ClifSHOT Pace Teams

The Clif SHOT Pace Teams promise to provide fun and excitement for both first time and experienced marathoners looking to reach their running goals - whether it be a PR or just getting across the finish line. Below are the answers to a few common questions about pacing and being paced. For more information on the pace leaders, visit www.clifbar.com/paceteams

How were the Pacers chosen?
All of our Pacers were chosen because of their serious, multi-marathon experience, as well as their past, proven successes as Pace Team leaders for several marathons throughout the country. All of the Pacers have both competitive marathoning and pacing backgrounds. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and know from past experience exactly what it takes to help you have a great marathon experience.

What pace groups will be offered?
Groups will be lead to finish the marathon in the following times: 3:10; 3:20; 3:30; 3:40; 3:50; 4:00; 4:15; 4:30; 5:00; 5:30.

Is there a cost to participate?
Participation is free to all registered marathon participants.

What pace per mile will we run?
We will be running "even splits," which means that every mile will be run at approximately the same pace. The first mile is always slow due to the bottleneck at the start. Also, if the marathon that you're running includes a challenging set of hills or a rough few miles somewhere within the course, your Pacer may use their discretion in slightly adjusting the pace to account for that. Your Pacer will always be happy to share their race strategy prior to the race. You are welcome to contact your Pacer via email before the race, as well as at the pre-race expo. (Email addresses are provided on each Bio page.) Our goal is to run continually even splits, and when course conditions prevent this, we will make up any lost time over the entirety of the race, not over one or two miles.

Are we going to go right out on pace?
Our goal is to get right out on pace, however, because the first mile is always crowded, this is frequently not possible. Any time lost to a slow start will be made up slowly over the remaining miles. We will not definitely not take you out too fast.

Can I get a Pace Band as well?
CLIF SHOT Pace Bands will be available to all participants in each marathon, whether you choose to run with our groups or not. Your Pace Band will note even split mile times, so if you should lose the group for some reason, you can help yourself stay on pace. Pace Bands can be picked up at the Clif SHOT Pace Team booth at the race expo.

What goes on at the Pace Team clinics?
At the clinics during the Expo, you'll get another chance to meet the Pace Leaders, hear their individual race strategies, and get any questions you have answered. Pacers will also be available throughout the day at the CLIF SHOT Pace Team booth during the Expo.

How do I meet up with my Pace Team on race morning?
We'll be as close to the starting line as we can get, lined up on either the right or left hand side of the street (we'll let you know which side at the expo) in order of our finishing times. We'll be holding up large signs with our goal finishing times printed on them and we'll be wearing our CLIF SHOT Pace Team singlets, both of which will be displayed at the CLIF SHOT Pace Team booth when you sign up. Try to meet up with your group fifteen minutes to half an hour before the start.

Five or ten minutes before the start, your Pacer will give their "final instructions." This will include any adjustments being made to the pace due to course conditions, as well as your Pacer's method of keeping the group together after the water stops. This also provides a final opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have!

All members of a team will receive a special race number with their finishing time (or name, if it's more comfortable for you) when signing up. Make sure you wear this bib on your back, as it will help you and other members of your team stick together - and let your Pacer know to watch out for you!

Will we walk through the water stations?
Most Pacers will run through the water stations and maintain pace. Each Pacer will let the team know their strategy for getting back together after a water stop - a raised hand in the air, staying off to a certain side of the road, etc. Groups over 4:30 may slow down or walk through the stops depending upon the group. Be sure to check with your Pacer if this is extremely important to you.

Will there be walking breaks?
Your Pacer will maintain even splits right through the water stops. However, we want you to run your own race! If you have trained with walking breaks or adhere to the Galloway run-walk program, please feel free to use the group and Pace Leader as a guide. Since even splits will be maintained throughout, you will be able to take walk breaks yourself (or with a group within the group that chooses to), and still spend a majority of the race in the presence of your Pacer, as you will continually "meet up" over the course of the mile.

Do I have to stay with the team the entire time?
Absolutely not. 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 team behind to catch you. And if you want to just fall in and match strides with your Pacer, we're sure to appreciate the company!

Are the pacers going to run the entire marathon?
Yes, absolutely.

I still have more questions. Can I contact the Pace Team leaders themselves?
Each Pace Leader has an e-mail account set up specifically for the Pace Team members to use. Feel free to email any of our Pacers with any of your questions, any time. Consult the Pace Leader biography pages to find out who will be pacing your goal group at your intended marathon, and get in touch with that Leader at their given e-mail address. We look forward to hearing from you, and making your next marathon your best ever!