Breaking 4:00 at the Firenze Marathon
Even splits would be 5:41/km (9:09/mi). But Firenze 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
Cobblestone piazze in the opening km — exciting but technical underfoot
5:43/km (9:12/mi)
10–25 km
Flat riverside and park stretches — the best running on the course, hold pace here
5:39/km (9:05/mi)
25–35 km
Gradual undulations returning to centre — stay controlled as legs tire
5:41/km (9:09/mi)
35–42.2 km
Back on cobblestones toward the Duomo — footing care; the finish is worth every step
5:45/km (9:15/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 28:35 | 28:35 | 5:43/km |
| 10 km | 28:35 | 57:10 | 5:43/km |
| 15 km | 28:13 | 1:25:22 | 5:39/km |
| 20 km | 28:13 | 1:53:35 | 5:39/km |
| Half | 6:12 | 1:59:47 | 5:39/km |
| 25 km | 22:01 | 2:21:48 | 5:39/km |
| 30 km | 28:26 | 2:50:14 | 5:41/km |
| 35 km | 28:26 | 3:18:40 | 5:41/km |
| 40 km | 28:43 | 3:47:23 | 5:45/km |
| Finish | 12:37 | 4:00:00 | 5:45/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.