Breaking 3:05 at the Auckland Marathon
Even splits would be 4:23/km (7:03/mi). But Auckland Marathon isn't flat-even — the plan below redistributes the same finish time across the course the way experienced runners actually race it.
How to pace this course
0–15 km
North Shore to bridge approach — rolling through Devonport and Takapuna suburbs
4:24/km (7:05/mi)
15–18 km
Auckland Harbour Bridge — 45-metre climb to the iconic peak, run by effort
4:36/km (7:24/mi)
18–22 km
Descent into the city and Viaduct Harbour — recover and find your pace
4:18/km (6:55/mi)
22–35 km
Flat waterfront out-and-back to St Heliers Bay — settle in and hold splits
4:21/km (7:00/mi)
35–42.2 km
Return to Victoria Park — grind it out, the harbour views are the reward
4:23/km (7:03/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 22:01 | 22:01 | 4:24/km |
| 10 km | 22:01 | 44:01 | 4:24/km |
| 15 km | 22:01 | 1:06:02 | 4:24/km |
| 20 km | 22:23 | 1:28:25 | 4:18/km |
| Half | 4:43 | 1:33:07 | 4:18/km |
| 25 km | 16:55 | 1:50:02 | 4:21/km |
| 30 km | 21:44 | 2:11:45 | 4:21/km |
| 35 km | 21:44 | 2:33:29 | 4:21/km |
| 40 km | 21:54 | 2:55:23 | 4:23/km |
| Finish | 9:37 | 3:05:00 | 4:23/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.