Breaking 3:45 at the London Marathon
Even splits would be 5:20/km (8:35/mi). But London 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
0–5 km
Downhill start from Blackheath
5:15/km (8:27/mi)
5–35 km
5:20/km (8:35/mi)
35–42.2 km
Twisty stretch along the Embankment; crowds carry you home
5:23/km (8:39/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 26:16 | 26:16 | 5:15/km |
| 10 km | 26:40 | 52:57 | 5:20/km |
| 15 km | 26:40 | 1:19:37 | 5:20/km |
| 20 km | 26:40 | 1:46:18 | 5:20/km |
| Half | 5:51 | 1:52:09 | 5:20/km |
| 25 km | 20:49 | 2:12:58 | 5:20/km |
| 30 km | 26:40 | 2:39:38 | 5:20/km |
| 35 km | 26:40 | 3:06:19 | 5:20/km |
| 40 km | 26:53 | 3:33:12 | 5:23/km |
| Finish | 11:48 | 3:45:00 | 5:23/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.