Join one of our 2010 Pacing Groups

We've been pacing runners round UK races - including the London Marathon - since 1998. Here's where to find us in 2010

Posted: 7 January 2010

What's pacing?

What?! You don't know about our pacing groups? Then you've never had the luxury of forgetting all about responsibility in a race or training run, and simply following one of the experienced Runner's World pacers to hit your target pace.

We take care of the pace estimates and the mile splits; you put in the training and turn up on the day for a great run. The groups vary from sub-3:00 marathon pace to run-walk at the Virgin London Marathon, so there's a group for everyone. All you need is a race number, so make sure you enter the races well in advance . It's a friendly, flexible arrangement, and you don't have to run with us all the way.

Who are the pacers?

The pacers are experienced Runner's World staff and running friends; many of them have been helping runners hit their time targets since we first paced the London Marathon in 1998.

Where do we do it?

Our main pacing teams are geared towards the Virgin London Marathon - we have six pairs of pace leaders there. We also offer you a chance to test your pace and see how our pacing groups work at various build-up races and training runs throughout the spring. Look out for the Runner's World stand at these events too - your chance to come and chat to the team before and after the race.

February 2010
When is it?	What is it?	Why should you do it?
Sunday 21	Great North West Half-Marathon	Two-lap half-marathon stretching between the North Pier and Little Bispham, whose flat, out-and-back promenade route combine to give the course cracking PB potential. Pace groups at 7-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-minute miling. Enter now
March 2010
Sunday 14	adidas Flora London Half-Marathon	The Virgin London Marathon's official half-marathon - at the Silverstone Grand Prix Motor Racing Circuit, Northants. Pace groups at 7-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-minute miling. For more information click here.
Sunday 21	Hastings Half-Marathon	Popular coastal half whose 5,000-strong field is perfect for those seeking experience of running in crowds. It's also famed for its carnivalesque atmosphere, rowdy spectators and course-side entertainment. Pace groups at 7-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-minute miling. Enter now
Sunday 29	Liverpool Half-Marathon	Starting and finishing in the heart of the city centre, the course takes runners on a whirlwind tour of Liverpool's newly developed waterfront. Pace groups at 7-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-minute miling. Enter now
April 2010
Sunday 25	Virgin London Marathon	One of the world's greatest marathons - though if you haven't entered already, you'll only be able to get a place by fundraising for a charity. Pace groups at 7-, 8-, 9-, 10- and 11-minute miling, and run-walk. Find out more at our special London pacing page.

What next?

Find out more in our pacing Q+A or visit our Virgin London Marathon pacing page. See you there!

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Discuss this article

Gerald Gresham-Cooke

PLEASE could the Pacers hold their Boards up high throughout the race, if poss.

The last race I rang the Pacer let the Board hang from his shoulders & thus, after a few seconds, I could not see it . It was therefore no use to anybody.

Gerald G C

Posted: 11/01/2010 at 10:58

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