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.
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.