Breaking 3:45 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 5:20/km (8:35/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
5:24/km (8:42/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
5:12/km (8:22/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
5:21/km (8:37/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
5:18/km (8:32/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
5:35/km (9:00/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
5:10/km (8:19/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 27:02 | 27:02 | 5:24/km |
| 10 km | 27:02 | 54:03 | 5:24/km |
| 15 km | 25:58 | 1:20:02 | 5:12/km |
| 20 km | 26:46 | 1:46:47 | 5:21/km |
| Half | 5:52 | 1:52:40 | 5:21/km |
| 25 km | 20:53 | 2:13:33 | 5:21/km |
| 30 km | 26:30 | 2:40:03 | 5:18/km |
| 35 km | 26:30 | 3:06:33 | 5:18/km |
| 40 km | 27:06 | 3:33:39 | 5:10/km |
| Finish | 11:21 | 3:45:00 | 5:10/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.