How to Run a Sub 40 Minute
10K.

Pace, splits & training plan for a sub 40 minute 10k.

What pace is a 40 minute 10k?

A 40 minute 10k is a pace of 4:00 per kilometre (6:26 per mile), or 15.0 km/h (9.3 mph).

Pace /km

4:00

min/km

Pace /mile

6:26

min/mi

Speed

15.0

km/h

Speed

9.3

mph

40 Minute 10K splits.

KM Cumulative Time
1 4:00
2 8:00
3 12:00
4 16:00
5 20:00
6 24:00
7 28:00
8 32:00
9 36:00
10 40:00
Mile Cumulative Time
1 6:26
2 12:52
3 19:19
4 25:45
5 32:11
6 38:37
6.21 40:00

Get the 8-week plan on Garmin or Coros.

Race, tempo and interval paces from the matching 40 minute 10k training plan, plus two real weeks already on it.

Race

4:00

min/km

Tempo

3:50–4:20

min/km

Intervals

3:22–3:46

min/km

Week 3 55.1 km 19 km long run 6 runs
Monday

Easy 5km

4:42 - 5:12 / km

Tuesday

Ladder Intervals

3:26 - 4:43 / km

Wednesday

Easy 8km

4:42 - 5:12 / km

Thursday

Tempo

3:52 - 4:22 / km

Friday

Rest

Saturday

Race Pace 5km

4:00 / km

Sunday

Long Run 19km

4:57 - 5:36 / km

Week 6 56 km 15 km long run 6 runs
Monday

Easy 5km

4:42 - 5:12 / km

Tuesday

Intervals

3:26 - 4:43 / km

Wednesday

Easy 11km

4:42 - 5:12 / km

Thursday

Progression

3:52 - 4:22 / km

Friday

Rest

Saturday

Race Pace 5km

4:00 / km

Sunday

Progression

4:57 - 5:36 / km

Start the free 40 minute 10k training plan

What does this pace feel like?

A 4:00/km pace for 10K is a serious undertaking. Unlike holding this pace for 5K, sustaining it for twice the distance requires exceptional aerobic fitness. You'll be running close to your lactate threshold for the full 40 minutes, and the final 3 km will demand everything you have.

Adjust your target.

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Get Your Free 10K Training Plan

Dangelo builds you a personalized 8-week plan for your exact target time of 40 minute. Every session synced to your watch.

Related.

Training plans

10K Running Plans

Need more time?

Sub 42 Minute 10K Pace Guide

Back to Pace Calculator

FAQs.

How fast is a 40-minute 10K?

A 40-minute 10K requires a pace of 4:00/km (6:26/mi). This is a strong time that equates roughly to a sub-20 minute 5K and places you among competitive club runners.

What 5K time do I need for a sub-40 10K?

As a rough guide, a 5K time of 18:30–19:30 suggests you have the speed for a sub-40 10K with the right endurance training.