24 minute 5k Training Plan

Target Race Pace: 7:41 per mile / 4:46 per km for a 24 Minute 5k

To consider following this 24 minute 5k plan you should already be able to run at a target race pace of 07:41 minute for at least a mile (4:46p/km) and/or have a PB under 26 minutes.


If you are not quite there yet then take a look at the 25 minute 5k training plan instead and then come back to this one once you are in a position to run at this pace.

Other 5k training plans: 16 minute 5k || 18 minute 5k || Sub 20 5k || 22 minute 5k || 24 minute 5k || 26 minute 5k || 28 minute 5k || Sub 30 minute 5k || Couch to 5k Training Plan

Please read before starting a training plan:
Frequently Asked Questions | Signs of Overtraining

Your Speed/Distance Training Zones: 24 minute 5k

Pace per Mile / KmTreadmill Pace400m / 800m Splits5km Race Pace
07:41 / 04:467.8 mph / 12.5 km/h1:54s / 3:48s23min 50s
*for speed/distance conversation allow for a small amount of rounding up/ down.

Your 24 minute 5k training plan

Week123Rec. Week
Monday30min easy30min easyRest/ Cross-trainRest/ Cross-train
Tuesday3x1km
Reps@4:46 per km/
7:41p/m (90s rec.)
10x400m
Reps@1:54 per 400m/
7:41p/m (60s Rec)
3x1km
Reps@4:46 per km/
7:41p/m (90s rec.)
Rest/ Cross-train
WednesdayRest/ Cross-train30min easy30min easy30min easy
Thursday4x800m
Reps@3:48 per 800m/
7:41 p/m (200m jog rec.)
Hills
Examples
Fartlek
Examples
Rest/ Cross-train
FridayRest/ Cross-trainRestRest/ Cross-train30min easy
SaturdayRest/ Cross-train30min easyRest/ Cross-trainRest/ Cross-train
SundayLong runRest/ Cross-trainLong runRest/ Cross-train

24 minute 5k Training Plan Components

Breakeven Sessions – 24 minute 5k

These sessions are used for maintaining fitness & recovery. Preparing you for breakthrough sessions:

  • Steady Run – this should be no quicker than 09:40. Aim for somewhere between 09:40 and 10:10 p/mile.
  • Long Run – slow & steady, this should be less than 1 hour.
  • Fartlek – unstructured training. Example Fartlek sessions.

Breakthrough Sessions – 24 minute 5k

These sessions are meant to be challenging intense efforts, treat them as mini-milestones towards your target:

  • 400m Reps – these need to be at 7:41 p/m pace (1:54 per lap) with a 60sec standing recovery.
  • 800m Reps – should be reps at 7:41p/m pace (3:48 per 800m) with a 200m jogged recovery.
  • 1km Intervals – hit 7:41p/m pace (4:46 per km) with a 90sec jogged recovery.
  • Hills: Kenyans/ Hill Sprints – alternate between Kenyans and Hill Sprints to get a balance of power and endurance training. Example Hill Training Sessions.

About this Plan

Remember that to even consider following this 24 minute 5k plan you should already be able to run at a target race pace of 07:41 minute for at least a mile (4:46p/km) and/or have a PB under 26 minutes.

The core work for the 24 minute 5k training plan is set over a 3-week period with the addition of 1 week's recovery. At the end of the first 4-week cycle you can repeat and/or tailor the plan to your individual needs to focus on your particular 5k event.

It is recommended that after 2/3 months of using the training plan that you take a break and treat yourself to a couple of weeks of low-key training. Much like the recovery week this should start with 2-3 day's off from running completely and continue with a couple of break-even runs during the course of the week.

86 Responses

  1. Jonny says:

    Can I do other sports alongside this training plan? I play football once a week and sometimes tennis/basketball too. Should I do these alongside the training plan, or should I replace any of the sessions?

  2. Adam says:

    These plans are brilliant; making my running really enjoyable. They’re keeping me injury free and my times are improving all the time. Plus they’re varied, so not getting bored at all.

    Great website.

    Thank you!

  3. Geeti says:

    5 km

  4. Milly says:

    Hi,
    I’m on the second week of this plan and already feel faster. I enjoy doing long distance and like to maintain being about to do a half marathon, how detrimental would it be for the long runs to be more like two hours in terms of recovery and speed etc?

  5. Oren says:

    Thanks so much for this.
    I started your training with a pace of 26/5km about 8 weeks ago.
    I ran into a hurdle 2 weeks ago with Covid but prior, I was on track for a 24-25min/5km

    I didn’t push too hard on the interval training prior to the race, just let my body recover.

    Today, I Just finished the toronto marathon 5k race at a time of 23:08!!

    Now moving toward the 22 and hopefully 20 by next year.

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