathon distances are identical worldwide regardless of measurement system.