Breaking 3:05 at the St. George Marathon
Even splits would be 4:23/km (7:03/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
4:18/km (6:56/mi)
11–15 km
Veyo Hill — unexpected 90-metre climb; run by effort, don't panic
4:42/km (7:35/mi)
15–30 km
Snow Canyon descent — the course's most spectacular section, run with control
4:20/km (6:58/mi)
30–42.2 km
Final desert descent with headwind — hold form, the finish is worth it
4:25/km (7:07/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 21:32 | 21:32 | 4:18/km |
| 10 km | 21:32 | 43:04 | 4:18/km |
| 15 km | 23:08 | 1:06:12 | 4:42/km |
| 20 km | 21:39 | 1:27:50 | 4:20/km |
| Half | 4:45 | 1:32:36 | 4:20/km |
| 25 km | 16:54 | 1:49:29 | 4:20/km |
| 30 km | 21:39 | 2:11:08 | 4:20/km |
| 35 km | 22:05 | 2:33:13 | 4:25/km |
| 40 km | 22:05 | 2:55:18 | 4:25/km |
| Finish | 9:42 | 3:05:00 | 4:25/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.