the dreaded sweepers!

[hjic15102]

Hi everyone. I'm walk/running my first race on my 61st birthday January 12th. Like many others I fear the dreaded sweepers. Do the sweepers follow the race at the 16 minute pace so you see them coming or proceed directly to the next sweep point to be there to sweep when the time is appropriate? Also is there any way to know at what time the last racer crosses the start so we know when they start "sweeper" time?
Good luck to all!

 

[Maherae]

hjic15102!! You are going to have a blast! The sweeper times "guideline" was posted in the program last year. Unfortunately, there's no way to know what time the last athlete crosses the start. There will be clocks/people calling out time at each mile. That time is what has elapsed since the gun went off, though, NOT from when you crossed the start. So, you need to look at your watch, check the start clock (although at two WDW races I didn't see a start clock..) when YOU cross the start. When you get to the mile markers, remember to add those minutes to the time to see that you are ahead of a 16 minute pace. I know, it takes being able to do math in your head, while trying to keep a forward motion..

Some of us print out "Pace bands" to wear on your wrist. At DL, my first 1/2, I had written the sweeper times on the inside of my arm in black marker!! Here's a link for the pace bands:
http://www.marathonguide.com/fitnesscalcs/PaceBandCreator.cfm

I'll be cheering for ya!!

 

[hjic15102]

Thanks for the reply. I actually have three pace bands ready. 6:25, 6:30 and 6:35 At my age you try to plan ahead for everything.

Now I still need to know will I see the sweeper coming up behind me or might they be ahead waiting for me.

My wife and I are confident we can maintain a 15:15-15:30 pace but am trying to allow for congested start, potty breaks (we tend to take more at our age. She just turned 60 on Dec. 27) and any other unexpected occurences.

 

[MrsTrx]

I have been swept 3 times and they were all different:

1) DW 2006 1st try at the marathon too slow-had no idea. There is a 16 min pacer...he passed me while I was in the potty. I was totally clue-less. The vans were at the sweep point and you got on. Very business-like attitude.
2) DL 2006 1/2 Marathon Was swept at 10 minute point by rude, uncaring, and incorrect "people" they swept me 5 minutes before the official sweep time. They called the cops on bikes if you refused to get on the bus. We spoke with the people in charge....I got "we're very sorry, but we can't put you back on the course, here's your medal"
3) DW 2007 I knew my chances of finishing the marathon were slim...my training had been poor, and i had been ill. I saw the pacer but just couldn't catch up. The sweepers were very encouraging and friendly.They allowed me time to move up so I wasn't in last place before the swept me. They kept saying the van is here any time you want to get on....but at 6.2 miles that option was taken from me.

All Three times were different. There is a 16 min pacer with balloons and flags,they are the last people to cross the finish line. Keep your eyes open. It helps that you'll be with a group so they can keep an eye out while you are taking care of business and not get suprised. I'm sure you will be fine, enjoy the "ride". I'll be cheering this year for the half and the full... my husband and son are "goofy" this year.