Thanks again to Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders (LMJS) your Marathon and Half Marathon Pace Teams make this one of the most supported events in the country! In addition to LMJS, we are also welcoming On Pace and San Jose-based Too Legit Fitness to further elevate the Pace Team experience.
How can the Pace Team help me?
We have pacers in approximately 10-minute finishing time increments in both the Marathon & Half Marathon. Whether you’re trying to qualify for Boston, hit a new personal best or simply enjoy running The Town with others, the Pace Team is for you.
What are the Pace Groups?
Marathon Finish Goal Time – 3 Hours, 3:10, 3:20, 3:25, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 3:55, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:40, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 6:00
Half Marathon Goal Time – 1 Hour 30 minutes, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50, 3:00
Who is on the Pace Team and how will they “pace” the run?
The Pace Team is composed of experienced runners, many of whom are local to Oakland, who have dedicated their morning to helping you succeed. The goal is that Pacers will be running “even splits,” which means that every mile will be run at approximately the same pace. Exceptions to this will be in the beginning due to the bottleneck at the start and on the miles which may be slightly hilly. Most of the LMJS Pace Groups will not be walking during the marathon. (Traditionally, the pace groups from 4:00 and slower will be walking during fluid stations and specifically the 4:40 pace group will have pacers who run the marathon and pacers who do a run-walk modified version of the marathon for that pace.)
How do I find them at the starting line?
Look for fellow runners in bright red singlets with the On Pace logo as well as pace signs that they’ll be holding for the duration of the run. We recommend that you meet up with your group twenty minutes before the start of your race.
Five or ten minutes before the start, your Pacers will give their “final instructions”. This will include any adjustments being made to the pace due to course conditions, as well as your Pacers’ method of meeting back up and keeping the group together at the fluid stations. This is another great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have!
How do aid stations work with a Pace Group?
You’ll get access to water, gatorade, and GU just like everyone else! Regarding whether the Pace Group will walk or run through it, is up to the Pacer(s). Each Pace Group will let their team know their strategy for getting back together after a water stop. Traditionally, the pace groups from 4:00 and slower will be walking during fluid stations.
What if I feel great and want to run my own race?
We want you to run your own race. If you feel great on race day, and you want to go ahead to catch the next team, we’ll cheer you on. If it’s just not your day, slow down and wait for the next Pace Group behind to catch you. And if you want to just fall in and match strides with your Pacer, we sure will appreciate the company!
Can I meet with the Pace Team prior to the race?
You sure can! Lake Merritt Joggers & Strides has a weekly schedule of training runs. During race weekend, you can also visit the Pace Team booth at the Health & Fitness Expo on Friday & Saturday at Snow Park.
