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Welcome to the Pace Team webpage. As a benefit to the marathon runners participating in the Kentucky Derby Festival road races, there will be a Pace Team for you. We will be offering pace groups led by experienced pacers for a wide variety of times including many of the Boston qualifying standards. We hope you will find this support useful as you strive to achieve your marathon goals.
A pace team is a group of runners led by an
experienced leader who run together in the marathon. The
pace leader runs a steady pace and keeps track of that
pace so that the group can achieve their goal of
finishing the marathon at a particular time. There are
wonderful benefits of running with a pace group. You’ll
be supported by a cheerful leader and will be side by
side with other runners sharing the same goal as you.
One of the biggest mistakes that marathoners 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.
The Pace Team promises to
provide fun and excitement for both first time, and
experienced marathoners looking to reach their running
goals - whether that's a personal best, or just getting
across the finish line. Below are the answers to a few
common questions about the Pace Team.
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Where do the Pacers come from?
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All of our Pacers were chosen because of their years
of competing in several marathons throughout the
country. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and
know from past experience exactly what it takes to
help you have a great marathon experience. To
read the Pace Team Bios
Click Here!
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What Pace Groups are
offered? |
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We will have groups for
3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20,
4:30, 4:45, 5:00 and 6:00, which is the course limit.
Additional times may be offered so check with us at
the Expo.
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What pace group should I be in? |
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The best way to select the proper pace group is to
consult the Race Prediction charts at
www.MarathonGuide.com. 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 to fast in the marathon and to
select the proper pace based on your actual previous
performance.
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Can Halfmarathoners run with a Pace Group?
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Absolutely! The full and half marathons begin with
the same starting gun. Halfmarathoners should join
the appropriate pace group and you will stick with
the group until your halfmarathon finish.
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What does it cost to run with the Pace Team?
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The Pace Team is free to registered runners and
doesn’t cost you anything!
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How will the Pacers be running the race?
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Every pace leader will be holding a steady pace
throughout the marathon. These "even splits” are
the best way to achieve your peak performance in the
race.
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Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly? How do
they do that!?
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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.
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Where will my Pace Leader be on race morning?
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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.
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What will the Pace Leader do at the water stations?
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The Pacer will usually slow down or walk through the
water stops. Listen for this information during the
last minute instructions.
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Will there be Pace Leaders for me if I’ve trained
using the Galloway method?
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You can use the Pace Leader as a guide even if
you’re using the run-walk method. You will be
meeting up with the Pace Leader regularly throughout
the marathon, running ahead and then walking
behind.
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If I join a Pace group do I have to stay with them
for the whole marathon?
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No you don’t. However, if you feel great at the
start of the race that’s normal and you should stay
with the group through the halfway point. Then you
can consult with the group leader on an appropriate
strategy for the second half of the race. If you’re
not having a great day then slow down, take some
walking breaks and work your way to the finish line.
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.
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Will each group have the same Pace Leader for the
entire marathon?
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Yes. Each pace group will have one leader and they
will run the entire 26.2 miles. You won’t be
abandoned or handed off to a newcomer in the middle
of the race. We’ll stick with you from start to
finish.
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What should I do after the race?
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Stay on
your feet, walk around for 15-30 minutes, and eat
and drink to replenish your exhausted body. When
stopped at the airport metal detector exclaim, “Oh
that must be my Marathon medal.” After you’re home,
sit down and email your race story to me at
PacerJim@hotmail.com. Begin planning for
your next marathon. Wear your medal to bed.
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Copyright
2007 by James L. Crist. No part of this may be
reproduced without permission.
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