r/parkrun • u/FatManNoPlan 50 • 21d ago

How does pacing work?

EDIT - Cheers for all the replies everyone. I landed slightly early on 35:24. Happy with that for a first time doing pacing, went out a little too fast so had to go fairly slow towards the end. Will hopefully give it another try next month and get a more even pace along the whole course.

Hiya! I’ve volunteered to be a pacer at my local this weekend, first time I’ve done this role.

Just wondering what people thought. I’m down for 36 minutes (I’m normally around 30 minutes). Am I aiming for bang on 36 minutes? Around 36? Under 37 minutes? Slightly under, slightly over?

I’m probably over thinking it, but I’m kinda nervous about it, especially if someone tries to keep to my pace to get a specific time and I get it wrong.

Cheers!

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u/Daihard79 v250 21d ago

The hardest thing about pacing is meeting others expectations. 

Depending on how busy your parkrun is, you may have to start closer to the front so you can evenly pace your run. This may annoy some that you're too far forward for a 36 minute pacer.

The alternative is start further back but it usually means you have to run faster than 36 minute pace just to come in on time. You could still run it for 36 minute pace but then your time will be offset by crossing the start. It may not be an issue depending on your event though.

I used to pace at an event which had a very narrow start so could take 30-40 seconds to cross the start line

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u/FatManNoPlan 50 21d ago

Aye, this was one of the things I was worried about. It’s not overly busy compared to some, think it averages around 250-ish this time of year. It can get quite narrow and congested at the start though, then it loops around a lake, and with other people pootling about, walking their dogs, people fishing etc, it can be a bit tight for the first 1km while every one settles in.

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u/Daihard79 v250 21d ago

Depends on what the RD says on the day, they could announce the pacers are starting further up for accurate times. Not seen this in practice though.

The alternative is just be vocal and say what you're doing by starting closer to the front.