Pace Groups

2012 Pacer Bios

The Frederick Half Marathon is pleased to announce that the Pace Groups are returning to pace on May 6th, 2012! With pacers who have lots of experience pacing Frederick Marathon in the past and last year’s Frederick Half Marathon, you will be in good hands! By joining a pace group, you will help not only achieve your goals, but have FUN, whether the goal is a personal record or simply to cross the finish line! Our pacers are extremely experienced runners, chosen based upon their previous running and/or pacing performances and know what it takes to hold a steady pace and give you a great half marathon experience! The pacers are dynamic, personable, and dedicated to making sure you have a great time on the course!

Important Highlights about Pace Groups:

• Participation is free to all participants who sign up at the pre-race expo booth in Frederick on 5/5/12. Registration includes completing a release of liability waiver and in return you will be given a pace bib to wear on your back to help identify you to your pacers and group along with a pace band (while supplies last) to wear on your forearm which will alert you of your specific mile goals. THERE WILL BE NO HALF MARATHON DAY SIGN UP FOR PACE GROUPS.
• We will have GEICO Pace Groups for the following half marathon times: 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50.
• 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. Most of the Pace Groups will not be walking during the half marathon. (Traditionally, the slower pace groups may be walking during fluid stations.)
• To meet up with the Pace Groups on half-marathon day, look for them at the start, holding up large signs with the pace group finishing times printed on them, and wearing BRIGHT YELLOW Pace Group shirts. Try to meet up with your group twenty minutes before the start (6:40 a.m.).
• 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!
• Fluid station philosophy, 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.
• 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!
• If you have any questions, please feel free to post them on the  Frederick Pace Group Message Board. This will allow others to share the questions and answers. Or you may e-mail Anne Lewis, the Pace Group Organizer at anne.ensor.lewis@gmail.com