How to find our pacers at the start
There'll be a pacer for each time band at both the blue and red starts. Each pacer will be in the start pen that corresponds to their target pace (see below), and they'll be holding up big boards showing their times.
The picture on the right shows the RW Pace Team at the Hastings Half-Marathon - holding boards to match 13.1 mile target times.
Our pacers will be in the following start pens:
- 6:52/mile - pen number 1
- 8:00/mile - pen number 3
- 9:00/mile - pen number 5
- 10:00/mile - pen number 7
- 11:00/mile - pen number 9
- Get-you-round - pen number 9
(The pen positions above are based on last year. They should be the same each year, but do check at our Marathon Expo stall beforehand - you'll find us at stand 148).
If the time you predicted when you applied for the marathon is different from the actual time you want to hit with a pace group, you may find you've been allocated to a different start pen from your pacer. You'll have to go to your allotted pen and aim to meet the pace group as you run.
Who are the pacers?
Our pacers are experienced Runner's World staff and friends. Some of them have been helping runners hit their time targets since we first paced the London Marathon in 1998.
Find out what the iconic race is like from the other side with our pacer's story.
Our timings and what they mean
Our pacers will be starting their watches at the start line. Why? Because your official race time is calculated from when you cross the start rather than when the gun is fired. It's good news for the pacers - it means they don't have to run extra-fast to make up the time they took to cross the start line - but it does mean that if you start before a pacer and then hold back to join them, you might not clock the official time you want. In this instance, we'd recommend you check with the pacers to see how the time on your watch compares with the time on theirs.
How do I behave in the pacing group?
Discover the dos and don'ts of running in a pacing group and find out more about the RW Pace Team's 14-year legacy.
Ask us more...
Don't hesitate to email us if you have any more questions. Better still, drop by our stand at the London Marathon Expo
or listen to our presentation (see below for details) before the race. The stand will always be manned, and members of the pacing team will be there in person as often as possible. See you there - and good luck!
Expo Pacing Presentation
We'll be explaining our London Marathon pacing service and answering all your questions at the London Marathon Expo. Listen to our presentation on the following days:
Wed: 11.50, 14.30, 15.55, 17.55
Thurs: 11.40, 14.00, 15.30, 17.30
Fri: 11.20, 14.05, 15.55, 17.35
Sat: 10.20, 12.40, 15.00
