Racepace

Race pace is the target speed or time-per-distance that a competitor aims to sustain during a race to reach a planned finish time. It is commonly expressed as minutes per mile or minute per kilometer in running, and as an average speed in cycling or motorsport. The concept helps runners and racers distribute effort and anticipate how the race will unfold.

Pace is calculated by dividing the target finish time by the race distance. For example, a runner aiming for a 3:30 marathon would target roughly 8:00 per mile (about 4:58 per kilometer), accounting for slight terrain or elevation differences. Pace can also be expressed with pace bands or split charts, which offer a visual guide for each segment of the course.

Common pacing strategies include even pace, where each segment is kept close to the target; negative splits, where the second half is faster than the first; and positive splits, where the first half is faster. Some races employ progressive pacing, starting slower and finishing faster. Pacing plans may adjust for course profile, weather, and fatigue, and runners may revise plans on race day.

In training, race pace is practiced through tempo runs, cruise intervals, and pacing drills to build tolerance for the target intensity. Effective pacing requires awareness of effort, not just raw speed, and often benefits from prior race experience, course knowledge, and real-time feedback from devices or pacers. Race pace can vary by discipline, terrain, and individual fitness, but the underlying goal remains to align speed with sustainable effort to achieve the desired finish time.