Прогнозувальник Часу Забігу – Формула Рігеля
Predict your finish time for any race distance based on a recent race performance. Uses the Riegel formula: T2 = T1 × (D2/D1)^1.06.
Як користуватися цим калькулятором
- Введіть Known Race Distance (km)
- Введіть Finish Time – Hours
- Введіть Finish Time – Minutes
- Введіть Finish Time – Seconds
- Введіть Target Race Distance (km)
- Натисніть кнопку Розрахувати
- Прочитайте результат, відображений під калькулятором
How Race Time Prediction Works: Riegel's Formula
Race time prediction is based on the mathematical relationship between performance at different distances. The most widely used model is Peter Riegel's formula, published in American Scientist in 1977:
T2 = T1 × (D2/D1)^1.06
Where T1 is a known race time, D1 is that race's distance, D2 is the target distance, and T2 is the predicted finish time. The exponent 1.06 reflects the physiological fact that performance degrades faster than linearly as distance increases — longer races are proportionally harder than shorter ones.
Example: a runner with a 5K time of 22:00 predicts a marathon time of: 22:00 × (42.195/5)^1.06 = 22:00 × 9.12 = 200.6 minutes = 3:20:38.
Riegel's formula is remarkably accurate for trained runners racing across their usual distance range. The main limitation: it assumes equal preparation for both distances. If you've trained specifically for 5K but never done long runs, your marathon will be much slower than predicted.
Cross-Distance Prediction Table
Use this reference table to find predicted finish times across distances based on your known performance. Values use Riegel's formula (exponent 1.06):
| 5K Time | 10K | Half Marathon | Marathon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17:00 | 35:22 | 1:18:00 | 2:42:51 |
| 18:00 | 37:26 | 1:22:32 | 2:52:32 |
| 19:00 | 39:30 | 1:27:04 | 3:02:12 |
| 20:00 | 41:35 | 1:31:36 | 3:11:53 |
| 22:00 | 45:43 | 1:40:41 | 3:31:13 |
| 24:00 | 49:52 | 1:49:45 | 3:50:34 |
| 26:00 | 54:00 | 1:58:50 | 4:09:54 |
| 28:00 | 58:09 | 2:07:55 | 4:29:15 |
| 30:00 | 62:17 | 2:16:59 | 4:48:35 |
| 35:00 | 72:44 | 2:39:37 | 5:36:30 |
Note that these predictions assume flat courses in moderate weather conditions (10–15°C) with appropriate race-specific preparation for both distances.
Why Predictions Miss and How to Adjust
Riegel's formula gives a statistically average prediction — but you are not a statistical average. Several systematic factors cause individual predictions to be off:
- Distance specialization: Pure speed runners (who train for 5K) typically perform better at short distances than predicted for marathons. Endurance specialists show the reverse — their marathons outperform their 5K predictions. If your training heavily favors one type of work, adjust predictions accordingly.
- Training volume: A runner with 30 miles/week cannot perform a marathon as predicted by their 5K time vs. a runner with 70 miles/week. Long run training is essential for marathon performance beyond pure aerobic capacity.
- Heat: For every 5°C above 15°C, expect 1–3% slower performance in longer races. This effect compounds — a 30°C marathon day can mean 8–15% slower.
- Course difficulty: Net elevation, total climb, and surface type all affect predictions. Most prediction formulas assume flat road courses.
- Aerobic maturity: Newer runners often see larger improvements between their base-distance races and longer predictions — their aerobic systems haven't yet reached their ceiling.
For most recreational runners, the most accurate predictor of marathon time is a recent half marathon race time (double it and add 10–15 minutes as a rough starting point, or use Riegel's formula).
Other Race Prediction Models
Several alternative models compete with Riegel's formula. Each has different strengths:
- Cameron model: Uses a more complex exponential equation. Generally more accurate at extreme distances (ultramarathons) where Riegel tends to over-predict performance.
- VDOT method (Jack Daniels): Convert your race time to a VDOT score, then look up equivalent times for other distances. Highly accurate for 1500m–marathon range when VDOT is derived from a true maximal effort.
- VO2max method: Estimate VO2max from your race time, then calculate expected time at other distances using the oxygen cost of running equations. Physiologically principled but requires more calculation.
- World Athletics scoring tables: While designed for scoring, these tables implicitly model equivalent performances across distances and can be used for rough prediction.
For practical race planning, Riegel's formula is the go-to for its simplicity and accuracy in the 5K–marathon range. Use multiple models and average them for important goal-setting decisions.
Using Race Predictions for Training
Race time predictions aren't just useful for setting race goals — they're a powerful training tool. Here's how coaches use predicted times:
- Confirm readiness: If your 5K time predicts a 3:30 marathon but you're targeting 3:15, you'll know you need either more training or a more conservative goal.
