Marathon pace team helps runners achieve time goals Published Sept. 11, 2008 By Chris McGee 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- Runners targeting a certain time goal or just seeking additional encouragement and motivation in running the Air Force Marathon's full or half marathon course here Sept. 20 can get a boost from the marathon's pace team. The pace team is a group of 17 experienced marathon runners who coach and encourage other runners during the full or half marathon, helping them to achieve targeted times and to run at an appropriate pace. Pace times for the full marathon in hours and minutes are 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00. Half marathon pace times are 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20 and 2:30. Jim Crist, who has run 44 marathons and currently runs 40 to 50 miles a week, is the organizer and director of the Air Force Marathon pace team. He has been organizing pace teams for marathons for six years, with this being the fourth year to have a pace team at the Air Force Marathon. "The pace team runs each mile at an exact pace to provide a guide for the runners who might normally run unevenly," Mr. Crist said. "Those leading the pace team provide direction to new runners on hydration and nutrition during the race. They cheer, support and encourage the runners in their respective groups to help them achieve their goals." Pace leaders are experienced marathoners who maintain an exact per-mile average pace to help runners achieve peak performance and avoid burning up too much energy early. Normally, it can take the first one to two miles to settle into a steady pace, particularly as the field of runners thins, but the pace leaders draw on their experience and knowledge to help runners finish at their targeted time. Runners interested in running with the pace team can visit the team's booth at the Sports and Fitness Exposition to be held at the Ervin J. Nutter Center at Wright State University Sept. 18 from noon to 7 p.m., and Sept. 19 from noon to 8 p.m. "We encourage runners to stop by our booth at the expo and discuss their race goals with us," Mr. Crist said. "They can sign up and receive a name bib for their shirt so they are identified as running with the pace team. There's no additional cost involved." Runners looking for their respective pace team leaders can find them assembling at the starting line about 30 minutes before the race. Each pace leader will hold a sign identifying the group. As pace team director, Mr. Crist usually is not hard to find. He's the tall runner with red spray-painted hair, making him easy to identify. He said the pace team normally works with three types of runners. "First, we get the newbies who have never run the full or half marathon distance, and they enjoy the confidence that running with an experienced coach provides," he said. "Second, we have runners trying to qualify for the Boston Marathon by beating a specified goal standard for their age and gender. Third, we have experienced marathoners that just run with us for the company because it is more enjoyable to run in a group when you are out running for several hours." For more information on running with the pace team, visit the Air Force Marathon Web site at www.usafmarathon.com and look under the race information tab. Comment on this story (comments may be published on Air Force Link) View the comments/letters page