We will again be offering pace groups led by experienced pacers for a wide variety of times including many of the Boston qualifying standards.  We hope you will find this support useful as you strive to achieve your goals. 
A pace team is a group of runners led by an experienced leader who run together in the marathon. The pace leader runs a steady pace and keeps track of that pace so that the group can achieve their goal of finishing the marathon at a particular time. There are wonderful benefits of running with a pace group. You’ll be supported by a cheerful leader and will be side by side with other runners sharing the same goal as you.
The GO! St. Louis Pace Team promises to provide fun and excitement for both first time, and experienced marathoners looking to reach their running goals - whether that's a personal best, or just getting across the finish line. Below are the answers to a few common questions about the Pace Team.
Click here for Pace Team biographies.

What pace groups will be offered?
Who are the Pace Group Leaders?
What pace group should I be in?
Are there Pace Groups for the Half Marathon?
Is there a cost to participate?
How will the Pacers be running the race?
Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly?  How do they do that!?
How do I meet up with my Pace Team on race morning?
Will we walk through the water stations?
Will there be walking breaks?
Do I have to stay with the team the entire time?
Are the pacers going to run the entire marathon?
What should I do after the race?

What pace groups will be offered?

We will have marathon groups for 3:10 (7:15min/mi), 3:15, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00 and 6:00 (13:44 min/mi) which is the course limit.  Additional groups may be offered so check with the Pace Team at the Expo. Sign-up for pace groups is held at the Expo.

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Who are the Pace Group Leaders?
All of our Pacers have many years of running experience competing in several marathons throughout the country.  They were chosen for their skills which include actual marathon experience, great leadership, ability to motivate, encourage, and MOST IMPORTANTLY, a lot of marathon pacing experience.  They are very experienced marathon pace leaders who will be there for you every step of the way.Click here for Pace Team biographies.

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What pace group should I be in?
The best way to select the proper pace group is to consult the predictive calculator at marathonguide.com.  There you can base your desired finish time on a previous shorter race you’ve completed this season.  It’s very important not to start out to fast in the marathon and to select the proper pace based on your actual previous performance.

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Are there Pace Groups for the Half Marathon?
Absolutely!  Both the full and half marathon start at the same time. We will have (10) ten dedicated half marathon pacers leading goal times of 1:40 (7:38 min/mi), 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20 and 2:30 (11:37 min/mi).  If you would like a different pace then you may also run with the full marathon pacers up to the turn off at mile 9, which would allow goal times of 2:07,2:22 and 3:00 (13:44 min/mi). On race morning just fall in with the group.

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Is there a cost to participate?
The Pace Team is sponsored by GO! St. Louis and doesn’t cost you anything!

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How will the Pacers be running the race?
Every Pace Leader will be holding a steady pace throughout the marathon.  They may slow down a bit going up a hill and speed up a bit going down a hill, but overall they’ll be very even.  These "even splits” are the best way to achieve your peak performance in the race.

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Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly?  How do they do that!?
The Pace Leaders are very experienced and know their pace well.  Sometimes at the start it’s crowded and may take a couple of miles to settle into a steady pace.  Most importantly, they won’t take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.

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Where will my Pace Leader be on race morning?
About 30 minutes before the start we’ll be assembling in the starting area.  Each Pacer will be holding up their pace sign for identification.  About 15 minutes before the start the Pacer will give you some last minute instructions about running with the group.   They will talk about the course, what to do if you need a break, and how to make it through the water stops.  Now is the time to ask any last minute questions you may have.

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Will we walk through the water stations?
The Pacer will usually slow down or walk through the water stops.

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Will there be walking breaks?
No, although the Pacer may walk through water stops. If you have trained with walking breaks or adhere to the Galloway run-walk program, you can 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 race.

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Do I have to stay with the team the entire time?
No you don’t. If you feel great at the start of the race that’s normal and you should stay with the group through the halfway point. Then you can consult with the group leader on an appropriate strategy for the second half of the race. If it's just not your day, slow down, take some walking breaks and work your way to the finish line. If you’re trying to hit a PR the best advice we can give you is to stick next to your pace leader for the whole race.

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

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What should I do after the race?
Stay on your feet, walk around for 15-30 minutes, and eat and drink to replenish your exhausted body. After you’re home, sit down and email your race story to me at PacerJim@hotmail.com. Begin planning for your next marathon. When stopped at the airport metal detector exclaim, “Oh that must be my St. Louis Marathon medal.” Wear your medal to bed.

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© 2008 by James L. Crist. No part of this may be reproduced without permission.