Sub 3:15 marathon pace
To run a marathon under 3:15:00 you need to average 4:37 per kilometre, or 7:26 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 3:15:00; aim to cross the line a little inside it.
| Point | Even pace | 1 % negative |
|---|---|---|
| 5 km | 23:06 | 23:13 |
| 10 km | 46:13 | 46:27 |
| 15 km | 1:09:19 | 1:09:40 |
| 20 km | 1:32:26 | 1:32:53 |
| Half | 1:37:30 | 1:37:59 |
| 25 km | 1:55:32 | 1:55:56 |
| 30 km | 2:18:39 | 2:18:55 |
| 35 km | 2:41:45 | 2:41:55 |
| 40 km | 3:04:51 | 3:04:54 |
| Finish | 3:15:00 | 3:15:00 |
Race times that match this goal
Equivalent performances from Riegel's formula. If you can run these, sub 3:15 is realistic with the right training.
Training paces for sub 3:15
| Run type | Pace /km | Zone | Typical session |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery | 5:51–6:33 | Zone 1 | Between hard days, 20–40 min |
| Easy and long runs | 5:16–5:51 | Zone 1–2 | Most of your weekly volume |
| Marathon pace | 4:34–4:40 | Zone 2–3 | Long-run segments of 8–20 km |
| Threshold | 4:15–4:25 | Zone 3–4 | 3 × 10 min or 20–30 min steady |
| Interval (VO2max) | 3:57–4:04 | Zone 4–5 | 5 × 1000 m, 3 min jog |
| Repetition | 3:46–3:50 | Zone 5 | 8 × 200–400 m, full recovery |
What it takes
Most runners who break 3:15 in the marathon build to about 60–80 km a week over 12–16 weeks, with long runs of 30–35 km. The key sessions are marathon-pace segments inside long runs and one threshold session a week.
A half marathon around 1:33:32 six to eight weeks before the race is a good checkpoint. If you are slower than 1:36:20, aim for sub 3:30 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 3:15 marathon pace per mile?
7:26 per mile, or 4:37 per kilometre.
What half marathon time do I need for a sub 3:15 marathon?
Around 1:33:32 on Riegel's formula, assuming training that is specific to the 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 3:15 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