It takes much more to be a pacer—the designated leaders who help a group hit their goal time—than being fast. A pacer has to be entirely comfortable at their assigned average speed, run as evenly as possible, and assume all the stress of monitoring split times. They evaluate course congestion, elevation, and yep, even bathroom breaks to get their followers to the line on time without surging, all while doing complex mental math. (You try long division at mile 24.) RW’s 2017 London Marathon pace team shares what it’s like to run with dozens of people counting on them for guidance, inspiration, and steadiness.
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It is such a pleasure to run through our amazing city in itself, and it’s made even more special when you have a team to share the day with.”
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I’ve had people saying they couldn’t thank me enough for helping them set PRs, and even had ladies ask me to marry them.”
Pacers’ Top Gear Picks
Shannon Price has finished more than 70 marathons, and paced 35 of them around the country. He typically leads the 3:15 finishers group. Here’s the gear he brings on race day
Pacers: They Sacrifice Their PRs to Help You Nail Yours
Thread Wallets
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$14.95
New Study on How Marathons Affect the Brain
Ultimate Direction
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$109.95
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I had years of hitting PRs, but something changed in me and I wanted to help others. I think the first year I paced London was the first time I truly experienced it. I have shared so many PRs with runners, and it far exceeds the feeling I’ve had after my own. The look on peoples’ faces when they cross that finish line, and sharing in that moment, is indescribable.”
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In 2016, I got to mile four and, despite frequent toilet visits prior to starting, was caught out. I then had to catch up to my group. People must have been wondering why a 3:30 pacer was running so quickly at mile four.”
Lightweight Running Shoes Runner’s World Training Plan, designed for any speed and any distance.
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For every chatty runner, there are two or three who don’t say a word to you the whole race. It’s only after the finish when they come up saying, ‘I was with you the whole way,’ or ‘I wouldn’t have gotten my BQ without you,’ and that hits home. I’ve had many sweaty hugs on the finish line.”
Best Timing Watches
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I’m still in touch with a lady I helped through the last mile and carried over the line with another pacer.”
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We spend a lot of time explaining that we are definitely on track, but our actual running time will be different unless they crossed the start line at the same moment as us.”
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In many cases it’s their first marathon, and from the charity runners I hear amazing stories about the reasons why they are running. For many, this is the biggest challenge they have undertaken and they’re nervous and scared. Being a pacer is so rewarding, as you get to pass on your experience to help calm these nerves and get them to the finish line, intact and smiling. Plus, I hate running for PRs—it hurts too much!”
