Pacers?

[rubato]

As a newbie, could someone please explain the pacers to me? I'm doing a half and gave them the time I think I'll finish in. So, they will then have a pacer for all of us who plan on finishing in that time? Do we all run together? Do I stay with that group or can I go ahead or fall behind and then get back together?
Sorry this is so elementary, but I've never been in any kind of race before and, truly, have no idea what I'm doing! Thanks.

 

[cewait]

Pace groups are voluntary and are at various projected times such as 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, etc. They are there to help runners get to a time goal. These are informal groups with a leader who will attempt to get the group to the finish within a minute or so of the goal time. Different pacers with run their groups a little differently (i.e. some run straight through, some run/walk at intervals, at mile points or at aid stations. You can lock into one without even acknowledging you are part of the group. The leader will have either a sign (like Disney) or a balloon. Some members who sign up at the expo will wear pace goal time bibs on their backs as a way of helping everyone know that there is a pace group in the area. If you run walk and the pace group you are keeping up with is a straight through runner group you will play catch up with them for most of the race as ideally you will catch them just as you are heading into a walk interval.

Though as a first time participant do not feel like you need meet a finish goal time. Your three goals should be
Finish
Finish Upright
Finish with a smile for the photo

 

[rubato]

Thank you for the info. I don't think I'll have any trouble with my goal. 2 hours is plenty of time. My race isn't until April and I'm already running 9 minute miles for up to 8 miles. I could possibly do better than the 2 hrs, but I don't think I'll do worse. Mostly, I was just concerned that I would have to stay with the group even if I don't want to. I'm not really planning on run/walk intervals, just running, so if the pacer does the intervals, I'd like to just keep at my pace. I just have no idea what to expect because I've never even run a 5k and I've never been a spectator at one either!

 

[scrump]

I was wondering about pacers as well, as I'm running my first half in March '10.

Thanks for the info, I will have to find out more about them at the expo!

 

[cewait]

Thank you for the info. I don't think I'll have any trouble with my goal. 2 hours is plenty of time. My race isn't until April and I'm already running 9 minute miles for up to 8 miles. I could possibly do better than the 2 hrs, but I don't think I'll do worse. Mostly, I was just concerned that I would have to stay with the group even if I don't want to. I'm not really planning on run/walk intervals, just running, so if the pacer does the intervals, I'd like to just keep at my pace. I just have no idea what to expect because I've never even run a 5k and I've never been a spectator at one either!

I am fairly sure the 2 hour group will run straight through the race.

 

[DLchick]

I'm not sure if your question got answered but pacers are individuals (usually wearing distinctive clothing) who have specific time intervals they have agreed to run. My last race (non Disney) the waves for the half marathon were based on anticipated finishes 1:30, 1:50, 2:00, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, and 3 hours plus walkers (something like that)

The purpose of the pacer is so people who are timing themselves for a certain finish will know where they stand. You don't have to stay with your pacer by any means. If the 9 minute mile pacer is too slow for you then pass him/her. If you're worried that you're going to get over excited in the heat of competition and burn yourself out early in the race then stay with the pacer for the first couple miles to make sure you have your rhythm and then figure out what works best for you.

Good luck!