Question 1

What pace do I need for a 2:00:00 half marathon?

Accepted Answer

A 2:00:00 half marathon requires an average pace of 9:09/mi per mile (5:41/km per km).

Question 2

Should I run an even pace or a negative split?

Accepted Answer

Even pacing is the safest default and the easiest to execute without a watch. A negative split — running the second half faster than the first — is often the fastest net strategy on hilly or hot courses, but takes discipline to hold back early.

Question 3

How accurate is a pace calculator for race prediction?

Accepted Answer

A pace calculator is exact for converting a goal time into a target pace. Predicting a goal time from a different race distance is less reliable, and gets less accurate the larger the gap between the reference and target distance.

Question 4

What's the half marathon world record?

Accepted Answer

As of July 2026, the men's half marathon world record is 57:20, set by Jacob Kiplimo (Uganda) at the EDP Lisbon Half Marathon on Mar 8, 2026. The women's record is 1:02:52, set by Letesenbet Gidey (Ethiopia) at the Valencia Half Marathon on Oct 24, 2021. Source: World Athletics.

Segment	Pace / mi	Split	Cumulative
First half	9:09/mi	1:00:00	1:00:00
Second half	9:09/mi	1:00:00	2:00:00
Total	9:09/mi	2:00:00

Half Marathon Pace Calculator

Race goal

Race strategy & splits

World Records

Road

Frequently asked questions

Calculate pace for other distances