How fast is fast for a 5K race?

We made some estimates on how long a 5K swim would take based on an average 100-meter pace in the open water (i.e., no pushing off walls, no deviation from the straight-line course, no hydration breaks, no drafting).

Since we estimate only 1.6% of Americans can swim 500 meters non-stop in a pool, we believe those who swim 5K are better open water swimmers than 99% of humans.

• If you swim an average pace of 1:10 per 100 meters, you will finish in 58:20.
• If you swim at a 1:15 per 100 pace, you will finish in 1:02:30.
• If you swim at a 1:30 per 100 pace, you will finish in 1:15.
• If you swim at a 1:45 per 100 pace, you will finish in 1:27:30.
• If you swim at a 2:00 per 100 pace, you will finish in 1:40.
• If you swim at a 2:30 per 100 pace, you will finish n 2:05.

Any pace under 1:15 per 100 meters in the open water is very fast (world class).

Any pace under 1:45 per 100 meters in the open water is admirable for competitive swimmers and any endurance athlete.

Any pace under 2:30 per 100 meters in the open water is respectable for any adult, especially relative to the population in general.

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