The time it takes to run a marathon (26.2 miles or 42.195 km) varies widely depending on experience, fitness, and goals. Here are key points about marathon finish times:
- Average finish times:
- Worldwide average is about 4 hours 30 minutes for men and 4 hours 48-56 minutes for women.
- In the UK, the average is roughly 4:23 for men and slower for women.
- Recreational runners typically finish between 4 and 5 hours.
- Beginners often take around 4.5 to 6 hours to complete a marathon.
- Elite runners finish in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
- Pace examples for finish times:
- 3-hour marathon pace: about 6:52 minutes per mile (4:15 per km)
- 4-hour marathon pace: about 9:09 minutes per mile (5:41 per km)
- 5-hour marathon pace: about 11:26 minutes per mile (7:07 per km)
- Training considerations:
- Most recreational runners spend 16-20 weeks training to build endurance and prepare for the distance.
- Long runs during training vary by goal time, from 15 miles for slower runners to 25 miles for elite-level runners.
In summary, for most runners, completing a marathon takes between 4 and 5 hours, with beginners often taking up to 6 hours. Elite runners complete it much faster, around 2 to 2.5 hours
