New incentive for Air Force marathon runners Published Aug. 22, 2005 By Brett Turner 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) -- The Air Force Marathon will feature an incentive for participants in the Sept. 17 event. Pace teams will be available to help marathon runners in the 26.2-mile race.Pace team members are athletes who help make sure runners do not burn out, go out too fast or run sporadically over the length. They can also lend encouragement and advice."This helps us make sure we are running a first-class marathon," said Molly Louden, Air Force Marathon director. "We're trying to give all the help we can and having a pace team available brings us closer to being that first-class marathon."The pace team may also be valuable for people with goals of qualifying for big events such as the Boston Marathon, Ms. Louden said.There is no cost to use the pace team. Runners can sign-up at the pace team’s booth at the marathon's Sports and Fitness Exhibition on Sept. 15 and 16 at Wright State University's Ervin J. Nutter Center.Pace time groups available will include 3 hours 20 minutes; 3:30; 3:40; 3:50; 4:00; 4:15; 4:30; 4:45; and 5:00. Each group will have its own pace leader.Pace groups will assemble about 30 minutes before the race in the starting area. Pace leaders will give a briefing about what to expect.Runners do not have to stay with a pace group throughout the entire race. Group leaders can be consulted if they think a runner would be fine outside the group. There is no limit to the number of people who can sign up for a pace group. (Courtesy of Air Force Materiel Command News Service)