Welcome to the Pacer Support Guide

This guide is a practical support guide for pacers and race organisers supporting non-elite (recreational) runners.

On race day, a team of pacers embarks on a thrilling journey together with the many participants of the event. It is a journey built on dedication, fuelled by expertise, and one in which dreams of crossing the finish line unfold – whether over 5,000 m, 10,000 m, a half marathon or a full marathon.

It is your day to create an unforgettable experience for every runner who follows you or meets you on the course. Guided by your support and knowledge, they will have the best chance of finishing in their best possible time.

Let’s get ready!

How this guide is organised#

The guide is split into short articles you can read in order, or dip into when you need them:

1. Pacing philosophy — why pacing is about more than the clock.
2. Pacer recruitment — who can be a pacer and how much faster than the target pace they need to be.
3. Watches & technology — getting your watch and GPS settings right.
4. Pacer training — the training method: pace offsets, pacing by feel, cadence, bridges, pace corrections, group sessions, heat and the training programme.
5. Race day — logistics, on-course strategy, what to do if you can’t continue, and an example rundown.
6. After the race — returning kit, submitting your FIT file and celebrating together.