- Identify weaknesses: If your 10K time predicts a much faster marathon than your actual marathon performance, you likely have a training deficit in long-run endurance.
- Set intermediate goals: Use race prediction to set appropriate 5K and 10K race goals within a marathon training cycle. Racing shorter distances at predicted equivalent effort is a valuable training stimulus.
- Benchmark fitness: Run a time trial (5K or 10K) at race effort in week 8 of a 20-week plan. Use the prediction to verify whether your training is on track for your goal.
The Jack Daniels VDOT approach is especially powerful here: once you calculate your VDOT from any race, you have prescribed training paces AND predicted times for all standard distances simultaneously.
Age-Graded Race Performance
Raw race times naturally decline with age due to physiological changes — reduced VO2max, lower maximal heart rate, slower recovery, decreased muscle mass. Age-graded performance tables adjust for these changes, allowing fair comparison of performances across different ages.
World Athletics (formerly IAAF) maintains age-grading tables. A 60-year-old running 4:30 in a marathon might receive an age-graded score of 72%, meaning their performance equals 72% of the world-record level for their age and gender. A typical competitive recreational runner at any age scores 55–65%; elite age-groupers score 75–85%.
Age-graded times can also be used for prediction: if you know your age-graded factor, you can estimate how much faster you would have run the same race 10 or 20 years ago — or project how your absolute time goal should adjust as you age.
Rule of thumb: VO2max declines approximately 10% per decade after age 25 for sedentary individuals — but only 5–7% per decade for those who maintain consistent aerobic training. Staying active dramatically slows the age-related decline in running performance.
"Race time prediction models based on physiological parameters and known race results are valid tools for setting realistic goal times at new distances. The Riegel formula and VO2max-based models account for the increasing metabolic cost of longer distances, with accuracy improving for distances within 2–3x of the known result."
💡 Чи знаєте ви?
- The Riegel formula for race time prediction uses the equation T2 = T1 × (D2/D1)^1.06, where the exponent 1.06 captures the non-linear fatigue of running longer distances.
- Pete Riegel first published his race prediction formula in a 1977 issue of American Scientist magazine.
- Race time predictions become less accurate beyond the marathon because extreme fatigue, pacing strategy, and nutrition create much more individual variation than shorter distances.
Останнє оновлення: March 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the race time predictor?
For well-trained runners racing across their typical distance range, Riegel's formula is accurate within 2–5%. The accuracy decreases when: (1) you're trying a new distance you haven't trained specifically for, (2) race conditions differ significantly from ideal (heat, hills, wind), or (3) you're a beginning runner whose fitness is changing rapidly.
What is Riegel's formula for predicting race times?
Riegel's formula: T2 = T1 × (D2/D1)^1.06. T1 = known time, D1 = known distance, D2 = target distance, T2 = predicted time. Example: 5K in 25:00 → marathon = 25 × (42.195/5)^1.06 = 25 × 9.12 = 228 minutes = 3:48:00.
Can I predict a marathon time from a 5K?
Yes, with caveats. Riegel's formula provides a prediction, but marathon performance depends heavily on long-run training that a 5K doesn't test. A runner who only does 5Ks will typically run slower marathons than predicted. The most reliable marathon predictors are a recent half marathon race time or performance in marathon-specific long runs.
Why does my race prediction overestimate my marathon time?
Common reasons: insufficient long-run training, hitting the wall from going out too fast, inadequate fueling during the race, heat or hills not accounted for, or simply not having run enough marathon-specific mileage. Race prediction assumes your preparation is equal across distances — if it's not, adjust accordingly.
How should I adjust predictions for hot weather?
Add approximately 1–2% per 5°C above 15°C for races under 1 hour; add 2–4% per 5°C for marathons. In extreme heat (30°C+), marathon performance can be 15–20% slower than in ideal conditions. Many runners choose to abandon time goals in heat and run by effort or HR instead.
What 5K time do I need to run a sub-4 hour marathon?
Using Riegel's formula, a sub-4:00 marathon (3:59:59) predicts back to approximately a 5K of 27:15 or faster. However, this assumes proper marathon-specific training. In practice, many coaches suggest you need a 5K time of 25:00 or faster to confidently target sub-4 hours with appropriate training.
Is VDOT more accurate than Riegel for race prediction?
Both use similar mathematics but VDOT is more refined for training prescription. For pure race time prediction, they give similar results. VDOT has the advantage of also providing training pace zones, making it more useful as an integrated coaching tool. For quick predictions, Riegel is simpler and equally accurate.
How often should I update my race prediction?
Update your prediction after every significant race or time trial, typically every 4–8 weeks during a training cycle. As your fitness improves, your predicted times will decrease. Track your progress across training blocks — seeing your predicted marathon time drop from 3:40 to 3:30 over a 16-week cycle is a powerful motivator.