Sub-1:25 Half Marathon — Training Paces and Fitness Profile

Sub-1:25 half marathon is front-of-field performance at most local road races. This fitness level requires consistent high-volume training and structured threshold work over multiple training seasons.

Quick answer: To break Sub-1:25:00 in the Half Marathon (RPI 54.5), your training paces are: easy 7:57/mi, threshold 6:27/mi, interval 5:41/mi. Equivalent fitness: Marathon 2:57:16, 10K 38:24.

Training paces for Sub-1:25:00 Half Marathon

RPI 54.5 · Goal: 1:24:59 · All paces in min/mile

Easy (80%+ of weekly running)
7:57/mi4:56/km
Marathon Pace
6:50/mi4:15/km
Threshold (comfortably hard)
6:27/mi4:00/km
Interval (VO2max sessions)
5:41/mi3:32/km
Repetition (short fast reps)
5:17/mi3:17/km

Calculated from Daniels/Gilbert oxygen cost equations. Easy pace means "this pace or slower."

Equivalent race fitness

These are the predicted equivalent times at other distances for a runner with RPI 54.5 — assuming comparable training for each distance.

Marathon

2:57:16

6:46/mi

10K

38:24

6:11/mi

5K

18:31

5:58/mi

Training approach for Sub-1:25:00 Half Marathon

For sub-1:25 half marathon, threshold training and long runs are the primary tools. Threshold work (25–35 minutes at threshold pace) builds the lactate stamina that half marathon racing requires. Long runs at easy pace (14–16 miles) develop the endurance base. Weekly volume of 45–60 miles with two quality sessions per week is the typical structure at this level.

Calculate your current training paces

The table above shows paces for Sub-1:25:00 Half Marathon fitness. Enter your current race time to see where you are now and how far from the goal you sit.

Training Pace Calculator

These paces are based on your race time — not your body

The Daniels/Gilbert formula predicts training zones from a single race result. StrideIQ goes further: it tracks how your body specifically responds to threshold and interval work — which sessions produce your biggest gains, how quickly you recover, and when your fitness is peaking. Population formulas start the conversation. Your individual response data finishes it.

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Common questions

What training paces does sub-1:25 half marathon require?

For sub-1:25:00 (1:24:59): Easy 7:57/mi, Threshold 6:27/mi, Interval 5:41/mi. RPI 54.5. Marathon pace (6:50/mi) is also useful: half marathon race pace falls between marathon and threshold pace for most runners.

What is the BQ-equivalent marathon for sub-1:25 half fitness?

Sub-1:25 half marathon (RPI 54.5) projects to approximately 2:57:16 marathon potential — which falls within BQ range for several age groups. With full marathon preparation, this aerobic capacity supports a BQ attempt.

What 5K time corresponds to sub-1:25 half fitness?

Sub-1:25 half fitness (RPI 54.5) is equivalent to approximately 18:31 5K performance.

Other goal pace guides

Sub-20 Minute 5K →Sub-25 Minute 5K →Sub-40 Minute 10K →Sub-50 Minute 10K →Sub-2 Hour Half Marathon →Sub-4 Hour Marathon →Sub-17 Minute 5K →Sub-18 Minute 5K →Sub-19 Minute 5K →Sub-21 Minute 5K →Sub-22 Minute 5K →Sub-23 Minute 5K →Sub-24 Minute 5K →Sub-27 Minute 5K →Sub-30 Minute 5K →Sub-35 Minute 10K →Sub-36 Minute 10K →Sub-37 Minute 10K →Sub-38 Minute 10K →Sub-39 Minute 10K →Sub-42 Minute 10K →Sub-45 Minute 10K →Sub-48 Minute 10K →Sub-55 Minute 10K →Sub-60 Minute 10K →Sub-1:15 Half Marathon →Sub-1:20 Half Marathon →Sub-1:30 Half Marathon →Sub-1:35 Half Marathon →Sub-1:40 Half Marathon →Sub-1:45 Half Marathon →Sub-1:50 Half Marathon →Sub-2:30 Marathon →Sub-2:45 Marathon →Sub-3 Hour Marathon →Sub-3:05 Marathon →Sub-3:10 Marathon →Sub-3:15 Marathon →Sub-3:20 Marathon →Sub-3:30 Marathon →Sub-3:45 Marathon →Sub-4:30 Marathon →Sub-5 Hour Marathon →Training Pace Calculator →

Paces calculated using the Daniels/Gilbert oxygen cost equations (1979). All values derived from the same formula used by the StrideIQ training pace calculator. Goal times use the target-minus-one-second convention (e.g., sub-20 = 19:59 input).