5K in 40 minutes
To run a 5K in 40 minutes you need to hold 8:00 per km, or 12:52 per mile. That is 7.5 km/h (4.7 mph), a comfortable, conversational pace for many new runners.
- Pace /km8:00
- Pace /mile12:52
- Speed7.5 km/h
Kilometre splits
| km | Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8:00 |
| 2 | 16:00 |
| 3 | 24:00 |
| 4 | 32:00 |
| 5 | 40:00 |
| 5K | 40:00 |
Mile splits
| Mile | Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12:52 |
| 2 | 25:45 |
| 3 | 38:37 |
| 5K | 40:00 |
The same fitness, other races
| Race | Predicted |
|---|---|
| 10K | 1:23:24 |
| Half marathon | 3:04:00 |
| Marathon | 6:23:39 |
Riegel’s formula, with training for each distance. Try yours.
How to get there
If you can’t run 5K yet, the time can wait: first get to 25–30 minutes non-stop with walk/run intervals. The free 0 to 5K plan does it in about 12 weeks when every week goes well.
Run most of your runs slower than 8:00 per km, at a pace where you can talk. Speed comes from consistency: two or three runs a week, every week, for months. Once you can run the distance comfortably, one run a week with a few faster minutes is enough to bring the time down.
On race day start a little slower than 8:00 per km for the first kilometre, then settle in. Starting too fast is the most common way to miss a goal time.
Questions
What pace do I need to run a 5K in 40 minutes?
8:00 per kilometre, or 12:52 per mile. That is 7.5 km/h (4.7 mph) on a treadmill.
Is a 40:00 5K good?
It is a comfortable, conversational pace for many new runners. Every finish is a good time for a first race: what matters is getting to the start line healthy.
How long does it take to run a 5K in 40 minutes as a beginner?
Most beginners who follow a walk/run plan can run 5K non-stop in 8 to 16 weeks, and many finish around 30 to 40 minutes. Get to the distance first; the time comes after.