Breaking 2:55 at the Sydney Marathon
Even splits would be 4:09/km (6:40/mi). But Sydney 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
0–5 km
Harbour Bridge and early climbs
4:12/km (6:45/mi)
5–30 km
Relentless rollers through the parks
4:08/km (6:39/mi)
30–42.2 km
More rollers, then the drop to the Opera House
4:09/km (6:41/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 20:59 | 20:59 | 4:12/km |
| 10 km | 20:40 | 41:39 | 4:08/km |
| 15 km | 20:40 | 1:02:19 | 4:08/km |
| 20 km | 20:40 | 1:22:59 | 4:08/km |
| Half | 4:32 | 1:27:32 | 4:08/km |
| 25 km | 16:08 | 1:43:40 | 4:08/km |
| 30 km | 20:40 | 2:04:20 | 4:08/km |
| 35 km | 20:46 | 2:25:06 | 4:09/km |
| 40 km | 20:46 | 2:45:53 | 4:09/km |
| Finish | 9:07 | 2:55:00 | 4:09/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.