Running Pace

Running pace tells you how much time it takes to cover each unit of distance, such as minutes per kilometre or minutes per mile. It comes from dividing the total time by the total distance, so the result is a rate that makes runs of different lengths easy to compare. A lower pace means faster running, because less time is needed to cover each unit distance.

Use this formula when you want to compare training runs, set a race target, or translate a finish time into a speed you can understand. It is especially useful in running, walking, cycling, and other distance-based activities where timing matters.

• Using pace as distance ÷ time instead of time ÷ distance
• Mixing units, such as minutes with miles when the answer is meant to be min/km
• Forgetting to convert seconds into minutes before dividing