Breaking 4:30 at the Dublin Marathon
Even splits would be 6:24/km (10:18/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
6:29/km (10:26/mi)
10–15 km
Big descent — recover and find your rhythm
6:14/km (10:02/mi)
15–25 km
Second climb back to ~50 m — stay patient through the suburbs
6:25/km (10:20/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual descent toward Roebuck — save something for the hill ahead
6:22/km (10:14/mi)
35–38 km
Heartbreak Hill on Roebuck Road — the race's decisive moment, run by effort not pace
6:42/km (10:48/mi)
38–42.2 km
Fast drop into Merrion Square — open your stride and finish strong
6:12/km (9:59/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 32:26 | 32:26 | 6:29/km |
| 10 km | 32:26 | 1:04:52 | 6:29/km |
| 15 km | 31:10 | 1:36:02 | 6:14/km |
| 20 km | 32:07 | 2:08:09 | 6:25/km |
| Half | 7:03 | 2:15:12 | 6:25/km |
| 25 km | 25:04 | 2:40:16 | 6:25/km |
| 30 km | 31:48 | 3:12:04 | 6:22/km |
| 35 km | 31:48 | 3:43:52 | 6:22/km |
| 40 km | 32:32 | 4:16:23 | 6:12/km |
| Finish | 13:37 | 4:30:00 | 6:12/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.