Breaking 3:45 at the Auckland Marathon
Even splits would be 5:20/km (8:35/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
5:21/km (8:37/mi)
15–18 km
Auckland Harbour Bridge — 45-metre climb to the iconic peak, run by effort
5:36/km (9:00/mi)
18–22 km
Descent into the city and Viaduct Harbour — recover and find your pace
5:13/km (8:24/mi)
22–35 km
Flat waterfront out-and-back to St Heliers Bay — settle in and hold splits
5:17/km (8:30/mi)
35–42.2 km
Return to Victoria Park — grind it out, the harbour views are the reward
5:20/km (8:34/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 26:46 | 26:46 | 5:21/km |
| 10 km | 26:46 | 53:32 | 5:21/km |
| 15 km | 26:46 | 1:20:18 | 5:21/km |
| 20 km | 27:13 | 1:47:32 | 5:13/km |
| Half | 5:44 | 1:53:15 | 5:13/km |
| 25 km | 20:34 | 2:13:49 | 5:17/km |
| 30 km | 26:25 | 2:40:15 | 5:17/km |
| 35 km | 26:25 | 3:06:40 | 5:17/km |
| 40 km | 26:38 | 3:33:18 | 5:20/km |
| Finish | 11:42 | 3:45:00 | 5:20/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.