sweeping

[luvsTink]

Hi all,
Can someone explain to me how the whole 16 minute pace/sweep thing works? I noticed on last years 1/2 results that someone finished with a 17 minute mile pace. How is that possible? My primary goal in the half is to not get swept, so any info you can give me about the process would be helpful.

Anne

 

[ultramickeymouse]

Hi all,
Can someone explain to me how the whole 16 minute pace/sweep thing works? I noticed on last years 1/2 results that someone finished with a 17 minute mile pace. How is that possible? My primary goal in the half is to not get swept, so any info you can give me about the process would be helpful.

Anne

Hi Anne

The 16 min pace clock starts when the last runners crosses the start line. From that point of when the last runner starts, they figure the 16 min pace. They have several key points that if you aren't at a certain mile by the time it would take a 16 min mile from the last runner, than you get swept.

You could start in the first wave(the wave starts 20 min before last wave) and do 17 min pace and still finish long before the 16 min pace set by the last runner. This runner would be an "official" finisher even though time over 3:30.

Hope this helps!

Good training

 

[Joanna71985]

Thanks for the info! That helps a lot (I'm nervous about being swept in the Half).

 

[FireDancer]

Most likely you will have to start in one of the later corrals if you are going to be around the sweep pace. Just make sure you are up near the front of the corral you are assigned. Those are large corrals so the couple of minutes you get by being near the front may make a difference.

If you can jog the first mile or couple of miles and then slow down to a walk that is also another way to build in some time at the beginning. Whether or not you can do this will depend on your ability. Only you know if doing the first 3 miles in a faster jog will come back and bite you later in the race and keep you from finishing.

The only thing I would caution you against is moving up to a corral that you can't realistically run with. I know you don't want to get swept but the people in the corrals that require a proof of time are expecting to run with other people at about the same pace. Until you have had an inexperience runner stop in front of you or slow in pace in the middle of the road you have no idea how dangerous it is to both the faster and slower runner. This may come across as anti-slow runner or anti walker which anyone here will tell you I am not but there is race etiquette that many first timers just don't know. To keep it fun for everyone just obey the basic running etiquette and everyone will have a good time.

 

[suzannews]

Hi Anne

You could start in the first wave(the wave starts 20 min before last wave) and do 17 min pace and still finish long before the 16 min pace set by the last runner. This runner would be an "official" finisher even though time over 3:30.

Last January at the 1/2, your bib had your corral and wave listed on it. There were people standing at the entry of each corral with the exception of the last one to make sure someone with an F corral didn't enter the A corral. While I am sure there were some that got into a better corral, they are pretty good about keeping you out if you shouldn't be there. I suggest getting as far up in your corral so you cross the start line as soon as possible but if you are going to walk, please stay to one side and don't walk 2 or 3 across if you have friends with you so those behind you can pass. I'm sure you'll do great!!!

 

[MapleGirl]

Thanks for the info! That helps a lot (I'm nervous about being swept in the Half).

Hi Joanna,
I've seen you around the board a bunch. I'm nervous about being swept too! I really want to be an official finisher. I hope I get to meet you on race day!

 

[dislvr74]

I have a friend who is planning to walk the princess half and is really worried about being swept. I think I remember reading that if you can make it to mile 10, you will not be swept even if you slow down. Does anyone know if that is true?

 

[JoanneNC]

Most likely you will have to start in one of the later corrals if you are going to be around the sweep pace. Just make sure you are up near the front of the corral you are assigned. Those are large corrals so the couple of minutes you get by being near the front may make a difference.

If you can jog the first mile or couple of miles and then slow down to a walk that is also another way to build in some time at the beginning. Whether or not you can do this will depend on your ability. Only you know if doing the first 3 miles in a faster jog will come back and bite you later in the race and keep you from finishing.

The only thing I would caution you against is moving up to a corral that you can't realistically run with. I know you don't want to get swept but the people in the corrals that require a proof of time are expecting to run with other people at about the same pace. Until you have had an inexperience runner stop in front of you or slow in pace in the middle of the road you have no idea how dangerous it is to both the faster and slower runner. This may come across as anti-slow runner or anti walker which anyone here will tell you I am not but there is race etiquette that many first timers just don't know. To keep it fun for everyone just obey the basic running etiquette and everyone will have a good time.

As usual great sound advice

 

[syko]

I have a friend who is planning to walk the princess half and is really worried about being swept. I think I remember reading that if you can make it to mile 10, you will not be swept even if you slow down. Does anyone know if that is true?

I think all the sweeping happens outside of a park, as they put a bus across the road and you have to get on if your behind it.

 

[wfloyd]

I have a friend who is planning to walk the princess half and is really worried about being swept. I think I remember reading that if you can make it to mile 10, you will not be swept even if you slow down. Does anyone know if that is true?

For the half marathon the past couple of years, they were sweeping right up to mile 12. After that I think they let everyone finish but were helping to push you along.

Bill