Breaking 3:30 at the St. George Marathon
Even splits would be 4:59/km (8:01/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
4:53/km (7:52/mi)
11–15 km
Veyo Hill — unexpected 90-metre climb; run by effort, don't panic
5:21/km (8:36/mi)
15–30 km
Snow Canyon descent — the course's most spectacular section, run with control
4:55/km (7:54/mi)
30–42.2 km
Final desert descent with headwind — hold form, the finish is worth it
5:01/km (8:04/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 24:26 | 24:26 | 4:53/km |
| 10 km | 24:26 | 48:53 | 4:53/km |
| 15 km | 26:16 | 1:15:09 | 5:21/km |
| 20 km | 24:34 | 1:39:43 | 4:55/km |
| Half | 5:24 | 1:45:06 | 4:55/km |
| 25 km | 19:10 | 2:04:17 | 4:55/km |
| 30 km | 24:34 | 2:28:51 | 4:55/km |
| 35 km | 25:04 | 2:53:55 | 5:01/km |
| 40 km | 25:04 | 3:19:00 | 5:01/km |
| Finish | 11:00 | 3:30:00 | 5:01/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.