Breaking 4:00 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 5:41/km (9:09/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
5:46/km (9:17/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
5:32/km (8:55/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
5:43/km (9:11/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
5:39/km (9:06/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
5:58/km (9:36/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
5:31/km (8:52/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 28:50 | 28:50 | 5:46/km |
| 10 km | 28:50 | 57:39 | 5:46/km |
| 15 km | 27:42 | 1:25:22 | 5:32/km |
| 20 km | 28:33 | 1:53:54 | 5:43/km |
| Half | 6:16 | 2:00:10 | 5:43/km |
| 25 km | 22:17 | 2:22:27 | 5:43/km |
| 30 km | 28:16 | 2:50:43 | 5:39/km |
| 35 km | 28:16 | 3:18:59 | 5:39/km |
| 40 km | 28:55 | 3:47:54 | 5:31/km |
| Finish | 12:06 | 4:00:00 | 5:31/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.