Even pacing is the safest default — same pace for every segment. Negative splits build in a margin: slower first half, faster second half. This typically yields the best result for most runners because it accounts for the natural slowdown that fatigue causes.

Using Splits in a Race

Before the race, write your target splits on your arm or load them into your watch. During the race, check splits at each marker and adjust gradually if you are off pace. Resist the urge to make up large deficits in a single kilometer — small corrections over several segments are far more efficient.