How far apart are aid stations in a marathon?

In UK marathons, aid stations are typically spaced every 5 km or every 3 miles. Some events place them every 2.5 km, especially in warm conditions. Check your specific race guide for exact locations.

How long should I stop at an aid station?

Most runners spend 10-20 seconds at an aid station. Practice grabbing drinks whilst moving to minimise time lost. Walking through the aid station is fine and prevents spilling or choking.

Should I stop at every aid station?

For races under 10K, you may not need to stop at all. For half marathons, aim for every other station. For marathons and ultras, stop at most stations to stay hydrated, especially in warm weather.

How much does stopping at aid stations add to my finish time?

If you stop for 15 seconds at 8 aid stations, that adds 2 minutes to your finish time. Plan this into your pacing strategy so you can still hit your goal time.

RunCalcs

Aid Station Calculator — Race Aid Station Timing

Calculate when you will reach each aid station during your race.

Race Distance

Aid Station Spacing

Pace (Minutes)

Pace (Seconds)

Stop Time per Station

How We Calculate This

Aid Station Timing Calculation

The calculator places aid stations at regular intervals and calculates your arrival time at each:

Arrival Time = (Distance to Station x Pace per km) + (Previous Stops x Stop Duration)

Total time lost is cumulative, so each stop adds to your overall race time. The calculator accounts for this cumulative delay at each subsequent station.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always consult a coach or medical professional for personalised training advice.