Breaking 4:00 at the Chicago Marathon
Even splits would be 5:41/km (9:09/mi). But Chicago 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
0–5 km
GPS is unreliable in the Loop — use the clocks
5:44/km (9:13/mi)
5–35 km
5:41/km (9:08/mi)
35–42.2 km
Exposed and often sunny late; small rise at Roosevelt
5:43/km (9:12/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 28:38 | 28:38 | 5:44/km |
| 10 km | 28:23 | 57:00 | 5:41/km |
| 15 km | 28:23 | 1:25:23 | 5:41/km |
| 20 km | 28:23 | 1:53:45 | 5:41/km |
| Half | 6:14 | 1:59:59 | 5:41/km |
| 25 km | 22:09 | 2:22:08 | 5:41/km |
| 30 km | 28:23 | 2:50:30 | 5:41/km |
| 35 km | 28:23 | 3:18:53 | 5:41/km |
| 40 km | 28:34 | 3:47:27 | 5:43/km |
| Finish | 12:33 | 4:00:00 | 5:43/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.