Know Your Pacers

Your Secret Weapon: How to Use Pacers to Crush Your Marathon Goals

The countdown is on! The excitement is building, your training is (mostly) in the bank, and race day is just around the corner. You’ve set a goal—maybe it’s to break a specific time, to finish strong, or simply to enjoy the experience without hitting the dreaded wall.

But how do you translate that goal from a number on your phone into 21.1 kilometers of reality? Enter your new best friends: the Pacers.

This year, we are thrilled to officially introduce the Pacer Program for PHHM! You’ll spot them on race morning holding brightly colored signs with clear, bold numbers: 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2.45, and 3.00. These are not just fast runners; they are experienced, dedicated, and steady guides whose sole job is to help you succeed.

Why Are Pacers a Marathon Game-Changer?

Imagine trying to drive a long distance without a cruise control or a consistent speedometer. You’d likely speed up, slow down, and waste precious energy, arriving far more fatigued than necessary. Running a marathon is the same. Pacers are your human cruise control.

Their importance cannot be overstated:

Pacesetting & Consistency: The number one rule of marathon running is don't go out too fast. It’s the most common rookie mistake. Pacers run with an even, consistent effort, factoring in hills and terrain, to hit a precise negative split (running the second half slightly faster than the first). This prevents you from burning out early.

Mental Liberation: Instead of constantly checking your watch and doing frantic mental math at 15 kilometer, you can simply lock in behind a pacer. This frees your mind to enjoy the crowds, the scenery, and the incredible journey you’re on.

Drafting & Community: Running in a pack behind a pacer reduces wind resistance (a small but valuable saving) and, more importantly, provides a huge psychological boost. You’re surrounded by people with the same goal, sharing the struggle and the triumph. The pacer becomes your motivator, your cheerleader, and your strategist.

How to Use a Pacer: A Runner’s Guide

Seeing a pacer is one thing; using them effectively is another. Here’s your strategy guide for race day:

1. Choose the Right Goal (Be Honest!)

This is the most crucial step. Your pacer should represent a realistic goal based on your training, not a wild, hopeful dream. Look at your long run times and recent shorter race results. If your goal is ambitious, consider starting with the pacer for the time you’re confident you can hit, and then assess how you feel later in the race.

2. Introduce Yourself!

On the morning of the race, find your pacer at the starting corral. Say hello! Tell them your name and your goal. This makes you accountable and helps them know who’s in their group. They’ll often give you tips on how they plan to run the course (e.g., “We’ll take the first two kilometers easy to warm up,” or “There is a big hill at 2nd kilomter, but we’ll stick to effort”).

3. Trust, But Verify.

Pacers are amazing, but they are human. They use GPS watches and are highly experienced, but it’s always good to be vaguely aware of your own pace. Use them as your primary guide, but a quick glance at your own watch now and then for confirmation is fine.

4. Don’t Crowd the Sign.

You don’t have to be literally elbow-to-elbow with the pacer. The entire group running around the pacer will cross the finish line at the same goal time. Find a comfortable spot in the pack where you can see the sign but have room to breathe.

5. Communicate How You’re Feeling.

The best pacers are incredibly perceptive. They’ll often check in with the group. If you’re struggling, tell them. They might have advice on nutrition, form, or mindset to help you through a rough patch. If you’re feeling fantastic, you might decide to push ahead!

6. Remember: They Are a Guide, Not a Chauffeur.

A pacer can’t physically carry you to the finish line. They provide the roadmap and the steady wheels, but your legs still have to do the running. If you have to fall off the pace, listen to your body. It’s better to finish a few minutes slower than planned than to completely blow up.

Meet Your Guides

Our pacers are seasoned marathoners with years of experience. They’ve been chosen for their reliability, their positive attitude, and their passion for helping others achieve their dreams. You can find a full list of our pacers and their goal times on below pages.

21 Kilometer pacers

21 Kilometer pacers

10 Kilometer pacers

10 Kilometer pacers

On race day, look for the high-flying signs and the smiling faces holding them. They are there for you.

So, find your pace, find your pacer, and let’s make this your best marathon yet.

See you at the start line!

चला गढ़ जिंकुया !

What’s your goal time? Share in the comments which pacer you’ll be aiming to run with!