Breaking 3:00 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 4:16/km (6:52/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
4:19/km (6:58/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
4:09/km (6:41/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
4:17/km (6:53/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
4:14/km (6:49/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
4:28/km (7:12/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
4:08/km (6:39/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 21:37 | 21:37 | 4:19/km |
| 10 km | 21:37 | 43:15 | 4:19/km |
| 15 km | 20:47 | 1:04:01 | 4:09/km |
| 20 km | 21:25 | 1:25:26 | 4:17/km |
| Half | 4:42 | 1:30:08 | 4:17/km |
| 25 km | 16:43 | 1:46:50 | 4:17/km |
| 30 km | 21:12 | 2:08:02 | 4:14/km |
| 35 km | 21:12 | 2:29:14 | 4:14/km |
| 40 km | 21:41 | 2:50:55 | 4:08/km |
| Finish | 9:05 | 3:00:00 | 4:08/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.