5K Pace Calculator

Pacing a 5K

A 5K is 3.10686 miles (5 kilometers exactly), short enough that pacing mistakes in the first mile are hard to recover from. This calculator converts your goal finish time straight into the pace you need per mile or kilometer.

Many runners go out too fast in a 5K, chasing adrenaline in mile one and paying for it in mile three. Holding the pace shown here evenly, or even slightly negative-split, generally produces a better finish time than an aggressive start.

Where these numbers come from

The formulas and default values in this calculator are based on:

• Official 5K race distance (5 kilometers = 3.10686 miles)

These are planning estimates for training purposes. Check with a coach, trainer, or physician before starting a new program or maxing out.