Average Speed of a Marathon Runner (in mph) + Finish Times
As a marathon runner who has completed 12 marathons with a personal best finishing time of 4 hours, 11 minutes, and 53 seconds, I can tell you from experience that the average speed of a marathon runner depends on many factors.
Terrain, training level, weather conditions, individual pace – the list goes on – all play an essential role in how fast a runner completes a marathon.
Whether you’re curious about the average marathon times or the top marathon runners in the world, this article will answer your questions about the pace of marathoners.
How Fast Do Marathon Runners Run?
When it comes to marathon running, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; each individual is unique and will have their own optimal pace.
However, looking at data from marathons worldwide, we can find the average speed of marathon runners.
The Average Miles Per Hour (mph) of a Marathon Runner
While runners run at various speeds, we can use averages to gauge the typical marathon speed and finish time.
The average marathon runner typically runs a marathon finish time of 4 hours, 26 minutes, and 33 seconds. Extensive research by RunRepeat has determined this from worldwide marathon data.
Using a pace calculator, we find this finish time equates to a marathon runner’s average speed of 10 minutes and 10 seconds. This is the same as 5.9 miles per hour.
Average Marathon Finish Time – Male
The data found that men tend to run an average marathon finish time of 4 hours, 14 minutes, and 29 seconds (04:14:29).
This equals an average pace of 9 minutes and 43 seconds per mile or 6.1 mph.
Average Marathon Finish Time – Women
The average marathon finish time for women worldwide is 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 09 seconds (04:42:09).
This equals an average pace of 10 minutes and 46 seconds per mile or 5.5 mph.
How Fast is the Fastest Marathon Pace?
Are you looking to hit a world record for running the fastest marathon? You’ll need to be quick!
Records continue to be broken every so often, even as we approach what feels like maximum speed for the human body.
🏅 Eliud Kipchoge holds the record for the fastest marathon from the 2022 Berlin Marathon. Kipchoge crossed the finish line at two hours, one minute, and nine seconds (02:01:09).
Based on Kichoge’s record, the world’s fastest marathon pace is 4 minutes and 37 seconds, or about 13 miles per hour.
The 2022 race beat his previous world record (also the Berlin Marathon) from 2018 by 30 seconds.
How Far is a Marathon?
The marathon distance is 26.2 miles or 42.2 kilometers.
Many people think a 5k or 10k is a marathon, but this is untrue. A marathon is only ever 26.2 miles long.
If you aren’t a runner in the US, you likely prefer the measurement of kilometers to understand distance. In this case, a marathon is equal to 42.2 kilometers.
Why Aim for an Above-Average Marathon Time
A person may want to run faster than the average marathon finish time or speed for various reasons.
One of the most significant reasons marathon runners want to run at a rapid pace is to qualify for the best marathon in the world, the Boston Marathon. A person must first identify their age group to know their qualifying time to achieve this goal.
Then, following a strict training schedule, a runner can work to improve their overall pace and aim for that fast marathon finish time on race day.
FAQ
The average speed of a marathon runner is 10 minutes and 10 seconds, or 5.9 miles per hour.
The average finish time for the marathon among all ages and genders is 4 hours, 26 minutes, and 33 seconds.
The average marathon finish time for men worldwide is 4 hours, 14 minutes, and 29 seconds (04:14:29). For women, the average marathon finish time worldwide is 4 hours, 42 minutes, and 9 seconds (04:42:09).
The average men’s Olympic marathon finish time over the last 30 Olympics is 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 55 seconds. This equals a speed of approximately 5 minutes and 25 seconds per mile.
The current Olympic Marathon record is 2 hours, 6 minutes, and 32 seconds (02:06:32). This time is slower than the world record marathon time of 2 hours, 1 minute, and 9 seconds (02:01:09).
A good average speed for a marathon depends on the individual. Therefore, it’s essential to know your body’s capabilities and plan accordingly. Generally, a marathon runner’s 10 minutes and 10 seconds per mile pace (5.9 miles per hour) is considered a good average speed.
The average men’s speed for a half marathon is 9 minutes and 9 seconds per mile for a half marathon finish time of 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 48 seconds.
The average women’s speed for a half marathon is 10 minutes and 55 seconds per mile for a half marathon finish time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 3 seconds.
Final Thoughts: Average Speed of a Marathon Runner
The average speed of a marathon runner is a good indicator to measure your progress and determine if you’re on track with training. It’s also a great way to set a goal for your first marathon.
It’s important to remember that everyone has different capabilities, so it’s essential to know your body and plan accordingly.
We hope this article helps you understand the average speed of a marathon runner and what you can expect from yourself at your next race.
