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Marathon Time Predictor

Predict race times across distances.

1 mile
6:29
6:29/mi
5K
21:35
21:35/mi
10 miles
1:14:31
74:31/mi
Half marathon
1:39:17
99:17/mi
Marathon
3:27:01
207:01/mi

Uses Riegel's formula (T2 = T1 × (D2/D1)^1.06). Most accurate for race distances close to your input. Marathon predictions from a 5K tend to be optimistic if you have not trained for distance.

About

Run one race well and you can guess the others. Type a recent race time and the tool predicts your finish at every common distance, from a mile to a marathon. Uses Riegel's formula, the same one most coaches reach for.

How to use

  1. Pick the distance you ran.
  2. Enter your time.
  3. Read predicted times for every other common distance.

FAQ

How accurate is the prediction?+

Most accurate for distances close to your input. A 10K predicts a half marathon well; predicting a marathon from a 5K assumes you've trained for the distance. If you haven't run more than 20 miles a week, the marathon prediction is optimistic.

Where does the formula come from?+

Pete Riegel published it in 1977. The 1.06 exponent comes from observing real race results. It's not magic but it's solid.