A pace band (also called a split band or wristband) is a narrow printed strip worn on your wrist during a race. It shows target cumulative times at each distance split, helping you stay on pace without needing a GPS watch or phone. For ultra marathons (any race longer than 26.2 miles / 42.2 km), pace bands are especially valuable because pacing is critical over long distances and terrain varies greatly.

Fold the printed pace band accordion-style and insert it into a clear wristband holder (like RacePace or similar). During the race, glance at your wrist as you pass distance markers or aid stations. Compare your actual elapsed time to the target time on the band. If you're ahead, maintain effort; if behind, adjust gradually. Most ultra runners check their pace band every 5-10 miles or at aid stations rather than constantly.

Any running race longer than the standard marathon distance of 42.195 km (26.2 miles) is considered an ultra marathon. Common ultra distances include 50K (31.1 mi), 50 miles (80.5 km), 100K (62.1 mi), 100 miles (160.9 km), and 200+ mile events. There are also timed ultras (6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour, 48-hour races) and multi-day stage races.

Even pace: Same pace throughout — ideal for well-trained runners on consistent terrain. Positive split: First half faster, second half slower — very common in ultras due to fatigue, terrain, and walking sections. Most ultra runners naturally run positive splits. Negative split: Second half faster — rare in ultras but possible with conservative early pacing and fresh legs late in the race. For trail ultras with significant elevation, a positive split strategy is often the most realistic.

Divide your target finish time by the total distance to get your average pace per km or mile. Then multiply by each split distance for cumulative times. For example, a 5-hour 50K = 300 min ÷ 50 km = 6:00/km average pace. Each 5K split would be ~30 minutes. This tool automates all calculations and adjusts for your chosen pace strategy (even, positive, or negative split). You can also factor in terrain difficulty by manually adjusting split times.

Aid station stops can add significant time — anywhere from 1-5+ minutes per stop depending on what you need (water, food, gear change, medical). In a 100-mile race with 15-20 aid stations, that could total 30-90+ minutes of non-running time. Our aid station markers help you anticipate these stops. Consider building extra buffer time (5-10%) into your target finish time to account for aid station delays, bathroom breaks, and navigation in trail ultras.

Print the pace band on regular paper (or waterproof paper if available). Cut along the edges of the strip. Fold accordion-style (zigzag) every 3-5 splits so it fits into a wristband holder. Each fold should display 3-5 rows. Insert into a clear wristband holder like RacePace, or laminate and attach to your wrist with tape or a strap. The folded preview in this tool shows you exactly how each fold will look. For rainy races, consider using Rite in the Rain waterproof paper.

For hilly trail ultras, effort-based pacing is more effective than fixed split times. Walk steep uphills (power hiking), run flats and downhills conservatively. Many experienced ultra runners target a positive split of 3-8% — starting slightly faster when legs are fresh and accepting slower splits later. Use this tool's positive split strategy with 5-10% adjustment for a realistic trail ultra plan. For road ultras or flat courses, even pacing (0%) often works best.