Frequently Asked Questions About the NCRC Pace Team

What is a Pace Group?

A Pace Group is a number of runners staying together to achieve a time goal. Each group is lead by a Pacer who will help the group encourage each other to hit even splits on their way to hitting their target time.

Who are the Pacers?

The 2009 Pace Groups for the Marathon and Half Marathon will be paced by runners with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. We have runners from teams such as Raleigh Running Outfitters, The Athlete's Foot and Inside-Out Sports. We've got several runners who have won overall titles and many who regularly place in their age groups at local and regional events. Overall our team is comprised of experienced runners who look forward to helping you meet your running goals. Think of them as your coach-on-the-run!

Do I need to sign up for a Pace Team?

No. We encourage you to drop by the NCRC Pace Team table to sign up at the expo or simply find the leader of your pace group in the starting corral holding a sign with your target finish time.

Is there a cost to participate with a pace group?

Nope. Running with a Pace Group is free. This is a service offered by NCRC to promote the sport of running.

What if I sign up and then change my mind about being in a Pace Group?

You're not required to run with a Pace Group. We're merely another resource available to help you with your race goal.

What pace per mile will we run and how do they keep the pace consistent?

We will be running even splits to maintain a consistent effort throughout the course. However, hills may cause variations in mile splits, so your Pace Group Leader will make up the time over several miles instead of rushing to pick time up over a short distance. Your leader will exercise their judgement in maintaining consistent time targets throughout the race.

Are we going to go right out on pace?

For the most part, yes. It will take a while for the crowd at the start to thin out enough to keep an even pace. One of the primary advantages of running with a Pace Group is to help keep yourself on track in the beginning section of the race instead of getting caught up in the excitement and burning out early.

How do I meet up with my Pace Team on race morning?

The Pace Group Leaders will line up in the starting corral in order of their target finish time. Look for the sign they'll be carrying with the target finish time on it. Get there early enough to introduce yourself and get last minute instructions on race strategy and conditions.

What will the Pacer do at the water stations?

Most Pacers will run through the water stations. However, it will be up to the individual Pacer as to the strategy for handling the water stations. Be sure to check with your Pacer before the start of the race to find out their particular strategy for moving through the water stations. If you walk through the water stations you can catch back up to your group gradually. Do not sprint to catch up as this will waste energy.

Will there be walking breaks?

No. There will not be walk breaks. If you have trained with walk breaks continue with that strategy and catch up with your Pace Group when you start running again.

Do I have to stay with the Pacer for the entire race?

No. Pay attention to the conditions and your own race strategy and run with the group as you see fit.