Whether you’re hoping to complete the distance for the first time or trying to place in your age group, using a 5k pace chart can provide helpful guidance on race day.
What is a 5k pace chart?
A 5k pace chart, sometimes referred to as a time chart, breaks down your overall time at each mile split and provides your estimated finish time based on your running pace. The pace chart does the math for you to give you an estimate of when you’ll be passing each mile during the race.
Knowing your expected running pace before the race is helpful, but a 5k pace chart takes it a step further by projecting your finish time as well.
How to Use a 5k Mile Pace Chart
Luckily, 5k pace charts are fairly easy to use. All they require is that you have a general estimate of your running pace.
Related: How to Find Your Perfect Running Pace
Once you know your running pace, simply find that pace in the left hand column. Follow the row across to find your estimated finish time as well as splits for miles 1, 2, and 3 throughout the course.
5k Pace Chart
This 5k race pace chart provides the time at which you’ll pace each mile for running paces from 5:00 to 16:00 minutes per mile. With a wide range of paces in 15 second intervals, you’ll be sure to find a close match.
Download the free pdf to keep with you during training so you can easily adjust if needed as race day approaches.
5k Finish Time Chart
If you’re hoping to find a prediction of your finish time, the 5k time chart below provides estimated finish times for paces from 5 to 16 minutes per mile, in 5 second intervals.
Simply find your running pace in the left hand column and follow the row across for your estimated finish time.
Download the pdf to keep with you for races to come as your pace improves and you aim for new PRs.
If you’re running your first 5k or are simply training for a new PR, these pace charts provide a useful tool for both training and race day. Use them to monitor your improvements or provide guidance as you navigate the course on race day.
What is a good 5k pace?
The simple answer is this: a good 5k pace is one that challenges your body without breaking it down.
If you’ve completed a 5k before, aim for a finish time that is slightly faster than your previous one. If this is your first 5k, try finding a pace that you can comfortably maintain for the entire 3.1 miles.
As you gain more experience, challenge yourself to run slightly faster than before. Every runner is different, and the 5k provides a perfect opportunity to compete against yourself and strive for your best.
As your distance increases, check out more running pace charts below!