Reach Your Goals with the Pace Team
Run with a Pace Team to stay on track and reach your goal. Experienced pacers lead groups at set finish times, offering motivation, consistency, and support from start to finish.
What is the Pace Team?
The Pace Team is a group of runners who run together during the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon to share the same time goal and help each other stay on pace.
Who leads the Pace Team?
The Pace Team is led by experienced marathon runners, both men and women. Pace Team leaders offer runners a fun opportunity to tackle a specific time goal alongside runners experienced in achieving that exact pace!
Using the Pace Team on Race Day
How can I run with a Pace Team during my race?
Just drop by the Pace Team booth at the Houston Marathon Health & Fitness EXPO presented by Houston Methodist to get information. (Note: Registration is not mandatory to participate. If you cannot make it to the booth, you are still welcome to join a pace team on race day.)
What paces will the Pace Team be running?
Chevron Houston Marathon Paces
| Overall time: 2:55 | Per mile: 6:40 | Overall time: 4:00 | Per Mile: 9:10 |
| Overall time: 3:00 | Per mile: 6:52 | Overall time: 4:05 | Per Mile: 9:21 |
| Overall time: 3:05 | Per mile: 7:03 | Overall time: 4:15 | Per Mile: 9:44 |
| Overall time: 3:10 | Per mile: 7:15 | Overall time: 4:20 | Per Mile: 9:55 |
| Overall time: 3:15 | Per mile: 7:26 | Overall time: 4:30 | Per Mile: 10:18 |
| Overall time: 3:20 | Per mile: 7:38 | Overall time: 4:35 | Per Mile: 10:30 |
| Overall time: 3:25 | Per mile: 7:49 | Overall time: 4:45 | Per Mile: 10:53 |
| Overall time: 3:30 | Per mile: 8:00 | Overall time: 4:50 | Per Mile: 11:04 |
| Overall time: 3:35 | Per mile: 8:12 | Overall time: 5:05 | Per Mile: 11:38 |
| Overall time: 3:45 | Per mile: 8:35 | Overall time: 5:20 | Per Mile: 12:12 |
| Overall time: 3:50 | Per mile: 8:46 | Overall time: 5:30 | Per Mile: 12:35 |
| Overall time: 3:55 | Per mile: 8:58 | Overall time: 5:56 | Per Mile: 13:35 |
Aramco Houston Half Marathon Paces
| Overall time: 1:15 | Per Mile: 5:44 | Overall time: 2:45 | Per Mile: 12:35 |
| Overall time: 1:30 | Per Mile: 6:52 | Overall time: 3:00 | Per Mile: 13:44 |
| Overall time: 1:45 | Per Mile: 8:01 | Overall time: 3:30 | Per Mile: 16:02 |
| Overall time: 2:00 | Per Mile: 9:10 | Overall time: 3:56 | Per Mile: 18:01 |
| Overall time: 2:30 | Per Mile: 11:27 |
How do I meet up with my Pace Team on race morning?
All pacers will be nearby, wearing distinctive clothing and will be carrying signs designating their paces. Plan to arrive approximately 45 minutes before the 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 in 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?
This depends on the pace leader. Most pace leaders will at least slow down at the water stations to make sure everyone gets properly hydrated. Some will stop and walk briefly. Your pace leader will share the plan ahead of time, and the team strategy will be reviewed before the start of the race.
Will there be walking breaks?
Again, this depends on the pace leader. 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 briefly at the water stations, for example.
Full-Marathon Pace Team
2:55:00

David Demres
Pair
Running and adventure enthusiast, former collegiate runner and post-collegiate triathlete, father of two, trains with Purple Dragons & friends out of Austin, TX. Running and adventure enthusiast, former collegiate runner and post-collegiate triathlete, father of two, trains with Purple Dragons & friends out of Austin, TX.

