Breaking 2:55 at the St. George Marathon
Even splits would be 4:09/km (6:40/mi). But St. George 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
0–11 km
Opening mountain descent — fast, but brake the quads or you'll pay at Veyo Hill
4:04/km (6:33/mi)
11–15 km
Veyo Hill — unexpected 90-metre climb; run by effort, don't panic
4:27/km (7:10/mi)
15–30 km
Snow Canyon descent — the course's most spectacular section, run with control
4:06/km (6:35/mi)
30–42.2 km
Final desert descent with headwind — hold form, the finish is worth it
4:11/km (6:44/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 20:22 | 20:22 | 4:04/km |
| 10 km | 20:22 | 40:44 | 4:04/km |
| 15 km | 21:53 | 1:02:37 | 4:27/km |
| 20 km | 20:28 | 1:23:06 | 4:06/km |
| Half | 4:30 | 1:27:35 | 4:06/km |
| 25 km | 15:59 | 1:43:34 | 4:06/km |
| 30 km | 20:28 | 2:04:02 | 4:06/km |
| 35 km | 20:54 | 2:24:56 | 4:11/km |
| 40 km | 20:54 | 2:45:50 | 4:11/km |
| Finish | 9:10 | 2:55:00 | 4:11/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.