Breaking 2:55 at the Twin Cities Marathon
Even splits would be 4:09/km (6:40/mi). But Twin Cities 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
0–15 km
Flat Chain of Lakes section — settle in and bank your energy
4:08/km (6:39/mi)
15–25 km
Gentle descent to the Mississippi River — stay patient
4:08/km (6:38/mi)
25–30 km
River crossing and transition to St. Paul — the calm before the climb
4:09/km (6:41/mi)
30–37 km
Summit Avenue climb (+70 m) — the race's decisive test, run by effort not pace
4:14/km (6:49/mi)
37–42.2 km
Gentle downhill into the State Capitol — open your stride and finish strong
4:06/km (6:35/mi)
Split table
| Checkpoint | Split | Elapsed | Pace at this point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 20:40 | 20:40 | 4:08/km |
| 10 km | 20:40 | 41:21 | 4:08/km |
| 15 km | 20:40 | 1:02:01 | 4:08/km |
| 20 km | 20:38 | 1:22:39 | 4:08/km |
| Half | 4:32 | 1:27:11 | 4:08/km |
| 25 km | 16:06 | 1:43:17 | 4:08/km |
| 30 km | 20:47 | 2:04:04 | 4:09/km |
| 35 km | 21:11 | 2:25:15 | 4:14/km |
| 40 km | 20:45 | 2:46:01 | 4:06/km |
| Finish | 8:59 | 2:55:00 | 4:06/km |
Print this table or write the elapsed times on your arm — GPS pace is least reliable exactly when you need it most.