Pacer Support Guide · Part 18 of 33
Pacer Sessions: Team Communication
Good communication turns three or four individual pacers into one team. Standard calls, hand signals and how to talk to your runners.
Marcel Lennartz
2 min read
Updated
Race-day pacing teams consist of three to four pacers per finish-time group. Group training sessions prepare these pacers to operate as one unit.
Good communication turns three or four individual pacers into one team, and gives runners the confidence to trust that team. Communication takes place on three levels.
Before race day – within the team#
- Group chat: run all scheduling and coordination through one Messenger or Facebook group per pace group – the same channel used for race-day updates and FIT file submissions. If you cannot complete a session on time, inform the team leader immediately.
- Session scheduling: for group sessions, the team leader proposes two or three possible dates and times; pacers confirm their availability in the group chat at least 48 hours in advance.
- Pre-session checklist: before each session the leader shares the route, target pace and any special instructions (for example, no large bridges).
- Post-session debrief: each pacer shares their FIT file and a screenshot of pace per kilometre in the group chat, exactly as required after the race.
- Agree on roles before the race: who leads, who is the deputy leader, who collects drinks at water stations, and who watches the runners at the back of the group.
- Agree on the calls and hand signals you will use (see below), so that nobody has to guess on race day.
On course – within the team#
Keep calls short and standard. Pacers should call out information, not opinions:
| Situation | Example call |
|---|---|
| Pace check at auto-lap | “Lap 5:58, average 6:04.” |
| Bridge approaching | “Bridge in 300 metres – easing off.” |
| Water station approaching | “Water left side in 200 – I’ll take drinks.” |
| Watch problem | “My GPS is jumping – using yours.” |
| Pacer in difficulty | “I’m struggling – may need to drop at the next water station.” (see if you can’t continue) |
Suggested hand signals (agree these within your team)#
| Hand signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Raised open hand | Slowing down (bridge, water station, congestion) |
| Pointing left or right | Moving to that side (water station, obstacle) |
| Pointing down at the road | Obstacle or hazard on the road surface |
| Thumbs up | All good / on schedule |
On course – with the runners#
- At the start: briefly explain the plan to the runners around you – a slow first few kilometres, a steady middle section and controlled bridges – so that they understand why you are not running faster.
- Announce what is coming: bridges, water stations and turns, preferably 200–300 metres in advance.
- Explain changes: “We slow down on the bridge and make it up gently afterwards” keeps runners calm and prevents them from surging.
- Reassure: tell runners regularly that the group is on schedule. Never discuss pace problems loudly or show panic; resolve them within the team.
- Encourage: see encouraging runners.