Breaking 4:30 at the St. George Marathon
Even splits would be 6:24/km (10:18/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
6:17/km (10:07/mi)
11–15 km
Veyo Hill — unexpected 90-metre climb; run by effort, don't panic
6:52/km (11:03/mi)
15–30 km
Snow Canyon descent — the course's most spectacular section, run with control
6:19/km (10:10/mi)
30–42.2 km
Final desert descent with headwind — hold form, the finish is worth it
6:27/km (10:23/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 31:25 | 31:25 | 6:17/km |
| 10 km | 31:25 | 1:02:51 | 6:17/km |
| 15 km | 33:46 | 1:36:37 | 6:52/km |
| 20 km | 31:35 | 2:08:12 | 6:19/km |
| Half | 6:56 | 2:15:08 | 6:19/km |
| 25 km | 24:39 | 2:39:47 | 6:19/km |
| 30 km | 31:35 | 3:11:22 | 6:19/km |
| 35 km | 32:14 | 3:43:37 | 6:27/km |
| 40 km | 32:14 | 4:15:51 | 6:27/km |
| Finish | 14:09 | 4:30:00 | 6:27/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.