Breaking 3:05 at the Philadelphia Marathon
Even splits would be 4:23/km (7:03/mi). But Philadelphia 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
Flat Kelly Drive along the Schuylkill — settle in beside the river, watch for headwinds
4:22/km (7:02/mi)
10–22 km
Climbing into Fairmount Park — gradual but cumulative, keep something in reserve
4:23/km (7:04/mi)
22–32 km
Manayunk section — the race's hardest stretch; hilly and exposed, run by effort
4:27/km (7:10/mi)
32–42.2 km
Net downhill return to the Art Museum — open your stride and finish strong on the Rocky Steps
4:19/km (6:58/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 21:50 | 21:50 | 4:22/km |
| 10 km | 21:50 | 43:41 | 4:22/km |
| 15 km | 21:57 | 1:05:38 | 4:23/km |
| 20 km | 21:57 | 1:27:35 | 4:23/km |
| Half | 4:49 | 1:32:24 | 4:23/km |
| 25 km | 17:20 | 1:49:43 | 4:27/km |
| 30 km | 22:17 | 2:12:00 | 4:27/km |
| 35 km | 21:53 | 2:33:53 | 4:19/km |
| 40 km | 21:37 | 2:55:30 | 4:19/km |
| Finish | 9:30 | 3:05:00 | 4:19/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.