What is the role of a pacer and who can be a pacer in a running event?
In running events today, we often hear the term “pacer” used to describe those who help runners achieve specific time goals. However, according to Dr. Sunita Godara, the 1992 Asian Marathon Champion, this isn’t entirely accurate. She suggests we should use the terms “Bus” or “Lead Captain” for these roles, and reserve “Pacer” for elite runners in record-breaking events.
Dr. Sunita emphasizes the importance of organizing events correctly. Using “Pacer” for guiding runners in events like a 3-hour 21km half marathon is wrong. She believes that if you’re a runner, you should understand these basic distinctions.
“Even big brands are using the wrong words for these roles,” she says, “and they should fix this.” Dr. Sunita believes in using the right words in running events to keep things clear and accurate.
Lead Captain in Marathon Events
In a running event like a marathon or half marathon, a lead captain is an experienced runner who sets a specific pace for a group of participants. The primary role of a lead captain is to guide and assist runners in achieving their desired finish time or target pace. Lead captains help create a consistent and controlled running experience by maintaining a steady speed throughout the race.
Responsibilities of a Lead Captain:
-
Setting the Pace: Lead captains ensure that the group of runners maintains a consistent pace throughout the race, often slightly faster than the target time to account for course variations and aid station stops.
-
Offering Guidance: Lead captains provide encouragement, support, and motivation to runners within their group. They may share tips on maintaining proper form, hydration strategies, and mental focus.
-
Time Management: Lead captains help runners manage their time effectively, making sure they reach crucial milestones and aid stations within the desired time frame.
-
Monitoring Effort: Lead captains gauge the overall effort and well-being of their group, making necessary adjustments to maintain the target pace. They may also provide guidance on when to conserve energy and when to push harder.
-
Answering Questions: Lead captains are knowledgeable about the race course, logistics, and pacing strategies. They are available to answer questions and provide advice to runners throughout the event.
Selection Criteria:
The organizers review the applications received and assess candidates based on various factors, including their running experience, pacing abilities, and social media influence.
Lead captains play a crucial role in running events, typically selected by the organizing team to guide participants in achieving their desired finish time or target pace. While experience in pacing is commonly preferred, there are events like Thrill Zone’s races, such as the Dehradun Half Marathon 2024 (6th Oct), Punjab Half Marathon 2024 (10th Nov), and Lucknow Half Marathon 2024 (1st December) that provide opportunities for runners who have never paced before to apply as lead captains.
Evolution of Lead Captain Selection:
Traditionally, lead captains were assigned time goals to assist beginner runners in completing the race within a specified time. However, the selection criteria for lead captains have evolved. Some event organizers now consider factors such as social media presence and influencer status when choosing lead captains. This shift is driven by the desire to have lead captains who can not only guide runners but also leverage their influence to promote the event and attract more registrations.
Registration Fees for Lead Captains:
In the past, becoming a lead captain for half marathon or marathon events typically didn’t require any registration fee. It was free registration by the organizers. With a limited number of lead captains available within the running community, offering free registration was an effective way to attract experienced runners who could guide and motivate participants to achieve their marathon goals.
However, as the popularity of running events has grown and the number of individuals interested in becoming lead captains has increased, organizers have begun to implement changes to the lead captain registration. Nowadays, some organizers have started to introduce a registration fee as one of the criteria for applying to be a lead captain.
Charging lead captains a fee to register shows how things are changing in the running world. Since there are many people who want to be lead captains in different races, organizers might need to add a small fee for applying, this may apply, may be after a few years later. This helps them handle applications better and makes sure the lead captains are serious about their role.
Lead Captains: Supporters, Not Competitors:
Lead captains help runners reach their goals and are not eligible for winning prizes in overall or age categories. Their role is to guide, not to compete.
Summary:
Lead captains in marathon events are experienced runners who guide participants to achieve specific finish times. They maintain a steady pace throughout the race, offering guidance, motivation, and support. While traditionally there was no registration fee for lead captains, some organizers now charge a fee to ensure commitment and seriousness. This change reflects the increasing demand for pacing roles and aims to improve the quality of pacing teams. Despite the fee, the primary goal remains to assist runners in reaching their targets and enhancing the overall event experience.
