How to Run a Sub 42 Minute
10K.

Pace, splits & training plan for a sub 42 minute 10k.

What pace is a 42 minute 10k?

A 42 minute 10k is a pace of 4:12 per kilometre (6:46 per mile), or 14.3 km/h (8.9 mph).

Pace /km

4:12

min/km

Pace /mile

6:46

min/mi

Speed

14.3

km/h

Speed

8.9

mph

42 Minute 10K splits.

KM Cumulative Time
1 4:12
2 8:24
3 12:36
4 16:48
5 21:00
6 25:12
7 29:24
8 33:36
9 37:48
10 42:00
Mile Cumulative Time
1 6:46
2 13:31
3 20:17
4 27:02
5 33:48
6 40:33
6.21 42:00

Get the 8-week plan on Garmin or Coros.

Race, tempo and interval paces from the matching 42 minute 10k training plan, plus two real weeks already on it.

Race

4:12

min/km

Tempo

4:02–4:32

min/km

Intervals

3:32–3:56

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 42 minute 10k training plan

What does this pace feel like?

At 4:12/km, you're running at a fast, sustained tempo. Breathing is heavy and rhythmic, and concentration on form becomes important in the second half. This is a pace that rewards disciplined training and smart race execution — go out too fast and you'll pay heavily after the halfway mark.

Adjust your target.

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Dangelo builds you a personalized 8-week plan for your exact target time of 42 minute. Every session synced to your watch.

Related.

Aiming faster?

Sub 40 Minute 10K Pace Guide

Training plans

10K Running Plans

Need more time?

Sub 45 Minute 10K Pace Guide

Back to Pace Calculator

FAQs.

What pace is a 42-minute 10K?

A 42-minute 10K requires a pace of 4:12 per kilometre (6:46 per mile). You'll need to sustain this pace for the full distance without significant slowdown.

How should I pace a 42-minute 10K?

Aim for even splits — run each kilometre at 4:12. Going out at 4:05 in the first few kilometres often leads to slowing to 4:25+ later. Patience in the first half pays off.