PACING

Are you looking to run your personal best?

Run with a Pace Team on race day to achieve your goal! Experienced Pace Team Leaders will help you meet your half marathon performance goals and are available for free to all runners.

Pace Team Leaders are proudly supplied and managed by The Runner’s Edge Training Program.

Our pacing teams offer these finishing times:

1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30, 2:35, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, 3:00, 3:10, 3:20, 3:30

PACING FAQ

Why should I run with a Pace Team?
Running with a Pace Team is a fun way to run with a group and accomplish a specific time goal. Pace Team Leaders are experienced half marathoners who will encourage you throughout the race and help you achieve your performance goal. Their objective is to help you have a great time while running a great time! 

What is the cost of joining a Pace Team?
Running with a Pace Team is free!

Which Pace Team should I join? 
Choose a pace that reflects your training and ability level and allows you to run at a comfortable pace throughout the Hospital Hill Run Half Marathon. If you can’t decide between two paces (for example, 1:55 and 2:00), it is recommended that you start with a slower pace, as you can always pick it up later in the race.

What is the actual pace per mile for the different Pace Teams?
The list below shows Pace Team times and corresponding average pace per mile times:
Overall Time: 1:25 Per Mile: 6:29
Overall Time: 1:30 Per Mile: 6:52
Overall Time: 1:35 Per Mile: 7:15
Overall Time: 1:40 Per Mile: 7:38
Overall Time: 1:45 Per Mile: 8:00
Overall Time: 1:50 Per Mile: 8:23
Overall Time: 1:55 Per Mile: 8:50
Overall Time: 2:00 Per Mile: 9:09
Overall Time: 2:05 Per Mile: 9:30
Overall Time: 2:10 Per Mile: 9:55
Overall Time: 2:15 Per Mile: 10:20
Overall Time: 2:20 Per Mile: 10:41
Overall Time: 2:25 Per Mile: 11:05
Overall Time: 2:30 Per Mile: 11:27
Overall Time: 2:40 Per Mile: 12:12
Overall Time: 2:50 Per Mile: 12:58
Overall Time: 3:00 Per Mile: 13:44
Overall Time: 3:10 Per Mile: 14:30
Overall Time: 3:20 Per Mile: 15:16
Overall Time: 3:30 Per Mile: 16:01

What will the pace strategy be throughout the race?
Pace Team Leaders will utilize the ‘Smart’ Pace Strategy, which has proven to be the most effective way to race. It avoids the two most common mistakes runners make: starting out too fast and rushing through the early aid stations.

Where can I get a pace band with the pacing strategy?
Complimentary waterproof, tearproof Races2Remember pace bands with the pacers’ pace strategy & times will be available at the packet pick up pacer booth.

Do any of the Pace Teams offer a run/walk method?
Yes, all of them will briskly walk through most of the aid stations for 15-60 seconds to ensure that you drink enough, while others will incorporate additional strategically planned walk breaks for 30-60 seconds on uphills or every mile. Please stop by the pacer booth at packet pickup to pick up a complimentary pace band for the pace time of your choice while getting to know the pacers and their specific strategies.

How will I find my Pace Team on race morning?
Pace Team Leaders will line up in the center of Grand Boulevard before the race begins. Pace Teams Leaders will be in place by 6:30 am, holding large signs marked with their corresponding paces. Plus, they will be wearing uniforms to help identify themselves. During the race, Pace Team Leaders will share the duty of carrying a smaller Pace Team sign. Race start times may change for participant safety.

What if I have to go to the bathroom?
Pace Team Leaders will not plan any bathroom breaks during the race and will not wait for you. If you need to use the bathroom, it is suggested that you run ahead of your pace team before breaking to use the bathroom, then jump back in with the team or catch up to them.

How does the Pace Team handle drinking at the aid stations?
Each Pace Team will take water and energy drink from every aid station to ensure that runners remain well hydrated throughout the race. Pace Teams will stop at the middle to end tables, where it should be less crowded. Teams that stop to walk while they drink should walk quickly to keep the crowd moving through the aid station. If you need to stop completely, go past the aid station and move off to the side of the road and out of the way of other runners.

Do I have to stay with my Pace Team throughout the race?
No. Runners are welcome to use the Pace Teams for whichever portion of the race they think will help them most. You can run ahead or drop back at any time.

Do Pace Teams go by clock time or chip time?
Chip time. Pace Team Leaders will start their watches at the start line as they cross the chip timing mats.

For more information or questions about the Pace Team, email Garmin Pace Team Coordinator Eladio Valdez.