How to Calculate Running Pace
Updated June 2026
Running pace, time & speed.
Pace tells you how long it takes to cover one mile or kilometer — the number runners actually train by. Here's how to calculate it.
The formula
Pace = Total time ÷ Distance
Run 3 miles in 27 minutes? 27 ÷ 3 = 9:00 per mile.
Pace vs. speed
Pace is time per distance (min/mile); speed is distance per time (mph). To convert a pace to mph:
Speed (mph) = 60 ÷ pace in minutes
A 9:00/mile pace = 60 ÷ 9 ≈ 6.7 mph.
Predicting race times
Multiply your goal pace by the race distance. Want a sub-2-hour half marathon (13.1 miles)? 120 minutes ÷ 13.1 = about 9:09 per mile — that's your target pace.
Common race distances
| Race | Miles | Km |
|---|---|---|
| 5K | 3.1 | 5 |
| 10K | 6.2 | 10 |
| Half marathon | 13.1 | 21.1 |
| Marathon | 26.2 | 42.2 |
Running pace, time & speed.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good running pace?
It varies widely by fitness and goal. Many recreational runners land around 9–11 minutes per mile, but the right pace is one you can sustain for your distance.
How do I convert min/mile to min/km?
Divide your per-mile pace by 1.609. A 9:00/mile pace is about 5:35/km.