Breaking 4:00 at the St. George Marathon
Even splits would be 5:41/km (9:09/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
5:35/km (8:59/mi)
11–15 km
Veyo Hill — unexpected 90-metre climb; run by effort, don't panic
6:06/km (9:50/mi)
15–30 km
Snow Canyon descent — the course's most spectacular section, run with control
5:37/km (9:02/mi)
30–42.2 km
Final desert descent with headwind — hold form, the finish is worth it
5:44/km (9:13/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 27:56 | 27:56 | 5:35/km |
| 10 km | 27:56 | 55:52 | 5:35/km |
| 15 km | 30:01 | 1:25:53 | 6:06/km |
| 20 km | 28:05 | 1:53:57 | 5:37/km |
| Half | 6:10 | 2:00:07 | 5:37/km |
| 25 km | 21:55 | 2:22:02 | 5:37/km |
| 30 km | 28:05 | 2:50:07 | 5:37/km |
| 35 km | 28:39 | 3:18:46 | 5:44/km |
| 40 km | 28:39 | 3:47:25 | 5:44/km |
| Finish | 12:35 | 4:00:00 | 5:44/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.