Breaking 2:55 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 4:09/km (6:40/mi). But Dublin 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
0–10 km
Significant early climb to 59 m — start conservative or pay for it at km 35
4:12/km (6:46/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
4:02/km (6:30/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
4:10/km (6:42/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
4:07/km (6:38/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
4:21/km (7:00/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
4:01/km (6:28/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 21:01 | 21:01 | 4:12/km |
| 10 km | 21:01 | 42:02 | 4:12/km |
| 15 km | 20:12 | 1:02:15 | 4:02/km |
| 20 km | 20:49 | 1:23:03 | 4:10/km |
| Half | 4:34 | 1:27:38 | 4:10/km |
| 25 km | 16:15 | 1:43:52 | 4:10/km |
| 30 km | 20:37 | 2:04:29 | 4:07/km |
| 35 km | 20:37 | 2:25:06 | 4:07/km |
| 40 km | 21:05 | 2:46:11 | 4:01/km |
| Finish | 8:49 | 2:55:00 | 4:01/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.