Bennett White
Pair
3:00:00
Paul Wells
Solo
Brian Armijo
Pair
3:05:00
Art Sherry
Pair
Luis Felipe Martinez Sanchez
Pair
As a running enthusiast who has completed 13 marathons, I’ll be part of the Houston Marathon pacer team for the second year in a row. Beyond trying to set a personal best, being a pacer is the most rewarding part of running—helping others achieve their goals and dreams is the best experience there is.
3:10:00
Delin He
Solo
Landry Ratliff
Pair

Marc Orantes Bravo
Pair
Go hard or go slow, don’t mind the pace – enjoy it!
3:15:00
Kerry Lee
Solo
3:20:00
Jian Gu
Solo
Brian Fagan
Pair
Brian is a veteran pacer leading the 3:20 group this year. He has run the Houston Marathon 8 times. As a past member of the US National Cycling Team, Brian raced bikes competitively in France and Belgium for 5 years before returning to Texas. He has run numerous trail races and ultramarathons and enjoys pacing races and helping others reach their goals.

Casey Timme
Pair
Wife of 17 years. Mother of 3 (two teenage girls and a little momma’s boy). Pitbull Mom. Manager in Higher Education. 5 Years Sober. Running is a huge part of my life, and CHM has my heart. Been running for 12 years and have been pacing for about 4 years… I absolutely love helping others reach their goals (while having a good time!) – I enjoy running anything from 5k to ultras – Can’t wait to see y’all in January!
3:25:00

Josh Litofsky
Solo

Fabrizio Chiesa
Pair
Stroller Dad! Longtime Runner & Triathlete.
A Houston pace team helped me BQd and since then, I’m giving back!

Rudy Nieto
Pair
3:30:00

Patrick Ritsko
Solo
Rodolfo López
Pair

Andrew Dreher
Pair
This will be my fourth time pacing the Houston Marathon and my tenth overall finish. I grew up in Houston, and I’m excited to show what makes our running community so special while helping others reach their goals.
3:35:00
Brian Mason
Pair
Gustavo Rodriguez
Pair
3:45:00

Chao Li
Pair
3:50:00

Jin Chen
Pair
I’m excited to return as a Chevron Houston Marathon pacer for the second time. I’ve completed multiple Boston, Chicago, and New York City Marathons over the years and love encouraging runners of all abilities. I look forward to helping my pace group stay relaxed, confident, and enjoy every mile to the finish.
Ashok Attaluri
Pair
3:55:00

Paul Lloyd
Pair
My love and passion is helping others achieve their goals with running. I take more pride in that than racing a marathon. I have paced over 20 marathons, and this will be my third year pacing Houston. On July 4th this year, I had the opportunity to celebrate my 50th marathon by pacing for 4 hours. I achieved my goal of completing 50 marathons before age 50. I started running at the end of 2019, and it has changed my life.
4:00:00

Andrew Aguirre
Pair
Paced over 140 events across the world at distances ranging from 15km to 56km. Looking forward to pacing in Houston for the 6th time.
Paul Aleshire
Pair
This will be my 4th time pacing Chevron since 2018! This will be my 18th Chevron and 43rd overall. Stoked to be able to bring runners for a sub-4. Hopefully for their first sub-4!
4:05:00

Heather Cui
Pair
I am excited to return as a Houston Marathon pacer and help runners achieve their race-day goals. A dedicated runner for many years, I have completed all six World Marathon Majors along with numerous other marathons. The 2027 race will mark my 10th Houston Marathon, making it especially meaningful to pace fellow runners through my hometown event.
4:15:00
Tsatsral Battsengel
Pair
The last time I ran, I attempted a Guinness World Record for the “Fastest Marathon Dressed as a Scientist” and achieved it with a finish time of 3:17:23. During my run, the 3:15 pacers helped me reach my goal, and I would like to do the same for other runners. I will be returning from maternity leave, so this pacing opportunity will also motivate me to get back on track after several months of not running. 🙂
4:20:00

Huan Yang
Pair
This year marks my 10th Houston Marathon and my 4th year pacing. I love helping runners achieve their goals and being there to encourage you, especially during those toughest, most exhausting miles.
4:30:00
Devin Brown
Pair

Dmitry Zlotsky
Pair
Late bloomer here. Had the misconception that running is cheap until airline tickets and hotels factored in. It will be my first Chevron and what is a better place to escape North East in January!
4:35:00
Gabriela Gasque (Garza)
Pair
Emily Kozel
Pair
4:45:00
Virginia Araiza
Pair
4:50:00

