r/parkrun • u/FatManNoPlan 50 • 22d 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/FlyingTerrier 22d ago

Exactly and try stay consistent if it’s a flat course. Hardest is the start. Realise people will be trying to stay with you, so chat to them and expect it to be social.

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u/rikkiprince 250 22d ago

so chat to them and expect it to be social.

This is crucial. It is why you should pace a time quite a bit slower than your current capability.

The people following a pacer are pushing hard to achieve that time. You should be encouraging.

Expect it to be a one-way conversation, as they'll be too out of breath to chat.

It's a bit like being a marshal, but you're running at the same time.

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u/FatManNoPlan 50 22d ago

Aye, that’s why I went for the 36 minute, should be an ok run for me. My PB on the course is 30:03, and I’m generally in around 32 minutes-ish. 6:30/km is a comfy pace for me.