Breaking 3:30 at the Sydney Marathon
Even splits would be 4:59/km (8:01/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
5:02/km (8:06/mi)
5–30 km
Relentless rollers through the parks
4:58/km (7:59/mi)
30–42.2 km
More rollers, then the drop to the Opera House
4:59/km (8:01/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 25:11 | 25:11 | 5:02/km |
| 10 km | 24:48 | 49:59 | 4:58/km |
| 15 km | 24:48 | 1:14:47 | 4:58/km |
| 20 km | 24:48 | 1:39:35 | 4:58/km |
| Half | 5:27 | 1:45:02 | 4:58/km |
| 25 km | 19:22 | 2:04:24 | 4:58/km |
| 30 km | 24:48 | 2:29:12 | 4:58/km |
| 35 km | 24:56 | 2:54:08 | 4:59/km |
| 40 km | 24:56 | 3:19:03 | 4:59/km |
| Finish | 10:57 | 3:30:00 | 4:59/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.