What is a pace team?
A pace team is a group of runners who run together during the Chevron Houston Marathon. They share the same finish time goal (from 3 hours to 6 hours) and help one another stay on pace. Running together gives the group a collective energy and enthusiasm that supports and enhances everybody’s marathon experience.
Who leads the Houston Marathon Veterans Pace Team?
The groups are led by Houston Marathon Veterans, both men and women, with at least 10 years experience running the Chevron Houston Marathon. They'll provide runners with a unique opportunity to interact face-to-face with Veteran runners as well as to experience the camaraderie of a team. The Houston Marathon Veterans Pace Team leaders make sure everyone runs at the right pace and has a good time. They act as each team’s personal coach, cheerleader and guru for the race. Some chant, some sing, and some may struggle just like you. But all of them are experienced marathoners who are running Houston to help each member of their team achieve their goal time.
This year's Pace Team leaders have a combined 1,674 marathon and ultra-marathon finishes and over 645 total years of running experience.
Click here for details about the Pace Team leaders for our 2009 events.
Click here to see your Pace Team leaders for pacer goal times 3:00:00 through 3:50:00.
Click here to see your Pace Team leaders for pacer goal times 4:00:00 through 4:45:00.
Click here to see your Pace Team leaders for pacer goal times 5:00:00 through 6:00:00.
Does this really work?
You bet! The Veterans Pace Team is similar to other pace teams which have successfully led thousand of runners to complete marathons on pace at St. George, Big Sur, Chicago, Marine Corps and all the Rock ‘N Roll races. These participants tell us that the pace teams make the marathon more fun and exciting than they could have imagined.
What paces will the Veterans Pace Team be running?
| Finish Time (hours) |
Pace per mile (min.) |
| 3:00 |
6:52 |
| 3:10 |
7:15 |
| 3:20 |
7:38 |
| 3:30 |
8:00 |
| 3:40 |
8:23 |
| 3:50 |
8:47 |
| 4:00 |
9:09 |
| 4:15 |
9:44 |
| 4:30 |
10:18 |
| 4:45 |
10:52 |
| 5:00 |
11:27 |
| 5:15 |
12:01 |
| 5:30 |
12:35 |
| 6:00 |
13:44 |
|
How can I join?
Just drop by the Veterans Pace Team booth during the Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine EXPO on Friday, January 16, and Saturday, January 17, to get information. (Note: Registration is not mandatory to participate. If you can’t make it to the booth, you’re still welcome to join a pace team on race day.) The Veterans Pace Team booth will have more information and a schedule of when and where the special pre-race orientation clinic with the Veterans will be held.
What goes on at the clinic?
At the clinic, we’ll introduce the Veterans Pace Team members who will lead the pace teams. We’ll go over everything you need to know (like how to find your team on race day morning). Veterans Pace Team personnel will also answer general questions from attendees on race preparation, strategies and other related topics.
How do I meet up with my pace team on race morning?
We’ll have big Veterans Pace Team signs in the start area. All Veteran pacers will be nearby wearing distinctive yellow visors and red singlets and carrying red, white and blue balloons. Plan on getting there approximately 15 minutes before start time to find your team and get organized. All pace team leaders will wear a respective "Pace Goal" sign identifying the goal time for their team.
Are we going to go out right on pace?
More or less. Some pacers go out a little slower the first half of the race and try to do "negative splits." Others go out just a little faster to build some "cushion" just in case people have to slow down at the end. Either way, the idea is to run EVEN. That’s what pacing is all about.
Will we stop at water stations?
Depends on the pacer. Most will at least slow down at the water stations to make sure everyone gets properly hydrated. Some will stop and walk a few meters. Your pace leader will let you know the plan at the clinic and the team strategy will be reviewed before the start of the race.
Will there be walking breaks?
Again, it depends on the pacer. We will be encouraging walking as an important part of the marathon pace team. Most pacers will take walking breaks. Some will stop and walk a few meters at the water stations, for example. Your pace leader will let you know the plan at the clinic and the team strategy will be reviewed before the start of the race.