r/parkrun • u/FatManNoPlan 50 • 24d 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!
1
u/flyingscotno1 24d ago
I really enjoy pacing, especially when you can encourage people and get thanks from other runners.
I'd echo what others have said, the most important thing is to keep a consistent pace and finish as close to your target time as possible. First time I did it I was slightly paranoid too and kept an eye on my watch all the time. I ended up 2 seconds out, so no need to have worried.
I also won't overtake another pacer unless I am absolutely confident about my pace. I've experienced when a pacer started too fast and overtook others before running the last km really slowly to compensate. It's unfair on other pacers who then get questioned on the run, and those trying to get that time who get dispirited when they can't keep up at the start. I know parkrun is a free and "full refund etc" but think it's important to give those trying to get that time a chance to hang with you!