Question 1

What pace do I need to run a sub 2 hours 38 minutes marathon?

Accepted Answer

To finish a marathon (26.2 miles / 42.2 km) in under 2:38:00, you need to average 6:02 per mile — that's 3:45 per kilometer. The split table on this page shows the exact cumulative time to hit at every mile marker along the way.

Question 2

What are the mile splits for a sub 2:38 marathon?

Accepted Answer

Running an even 6:02 per mile, you'd pass mile 1 at 6:02, reach halfway in about 1:19:00, and cross the finish line in 2:38:00. Prefer to finish faster than you start? Switch the calculator above to negative split to see per-mile targets that start slower and speed up.

Question 3

Is a sub 2:38 marathon a good time?

Accepted Answer

Finishing a marathon in sub 2 hours 38 minutes is a highly competitive result that puts you near the front of most fields. Practicing 6:02 per mile in training — on tempo runs, race-pace intervals, and long runs — is the most direct way to make this goal feel routine on race day.

Mile-by-mile splits

Nearby goal times

Sub 2:38 Marathon FAQ