Breaking 2:55 at the Tokyo Marathon
Even splits would be 4:09/km (6:40/mi). But Tokyo 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
0–10 km
Gradual descent out of Shinjuku
4:07/km (6:37/mi)
10–35 km
4:09/km (6:41/mi)
35–42.2 km
Turnarounds and quiet stretches — stay locked in
4:11/km (6:44/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 20:33 | 20:33 | 4:07/km |
| 10 km | 20:33 | 41:06 | 4:07/km |
| 15 km | 20:45 | 1:01:52 | 4:09/km |
| 20 km | 20:45 | 1:22:37 | 4:09/km |
| Half | 4:33 | 1:27:10 | 4:09/km |
| 25 km | 16:12 | 1:43:22 | 4:09/km |
| 30 km | 20:45 | 2:04:08 | 4:09/km |
| 35 km | 20:45 | 2:24:53 | 4:09/km |
| 40 km | 20:55 | 2:45:49 | 4:11/km |
| Finish | 9:11 | 2:55:00 | 4:11/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.