NYRR Pace Team
For runners who have a time goal to complete a race, pacers can be a great resource to achieve that goal. The NYRR Pace Team is proud to provide pacers, free of cost, at all of our races from 10 miles through the marathon. Our Pace Team members are veterans who know the courses and New York City. They have the experience to help you finish your race at your goal pace, whether you’re running your first race or trying to set a new personal record.
What is a pacer?
A pacer or sometimes called a bus driver, is an experienced runner who runs a set pace per mile to help others accomplish their time goals.
The runner is free to focus on running, hydration, and nutrition; leaving the pacing to the pacer.
Proven Results
The NYRR Pace Team has an average success rate of 96.5%, making them some of the best pacers in the world. A successful pacer means the pacer finished the race between 1-30 seconds under goal time with 10 seconds over or under pace at the halfway point. Here are some 2023 race stats:
- NYRR Fred Lebow Half Marathon – 100% success rate
- United Airlines NYC Half – 95% success rate
- REAL SIMPLE Women’s Half Marathon – 100% success rate
- RBC Brooklyn Half – 90% success rate
- New Balance Bronx 10 mile – 95% success rate
- NYRR Staten Island Half – 100% success rate
- TCS New York City Marathon – 91% success rate
How It Works
How do I find a pacer on race day?
The pacers will be in or near their corrals roughly 15 to 20 minutes before the start of the race. This will give you a chance to talk to them, learn more about the race plan, and ask questions. They'll be wearing blue-and-white striped singlets, and will be carrying signs that show the pace and finish time that their group plans to run.
How will I know which pacer is right for me?
The pacer groups are assigned different finish times to meet the goals of different runners. To determine your goal time, use your past races, recent long training runs, and current fitness. A good rule of thumb for beginners is to start at the pace of your longest run during your race buildup. You can then accelerate during the later stages of the race if you feel strong.
Will the pacer run an even pace from start to finish?
The pacers will be starting out conservatively, so that runners don’t go out too fast. Over the course of the race, the pacers will run at a consistent effort, rather than a precisely even pace, to allow for variations in the course, such as hills. They will be running very close to an even pace, on average, for the entire race.
Will the pacers use the run/walk method? What about the water and aid stations?
The pacers have different styles and employ different methods, but they'll all plan to run, not walk, the entire race. They will take into account the congestion at water stations.
Get to Know Our Pacers
NYRR has 200+ pacers that help runners reach their time goals ranging from 10 miles to the marathon distance. Meet three of our pacers and read their thoughts on being an NYRR Pace Team member.
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More Answers From Our Pacers
How can a pacer help runners achieve their goals?
Justin Wood
"Pacers help runners by setting expectations of how evenly they're planning on running, creating a jovial and relaxed environment before and during the race, providing helpful running tips throughout the race, and of course, riling up the crowd(s) for the runners!"
Elaine Acosta
"Pacers set the pace, maintaining even splits, to help runners stay steady and not go out too fast or fall behind. Running in a pack, everyone bonds a bit and helps each other out. We tell stories for those who want a little distraction. Pacers keep things positive. We encourage and support you along the way. We know the course and give a heads up on water stations and gels. We remind you to fuel. We help with mental strategies when things get tough."
Jo Blackmore
"I think it’s important to introduce yourself in the starting corral and let runners know what your strategy is, so they know if it will work for them. (Will we be stopping at the water tables, will we take a walk break when we drink, what will happen if they need to use the portaloo, etc.) Keep your runners informed on whether we’re on pace, a little fast (or a little slow) so they can decide if they need to adjust their pace too. And above all, be encouraging! It’s always so great to see runners give a last big push for the finish line and finish ahead of the pacer."
How do I become an NYRR Pace Team member?
If you would like to be part of the NYRR Pace Team, email paceteam@nyrr.org. All new pacers will go through a 4-week virtual training program in order to join the team.
What is required of NYRR Pace Team members?
The NYRR Pace Team is comprised of experienced runners in the NYC area who volunteer their time to help other runners achieve their race goals. We look for runners who meet the following requirements:
- Have finished a minimum of 3 marathons or 5 half marathons.
- Familiar with the course of the race you would like to pace by running that course a minimum of 3 times.
- Have finished a marathon within the last 2 years in a time of at least 30 minutes faster than the pace group you wish to lead or have finished a half marathon within the last year in a time of at least 15 minutes faster than the time of the pace group you wish to lead.
- Proven fitness by running a road race of 10K or longer within the last 3 months.