Training plans Half marathon
The sub-2:25 half marathon
A sub-2:25 half marathon works out at 6:52/km (11:04/mi), held for the full distance. Typical preparation is 9–13 weeks of 33–49km a week, spread over 3–4 sessions. The work splits into three paces: easy volume at 7:47–8:22/km, threshold running near 6:33/km, and interval reps around 6:18/km. A recent race time is the truest guide to whether this goal fits this season.
Last updated 2026-07-03 · paces computed, not copywritten
Goal pace
6:52/km
11:04/mi
Typical build
9–13 weeks
33–49 km/week
Runs per week
3–4
3 key sessions + easy volume
Required paces
| SESSION | PACE (/KM) |
|---|---|
| Easy runs | 7:47–8:22 |
| Long run | 7:17–7:47 |
| Tempo | 6:33 |
| Intervals | 6:18 |
| Race pace | 6:52 |
Splits at goal pace
| CHECKPOINT | CLOCK |
|---|---|
| 5K | 34:22 |
| 10K | 1:08:44 |
| 15K | 1:43:06 |
| Finish | 2:25:00 |
These are dead-even splits — going out quicker than 6:52/km is the most common way a 2:25 slips away in the final quarter.
A typical week
Key session 1
Intervals — reps around 6:18/km (5K effort) with jog recoveries
Key session 2
Tempo — sustained comfortably-hard running near 6:33/km
Long run
The week's cornerstone at 7:17–7:47/km, adding 2:25-pace finishes as race day nears
Plus 1+ easy runs. The remaining runs stay genuinely easy (7:47–8:22/km); they carry the volume the key sessions are built on.
Asked often
- What pace is a sub-2:25 half marathon?
- 6:52 per kilometre, held for the full half marathon. Even or slightly negative splits protect a 2:25 far better than a fast start.
- How long should I train for a sub-2:25 half marathon?
- From a reasonable base, 9–13 weeks. Start from where your running actually is: a recent race time sets the half marathon timeline better than the calendar does.
- What happens if I miss training weeks?
- A static plan quietly breaks — every later week assumes fitness you didn't build. An adaptive plan like RunV's re-ramps volume and recalibrates paces so the 2:25 goal stays honest.
This fitness at other distances
- Marathon: 5:02:19 equivalent
- 10K: 1:05:43 equivalent
- 5K: 31:31 equivalent
The engine behind your sub-2:25
RunV builds your sub-2:25 plan around your week, then recalibrates it after every run — finished, cut short, or missed.
