How Long Does It Take to Walk a 5K?

Quick Answer
At a moderate walking pace (3.0 mph), it takes 1 hour 2 minutes to walk a 5K.
At a brisk pace (3.5 mph): about 53 min  ·  At a leisurely pace (2.0 mph): about 93 min

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1 hour 2 minutes
estimated walking time
—
calories burned
6,214
approx. steps
25
city blocks
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Walking 5K: Time by Pace

See how walking speed affects the time it takes to cover 5K.

5K Is Equivalent To...

👣
~6,214 steps
at average stride length
📏
5 km
in kilometres
🏙️
~25 blocks
city blocks
🏟️
12 laps
around a standard track

Calories Burned Walking 5K

Estimates based on a moderate pace (3.0 mph) using the MET calorie method.

Walking burns roughly the same calories per mile as running — it just takes a little longer. That's the beauty of it.

What Walking a 5K Actually Feels Like

A 5K is 3.1 miles — about an hour at a moderate walking pace, and considerably less if you pick up the pace. The good news: you can walk a 5K event. Many do, and no one will stop you. Most 5K events have a generous time limit and finish line applause for everyone.

Walking a 5K event is a legitimate goal. For someone who hasn't exercised in years, completing a 5K walk is a meaningful achievement. For experienced walkers, a brisk 5K is a timed challenge — sub-45 minutes at 4.1 mph, sub-50 minutes at 3.7 mph.

If you're training for a 5K event, aim to complete 3 miles comfortably at your chosen pace before race day. That's genuinely all the preparation you need for a walk-only approach. Build up gradually over 4–6 weeks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

At a moderate pace of 3.0 mph, it takes approximately 1 hour 2 minutes to walk a 5K. At a brisk pace of 3.5 mph, about 53 minutes. At a leisurely 2.0 mph, around 93 minutes.
Walking a 5K at a moderate pace (3.0 mph) burns approximately 255 calories for a 155 lb person. Heavier walkers and brisker paces both increase calorie burn. See the calorie table on this page for estimates across different body weights.
At an average stride length, walking a 5K is approximately 6,214 steps. This varies based on height and stride — taller people take fewer steps per mile, shorter people take more.
Absolutely. Most 5K events welcome walkers and have time limits of 60–90 minutes or more. Walking a 5K is a completely valid way to participate. Many participants walk, and a significant portion of charity 5K events are designed primarily as walking events. At a brisk pace of 3.5 mph, you will complete a 5K in about 53 minutes.
At a moderate pace of 3.0 mph, walking a 5K takes about 62 minutes. At a brisk pace of 3.5 mph, roughly 53 minutes. Power walkers at 4.0 mph can complete a 5K in about 47 minutes. Use the calculator on this page to see your estimated time at any pace.

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