What Is a Slow Time for 5K?

As a good rule of thumb, though, a sub-30 minute 5k for a complete beginner or older runner is probably good, while a sub-25 minute 5k is decent for someone who is younger and is more active and/or has run at some point in their life.

How long does it take to run 5K slowly?

Average time and pace

Everyday runners can aim to complete a mile in about 9 to 12 minutes. This means you'll finish a 5K in about 28 to 37 minutes. Walkers can expect to complete a mile in about 15 to 20 minutes. Walking at a brisk pace should enable you to finish a 5K at around the hour mark.

What is a slow 5K pace?

Say you can run a 5K in 30 minutes, that's a pace of 9:40 (fast); your easy long run should be 12-minute miles (slow). If you can run a half marathon in under 2 hours (about 9-minute miles), a slow run would be 10:22; you could expect to run a 5K in 25:30, at an 8:13 pace.

James H. Sterling

James H. Sterling

Environmental Science & Climate Journalist

James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.