Scott Hilton
Pair
Was hit with COVID and realized I needed movement in my life. Started out walking and quickly took to running. Didn’t start until late in life, but don’t plan on stopping movement.
Suman Silwal
Pair
5:05:00
5:20:00
Juanita Bowling
Pair

Soumya Ghosh
Pair
I have run 9 marathons so far and some trail races in the Colorado mountains as well. Have always seen selfless contributions from pacers in many races and how they help others reach their goals and dreams. Wanted to give back to the running community with all that I learned through my experiences and wanted to start my pacing journey at a race where I ran my first-ever marathon. Excited to be part of this amazing team and looking forward to meeting everyone here.
5:30:00
5:56:00

Diana Anaya
Pair
I’m Diana Anaya, a retired bilingual educator and a proud member of Houston’s running community. This will be my first time as a pacer, and I’m excited! I’ve completed nine Chevron Houston Marathon Weekend races, including two full marathons, seven half marathons along with numerous 5K, 10K and halves and full marathons in Houston and around the country. Running has become one of my greatest passions and has taught me resilience, discipline, and the importance of community. I love encouraging runners of all levels to believe in themselves and achieve goals they never thought possible. As a youth running coach with the Houston Marathon Foundation for several years, I enjoy giving back to the running community that has given me so much. It’s an honor to help others reach the finish line with confidence, and I’m excited to be part of another unforgettable Chevron Houston Marathon experience.

Stephanie Samuels
Pair
Stephanie Samuels has crossed finish lines on six continents, run ultras, and raced Ironman triathlons, but her favorite miles are always the ones run alongside someone discovering what they’re capable of. A 7-star Abbott World Marathon Majors finisher and Ironman 70.3 athlete, Stephanie is a Supertri Brand Ambassador and fierce champion for women in endurance sports at every age, every size, and every pace. She shows up to remind you that endurance is not a body type; it’s a mindset. And on race day, she’ll make sure you remember that too.
Stay Safe

Robert Key
Pair
This will be my 10th year as the official last starter and finisher of the Chevron Houston Marathon (Stay Safe Pace Team, also known as the Balloon People, Sweepers, or Turtles). It will be my 20th Houston Marathon and 50th marathon overall. I look forward to encouraging as many people as possible at the back of the pack to hopefully help them get a sub-6:00:00 official finish based on their own chip, but more importantly, to help them make course cutoffs and road closures for their own personal safety.

Kristel Villarosa
Pair
This will be my first time pacing with Chevron. I have paced 3 half marathons in the past. This will be my 5th marathon overall. I am very honored to be chosen to pace this type of group because this is many people’s first marathon, and I want to motivate others and push them to what they can do. I also host my own run club called KRISATHON with the mission saying “We Run Judgement Free”. I encourage first-time runners in my run club, see their progress in their running every week, and motivate them (just like I am going to motivate everyone in Chevron). I know that being a stay-safe pacer is what I am meant to do for Chevron, and I hope that my motivation to others will help them finish strong.
Alternates
Liz Ferguson
This will be my third time pacing the Houston Marathon, and I could not be more excited. I absolutely love running! I have run over 62 marathons, and I have a daily running streak that has been going on for over 12 years. Pacing, the team, the crowds, the city fantastic! Helping others achieve their goal of crossing the finish line was amazing! It would be an honor to be a pacer for 2027!
Half-Marathon Pace Team
1:15:00
1:30:00

Troy Eberhart
Solo
Troy Eberhart is an active member of the Houston running community and has completed multiple marathons and half marathons, including being part of pace teams. He’s excited to be part of the pace team again this year to help others reach their goals!
Javier Mere
Pair

Jonathan Owens
Pair
1:45:00

Marx Munoz
Solo
Marx Munoz is an experienced runner with over 25 years of running experience. Over 10 years have been dedicated to pacing with pace teams and races across the nation. Helping and seeing those around him reach their goals is why he does this. Excited to once again be part of the Houston pace team. Known for wearing bunny ears which makes him easy to spot.

