We will be offering pace groups led by experienced pacers for a wide variety of times.
The Pace Team is free to registered runners and doesn’t cost you anything! We hope you will find this support useful as you strive to achieve your marathon and half marathon goals.
Pace team basics
A pace team is a group of runners led by an experienced leader who run together in the marathon and half marathon. There are wonderful benefits of running with a pace group. You’ll be supported by a cheerful leader and be side by side with other runners sharing the same goal as you.
Each pace group will have one leader and they will run the entire race.
Going at a speed that works for you
The best way to select the proper pace group is to consult a pacing chart. There you can base your desired finish time on a previous shorter race you’ve completed this season. It’s very important not to start out too fast in the half marathon and to select the proper pace based on your actual previous performance.
You can use the Pace Leader as a guide even if you’re using the Galloway run-walk method. You will be meeting up with the Pace Leader regularly throughout the race, running ahead and then walking behind.
Switching up your pace
One of the biggest mistakes that runners make is starting out too fast and then hitting the wall in the later portions of the race. The pace team will run at an even pace per mile. If the pace feels too slow in the beginning of the race, that’s normal. Just stay with the group and ask the pace leader about an appropriate strategy for the second half. If you find the pace too fast in the early miles, then slow down and drop back from the team so you’ll be able to finish the race.
If you’re trying to hit a PR, the best advice we can give you is to stick next to your pace leader for the whole race.
The Pace Team promises to provide fun and excitement for both first time, and experienced runners looking to reach their running goals — whether that’s a personal best, a Boston BQ, or just getting across the finish line.
Pace leader responsibilities
The pace leader runs a steady pace and keeps track of that pace so that the group can achieve their goal of finishing the race at a particular time. The guys and gals serving as Pace Leaders are very experienced and know their pace well. Sometimes at the start it’s crowded and may take a couple of miles to settle into a steady pace. Most importantly, they won’t take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.
Assembling in the starting area
About 30 minutes before the start we’ll be assembling in the starting area. Each Pacer will be holding up their pace sign so when you see it go and join up with the group. About 15 minutes before the start the Pacer will give you some last-minute instructions about running with the group. They will talk about the course, what to do if you need a break, and how to make it through the water stops. We will be wearing our bright Pace Team uniforms. Now is the time to ask any last-minute questions you may have.
Supporting water breaks
The Pacer will usually slow down or walk through the water stops. Listen for this information during the last minute instructions.