Sub 2:00 half marathon pace
To run a half marathon under 2:00:00 you need to average 5:41 per kilometre, or 9:09 per mile. Here are the splits, a pace band, the paces to train at and the fitness you need before race day.
Pace band
Even-pace elapsed times. Copy them to your wrist, or get a printable band in the free Race Pace Plan.
Splits
Even pace versus a 1 % negative split. Both finish exactly on 2:00:00; aim to cross the line a little inside it.
| Point | Even pace | 1 % negative |
|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 28:26 | 28:35 |
| 10 km | 56:53 | 57:10 |
| 15 km | 1:25:19 | 1:25:29 |
| 20 km | 1:53:45 | 1:53:47 |
| Finish | 2:00:00 | 2:00:00 |
Race times that match this goal
Equivalent performances from Riegel's formula. If you can run these, sub 2:00 is realistic with the right training.
Training paces for sub 2:00
| Run type | Pace /km | Zone | Typical session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | 7:23–8:17 | Zone 1 | Between hard days, 20–40 min |
| Easy and long runs | 6:40–7:23 | Zone 1–2 | Most of your weekly volume |
| Marathon pace | 5:53–5:59 | Zone 2–3 | Long-run segments of 8–20 km |
| Threshold | 5:23–5:35 | Zone 3–4 | 3 × 10 min or 20–30 min steady |
| Interval (VO2max) | 5:04–5:13 | Zone 4–5 | 5 × 1000 m, 3 min jog |
| Repetition | 4:50–4:55 | Zone 5 | 8 × 200–400 m, full recovery |
What it takes
Most runners who break 2:00 in the half marathon build to about 25–40 km a week over 10–12 weeks, with long runs of 16–22 km. The key sessions are threshold runs and half-marathon-pace segments in the second half of long runs.
A 10K around 54:23 four to six weeks before the race is a good checkpoint. If you are slower than 56:01, aim for sub 2:10 instead and adjust after your next test.
Weekly volumes are typical ranges, not requirements. Build up gradually and adjust to your own history.
Common questions
How fast is sub 2:00 half marathon pace per mile?
9:09 per mile, or 5:41 per kilometre.
What 10K time do I need for a sub 2:00 half marathon?
Around 54:23 on Riegel's formula, assuming training that is specific to the half marathon.
Should I run even splits?
Yes, or a very slight negative split. Starting faster than goal pace costs far more time late in the race than it gains early. Read how to pace a marathon for a simple plan.
Get the sub 2:00 half marathon Race Pace Plan. Tell us your race and goal time. You get one PDF with:
- Goal pace and splits for your race
- Training paces for all five zones
- A printable pace band