Race cut off pace calculator

Check the slowest pace that finishes inside the cut off, and how much time your usual pace leaves to spare.

Your details

Slowest moving pace

9:29

per kilometre to just make it

Aim for (10% spare)8:32 a km
Stops allowed for0 min
Your usual pace leaves21 min to spare
Lost to a late start (gun time cut off)10 min
Be past halfway by1 hr 50 min after the gun
Run walk that just makes itrun 75% of the distance, walk the rest briskly; about 2.1 min running to 1 min walking

Sweepers and road reopening times are why cut offs exist. Run walk is a great way to stay inside them comfortably.

If you feel unwell on course, stop and tell a marshal or first aider. Getting home safely beats a medal.

The working

A 3 hour 30 half marathon cut off

Most road race cut offs run from the starting gun, so crossing the start 10 minutes after the gun leaves 3 hours 20 minutes. 12,000 seconds ÷ 21.1 km is 9:29 per kilometre, about 15:15 a mile. With 10% spare, aim for 8:32 a km. At 8:30 a km you would have about 21 minutes in hand, and you need to be past halfway by 1 hour 50 minutes after the gun.

Run walk: brisk walking is about 3 mph (12:26 a km, NHS). Running 75% of the distance at 8:30 and walking the rest averages 9:29, which is about 2 minutes running to 1 minute walking.

Run walk

The cut off friendly method

Run 1 minute, walk 1 minute at a steady pace is often quicker than running until you have to stop. Practise your run walk pattern in training so it feels normal.

On the day

Staying ahead

Start near the back but not at the very end
Know where the halfway mark is and your time for it
Keep drinks station stops short
If you are swept, it is still a great achievement

Read with care

What this cannot tell you

Road reopeningSome events reopen roads before the official cut off.
Course changesCheck the latest race information.
HealthIf you feel unwell, stop and tell a marshal.

Questions

Common questions

What is a race cut off time?

The latest finish time before the course closes.

Can I walk a half marathon in the cut off?

Often yes, if you walk briskly; check the event cut off.

What happens if I miss the cut off?

You may be asked to move to the pavement or onto the sweeper bus.

Sources

Last checked 21 October 2026. Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.

Before you push on

New to exercise, or got a heart, lung or joint condition? Have a word with your GP or practice nurse first. Stop and get help if you feel chest pain, faintness or unusual breathlessness, and call 999 if it is severe.