Create custom printable pace bands for your race. Generate split times for even or negative splits, print, and wear on your wrist during the race to stay on pace.
Create Your Pace Band
Saved Pace Bands
Your Pace Band
Cut along the dashed lines and wrap around your wrist or attach to your race bib.
How to Use a Pace Band
A pace band is an essential racing tool that helps you maintain your target pace throughout your race. By displaying cumulative split times at each mile or kilometer marker, it keeps you on track to achieve your goal finish time.
Creating Your Perfect Pace Band
Set Your Goal: Enter your target finish time based on recent training runs or race performances
Choose Your Distance: Select from 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon
Pick Your Units: Match your race course markers (miles or kilometers)
Select Your Strategy: Even splits or negative splits
Pacing Strategies Explained
Even Splits
Running even splits means maintaining the same pace throughout the entire race. This strategy works well for experienced runners who know their capabilities and can maintain consistent effort. Even splits minimize the risk of fatigue from starting too fast.
Negative Splits
Negative splits involve running the second half of the race faster than the first half. This conservative approach helps you:
Avoid going out too fast and "hitting the wall"
Finish strong and pass other runners
Achieve a more comfortable race experience
Reduce the risk of injury or cramping
Printing and Wearing Your Pace Band
Print: Click the Print button and print on regular paper
Cut: Cut along the dashed lines carefully
Weather-Proof: Optional - laminate or cover with clear packing tape
Attach: Wrap around your wrist, pin to your race bib, or attach to your watch strap
Use During Race: Check your actual time at each marker against your pace band
Tips for Race Day Success
Start Conservative: Begin slightly slower than target pace to conserve energy
Stay Flexible: Adjust for weather, terrain, and how you feel
Account for Crowding: First mile may be slower due to race congestion
Use as a Guide: Don't panic if you're a few seconds off at each split
Practice in Training: Use pace bands during long training runs
Common Pace Band Mistakes to Avoid
Setting an unrealistic goal time
Ignoring current weather conditions
Not accounting for course elevation changes
Being too rigid with pace targets
Forgetting to factor in slower first mile due to crowds
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pace band and how does it work?
A pace band is a printable wristband that shows your target split times for each mile or kilometer of a race. You wear it on your wrist during the race to stay on pace and achieve your goal finish time. It helps you avoid starting too fast and ensures even pacing throughout your race.
Should I use even splits or negative splits?
For most runners, negative splits (running the second half slightly faster) lead to better results and a more comfortable race experience. Even splits work well for experienced runners who know their pace. Start with a negative split strategy if you're unsure - it helps prevent going out too fast and hitting the wall.
How do I print and use my pace band?
Generate your pace band, click Print, and print on regular paper. Cut out the band along the dashed lines, and wrap it around your wrist or attach it to your race bib. Some runners also laminate it or use clear packing tape for water resistance. Check your splits throughout the race to stay on pace.
What race distances can I create pace bands for?
Our pace band generator supports 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), and marathon (26.2 miles). You can generate pace bands in either miles or kilometers, with options for even splits or negative splits.
Can I save my pace band for future use?
Yes! Your pace band settings are automatically saved to your browser's local storage. You can also save multiple pace bands with custom names for different races and training runs. Simply click 'Save Pace Band' and give it a name to access it later.
What's the difference between mile and kilometer splits?
Mile splits show your cumulative time at each mile marker (1, 2, 3, etc.), while kilometer splits show times at each kilometer (1K, 2K, 3K, etc.). Use the unit system that matches your race course markers. US races typically use miles, while international races use kilometers.