Breaking 3:05 at the Los Angeles Marathon
Even splits would be 4:23/km (7:03/mi). But Los Angeles 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
0–7 km
Opening descent from Dodger Stadium then Hollywood Hills climb (6.75% grade at km 7) — don't overcook the downhill
4:25/km (7:06/mi)
7–20 km
Sunset Strip and Beverly Hills rolling hills — run by effort not GPS pace
4:23/km (7:04/mi)
20–27 km
Big Sepulveda descent to the course low point at km 25 — recover here but watch the quads
4:18/km (6:56/mi)
27–35 km
Rolling climbs through Brentwood — legs are tired; this is where races fall apart
4:26/km (7:08/mi)
35–42.2 km
Final stretch to Century City — grind it out; the slight uphill finish is the last sting
4:22/km (7:02/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 22:04 | 22:04 | 4:25/km |
| 10 km | 22:00 | 44:04 | 4:23/km |
| 15 km | 21:57 | 1:06:01 | 4:23/km |
| 20 km | 21:57 | 1:27:58 | 4:23/km |
| Half | 4:43 | 1:32:41 | 4:18/km |
| 25 km | 16:48 | 1:49:29 | 4:18/km |
| 30 km | 21:55 | 2:11:24 | 4:26/km |
| 35 km | 22:10 | 2:33:34 | 4:26/km |
| 40 km | 21:51 | 2:55:25 | 4:22/km |
| Finish | 9:35 | 3:05:00 | 4:22/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.