Breaking 3:30 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 4:59/km (8:01/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
5:03/km (8:07/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
4:51/km (7:48/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
5:00/km (8:02/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
4:57/km (7:58/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
5:13/km (8:24/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
4:49/km (7:46/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 25:13 | 25:13 | 5:03/km |
| 10 km | 25:13 | 50:27 | 5:03/km |
| 15 km | 24:14 | 1:14:41 | 4:51/km |
| 20 km | 24:59 | 1:39:40 | 5:00/km |
| Half | 5:29 | 1:45:09 | 5:00/km |
| 25 km | 19:30 | 2:04:39 | 5:00/km |
| 30 km | 24:44 | 2:29:23 | 4:57/km |
| 35 km | 24:44 | 2:54:07 | 4:57/km |
| 40 km | 25:18 | 3:19:25 | 4:49/km |
| Finish | 10:35 | 3:30:00 | 4:49/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.