Breaking 3:45 at the St. George Marathon
Even splits would be 5:20/km (8:35/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
5:14/km (8:26/mi)
11–15 km
Veyo Hill — unexpected 90-metre climb; run by effort, don't panic
5:44/km (9:13/mi)
15–30 km
Snow Canyon descent — the course's most spectacular section, run with control
5:16/km (8:28/mi)
30–42.2 km
Final desert descent with headwind — hold form, the finish is worth it
5:22/km (8:39/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 26:11 | 26:11 | 5:14/km |
| 10 km | 26:11 | 52:22 | 5:14/km |
| 15 km | 28:08 | 1:20:31 | 5:44/km |
| 20 km | 26:19 | 1:46:50 | 5:16/km |
| Half | 5:47 | 1:52:37 | 5:16/km |
| 25 km | 20:33 | 2:13:09 | 5:16/km |
| 30 km | 26:19 | 2:39:29 | 5:16/km |
| 35 km | 26:52 | 3:06:21 | 5:22/km |
| 40 km | 26:52 | 3:33:12 | 5:22/km |
| Finish | 11:48 | 3:45:00 | 5:22/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.