Do you want to break 50 minutes for 10k? – In order to achieve this you would have to run under 5 minutes per kilometer for the 10k distance.
sub 50 minutes for 10Km Training Program
Now the reason we mention this, is that you will have to train at a pace faster than this speed on occasions. So, if your running has consisted of slow distance running, it is time for change. A time for a change of attitude and a new fresh approach towards your training. What we are looking at to start with, is being able to run 5Km’s in 4min 50sec per kilometer.
This will give you an overall 5K time of 24:10. Added into your training will be sessions at this speed as well. Your components now consist of running at 10K pace, running at 5K pace and then add to this a long run of 1Hr 45min and you are ready to progress towards your objective. Now, the secret to your training should be to balance your training with your lifestyle. Your running must never become too much for you. You must always be able to do the sessions asked of you, if you miss a training session you can’t make it up. There is no going back to make up for what you have missed. Doing this is what normally leads to injuries. Other 10k Training Programs available:
- sub 31 min 10k training program
- sub 33 min 10k Training Program
- sub 35 min 10k Training Program
- sub 40 min 10k Training Program
- sub 45 min 10k Training Program
- sub 55 min 10k training program
- sub 60 min 10k training program
10km Program Tips
Forums for our 10k Training Programs – Feedback and Advice
Training explanations and must do’s below schedule
| Training Program towards a sub 50 minute 10K | |
|---|---|
| Day | Session |
| 01 | 60 to 70min easy distance |
| 02 | 30min easy run |
| 03 | start with 3x2k R90-2min 9min 50 (4.55 per k) T |
| 04 | Rest |
| 05 | longest run – ‘time on feet’ up to 1Hr 45min |
| 06 | easy day of 30min running |
| 07 | easy day of 30min running |
| 08 | start with 6x1k R60 – 90 4min 45 to 4min50 L |
| 09 | easy day of 30min running |
| 10 | easy day of 30min running |
| 11 | Rest |
| 12 | 5K paced run – aim sub 25:00 5k |
| 13 | 10k easy run |
| 14 | easy day of 30min running |
| 15 | start with 3 x 5min @ 10k pace with 1min easy F |
| 16 | easy day of 30min running |
| 17 | easy day of 30min running |
| 18 | Rest |
| 19 | Race day up to 15K |
| * | easy recovery after race. 20 – 30min |
| ** | 2nd easy day after race. 30min |
| *** | final easy run after race. 30min |
Training explanations and must do’s : T stands for 10K pace development L stands for 5K pace development R = Rest F is for Fartlek
Easy running is important for recovery and preparation before a harder day. Easy is at a pace where you are able to talk [“talk-test”] All quality sessions must be preceded with a warm up and stretching, and it is recommended that you warm down as well.
This is a 3 week cycle and after every 3 weeks you are able to run a race, up to 15K. It is not recommended that you use this program to race above 15k. If you have raced 21k’s before continue to do so, but do not look to this program to achieve great results, as your long runs in this program are not sufficient for a ‘great’ effort over 21K. After your race day, it is imperative that you use the next 3 days as recovery.
The 5K paced run, you should not run faster than 24mins on these days. If you want to run a hard 5K then you must do so on the race day. Adhere to this advice for success with the program.
After 2-3 months on this program, it is recommended that you take a break from this schedule. The break should be for 2-3 weeks and during this time you should take a break from running for 3-4 days and then come back to running by building up to distance runs without any quality sessions [ The Off Training Period followed by The Build Up Period ]
Finally, this program is not recommended for a ‘beginner’ was has not got a background of running. It is recommended that you have a reasonable amount of ‘running’ without injury before attempting this program.
Further data has been added to the Training section about fartlek, ‘build-ups‘ and methods.
Author: Gavin Doyle
Page updated November 2025
Running sub 50 minutes for 10km is a popular goal. After decades of coaching I can categorically state that once a runner drops below 50, a whole new world opens up in their running goals and ambitions
Hello,
I run 3 times a week 10km in each time.
last week I did 51 min in a race and I decided that I am going to reduce it.
I read the programme you offer in here and I ask myself if everyone can do it?
personally, I believe myself and my abilities but still know that there is a limit.
can you help me to get some more tips except the programme itself.
Regards
Hi there, if you go to the 10k Training program feedback forums, you should be able to see many persons of different abilities training on the program – the forums
http://www.time-to-run.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8
also take note of MMS he started at 51:19 – http://www.time-to-run.com/forums/showthread.php?t=286
and then see his very latest post – http://www.time-to-run.com/forums/showpost.php?p=18675&postcount=778
this should get you on your way
TheEd
timeadmin,
I read the links you gave to me and it is incredible. I wish I will get a result around the one that this guy got.
I will read more responses written in the forum and I am going for it.
many thanks,
hope I will get the same support and encourage as this guy recieved.
Regards,
Roee.
ThEd,
I read the links you gave to me and it is incredible. I wish I will get a result around the one that this guy got.
I will read more responses written in the forum and I am going for it.
many thanks,
hope I will get the same support and encourage as this guy recieved.
Regards,
Roee.
Hello TheEd,
I have already read about the progress of some people who are using the programme offered in here and it encourage me to go for it!!!
I am going to do it soon :-).
I will open a thread and hope to get some tips along the way from you.
thank you,
Roee.
Hi Roee, would you like for us to create a username for you
regards
TheEd
ps– if yes, send an email to info @ time-to-run.com
Hello TheEd,
I have already sent an e mail t o the address you gave to me, and the answer was to open an account by myself. how do I do it?
Thanks,
Roee.
we have responded to this and have created an account for you .. enjoy TheEd
What is the difference between “60 to 70min easy distance” and “easy day of 30min running”? Does easy distance and easy running mean the same thing?
Hi there, it does mean more or less the same, the difference is that when you doing 60 to 70 minutes easy distance, you are doing your longest run, when you do the 30 minutes, you will be feeling as though you want to go faster. This is when you need to keep it to easy running instead of running at a quicker pace, if you had a heart rate monitor, then it would be at a lower heart beat.
Hope this helps
TheEd
see: http://www.time-to-run.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=8 for user experiences