Reply #7: Definitely pick it up towards the end

[Nikia]

Depending on how you feel, the end could be the last half of the race. Only you know what you are comfortable with.
I don't know how you train now, but if you want to get faster, you could do a couple of speed runs of shorter distances. You could go out and run one mile hard for example or you could go to the track and do a few 400m or 800m speed runs with a few minutes rest or a lap of walking in between.
I know that you are just starting off and probably have goals that are more fitness oriented rather than being competitive. I am just offering a suggestion for dropping your time. I don't mean to be pushy.