Breaking 3:05 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 4:23/km (7:03/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
4:27/km (7:09/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
4:16/km (6:52/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
4:24/km (7:05/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
4:21/km (7:01/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
4:36/km (7:24/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
4:15/km (6:50/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 22:13 | 22:13 | 4:27/km |
| 10 km | 22:13 | 44:27 | 4:27/km |
| 15 km | 21:21 | 1:05:48 | 4:16/km |
| 20 km | 22:00 | 1:27:48 | 4:24/km |
| Half | 4:50 | 1:32:38 | 4:24/km |
| 25 km | 17:11 | 1:49:49 | 4:24/km |
| 30 km | 21:47 | 2:11:36 | 4:21/km |
| 35 km | 21:47 | 2:33:23 | 4:21/km |
| 40 km | 22:17 | 2:55:40 | 4:15/km |
| Finish | 9:20 | 3:05:00 | 4:15/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.