Curtis Langley
Pair
CJ Langley is an experienced runner, marathoner, and community leader who has been running for more than 10 years and has completed 14 marathons, including the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon. He currently trains 40–50 miles per week while pursuing a sub-3:00 marathon and has helped runners of all abilities reach their goals through pacing, coaching, and encouragement. As the captain of Black Men Run Charlotte, CJ is passionate about creating a positive race-day experience and helping athletes run confidently from start to finish.

Adam Eller
Pair
I am a Houston half marathon legacy runner who has completed marathons on all 7 continents and the 8 Abbott World Majors. Excited to pace this year and help other runners achieve their goals.
2:00:00
Fabiana Manzo
Pair
2:15:00

Yannie Song
Pair
I have been running marathon for over 10 years, and accomplished 5 Abbort Major Marathon Runs and many other full and half marathon runs. Now, I’m more enjoying the half marathon pacer run to help other runners to achieve their goals. I particularly love the Houston Marathon as a pacer.
Laura Toro
Pair
2:30:00
Pam Matula
Pair
I have been running long-distance races for over 25 years, completing close to 100 half marathons, 4 full marathons, and 2 100-mile ultra marathons. I have been pacing half marathons for 3 years and absolutely love supporting the running community! This will be my third time pacing Aramco, and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of this wonderful event to encourage and support the runners.
Brooke Romine
Pair
2:45:00
Hung Nguyen
Pair
I ran my first Houston marathon in 2000. I also did 3 Ironman races. However, running is still my favorite sport. In 2012, I paced the Houston Marathon to help other runners to achieve their goals. It makes me happy when I see their smiling faces at the finish line. Then I realized that pacing is what I would like to do. Since then, I have been a pacer for various full and half marathons. To me, it is one way to give back to the running community.

John Moss
Pair
I have been running for most of my life, and my PRs are far behind me. Now I enjoy helping others accomplish their goals, be it a first-time finish or a time goal. I’m looking forward to sharing some miles with y’all. I have been running for most of my life, and my PRs are far behind me. Now I enjoy helping others accomplish their goals, be it a first-time finish or a time goal. I’m looking forward to sharing some miles with y’all.
3:00:00

Molly McGuire
Pair
Molly McGuire has completed several marathons and achieved the milestone of completing a half or full marathon in all 50 states, while continuing her journey toward 100 lifetime half marathons. A proud member of Native Women Running, Molly embraces running as a pathway to resilience, personal growth, and connection. Through each race and every mile, she hopes to inspire others to pursue their own goals and discover what they are capable of achieving.

Sara Rendon
Pair
Over the years, I have completed more than 26 marathons and paced numerous races. I enjoy encouraging runners, helping them stay positive through the tough miles, and celebrating their accomplishments as they reach their goals. Whether it’s providing motivation, sharing a smile, or offering support when it’s needed most, I strive to make race day a positive and memorable experience for every runner.
3:30:00

Shannon Powers
Pair
I enjoy volunteering at running/walking/race events both to encourage folks and to be inspired. I hope to convey the message : “It’s not how fast you run, or even whether you run or walk, but what’s most important is to get out there and do your best.”
Kenneth Lettre
Pair
I’ve paced over 50 races – both Full & Half Marathons. I love helping our runners meet their goals! Let’s Run!
3:56:00

Michel Alfarone
Pair
We are a party pace and bring up the rear of the race!!!

Kathleen Dreher
Pair
I love the smiles at the finish when goals are met.
4:00:00
Liz Garcia
Pair
Casey Blades
Pair

Reecie Lynn
Pair
I have completed over 200 races in just under 3 years, in all distances except a full marathon. I love challenging myself and motivating others. A mile is a mile, no matter what the pace.
Alternates

Yuka McKnight
I’ve ran houston full marathon last 4 years. I love traveling and running. I’m excited to be a pacer for the Houston Half Marathon 2027!
Kristie Barbee
I have run more than 30 marathons and almost as many half marathons. I manage a local run club with the aim of getting a ton of runners ready for the marathon or half marathon start line. I am new to official pacing, but have been called into duty for more than a few friends wanting to hit specific half marathon race goals. Looking forward to a stellar half in 2027.
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