Pace Teams
Do you need some extra motivation and support to reach your goal at Rocket City Marathon? Are you trying to run a personal best time or qualify for the Boston Marathon? Run with a Pace Team during the race, where you will be guided by experienced marathoners who will help you reach your performance goals. The Pace Team Leaders are experienced runners who have run numerous marathons and have been assigned based on times that are slower than their personal best, giving them and you the best chance of realizing your goals.
Frequently Asked Pace Team Questions:
Why should I run with a Pace Team?
Running with a Pace Team is a fun way to run with a group and target a specific time goal. Pace Team Leaders are experienced marathoners who will encourage you throughout the race and help you achieve your performance goal.
What is the cost to join a Pace Team?
Running with a Pace Team is free and you do not have to register.
What are the finish times available for the Pace Teams?
We are planning to have the following pace groups (pending runner availability) 2:55, 3:00, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, & 6:00. We do recommend any runners attempting to qualify for the Boston Marathon aim for a time several minutes faster than the stated qualifying time for their age group. Note that there is a chance that some pace groups might not have a leader on race day given injuries or other unforeseen events. We will do everything to be sure that this does not happen but at times these events are beyond our control.
What Pace Team should I join?
You should choose a pace that reflects your training and ability level and allows you to run at a comfortable pace throughout the marathon. If you can’t decide between two paces (for example 3:50 and 3:55), it is recommended that you start with the slower pace as you can always pick it up later in the race.
What will the pace strategy be throughout the race?
Pace Team Leaders will do their best to run even splits throughout the entire race. Running even splits is the most efficient way to run a marathon as it prevents you from going too fast or too slow. If in the first few miles the pace is slow due to the crowds, Pace Team Leaders will not go more than 15 seconds per mile faster than the established pace until they gradually get back on pace.
How will I find my Pace Team on race morning?
Pace Team Leaders will line up at the start line. The Pace Team Leaders will be in place by 6:45 a.m. holding large signs marked with their corresponding pace and they will be wearing uniforms to help identify themselves. The uniform will consist of a Pacer shirt with the word "PACER" clearly visible on their upper back. During the race, Pace Team Leaders will carry the signs marked with the time they are pacing as well as what overall time should be for that pace at the 5, 10, 13.1, 15, 20, and 25 mile markers.
What if I have to go to the bathroom?
Pace Team Leaders will not plan any bathroom breaks during the race and will not wait for you. If you need to use the bathroom, it is suggested that you run ahead of your pace group before breaking to use the bathroom, then jump back in with the team or catch up to them.
How does the Pace Team handle drinking at the Aid Stations?
Each Pace Team will notify runners when they are nearing Aid Stations.
Do I have to stay with my Pace Team throughout the race?
No. Runners are welcome to use the Pace Teams for whichever portion of the race they think will help them most. You can run ahead or drop back at any time.
Do Pace Teams go by clock time or chip time?
Chip time. Pace Team Leaders will start their watches at the start line as they cross the chip timing mats.
How were the Pace Team Leaders selected?
Each pacer is selected based not only on their ability to cover the distance within a certain time, but they are also outgoing and dynamic people who are able to motivate runners. They are all experienced marathoners who have deep knowledge of endurance running.