Search glossary terms

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Search glossary terms

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Pacers

[pay-sers]

Phonetic (Standard)

/ˈpeɪsərz/

IPA

Noun

Defintion for Pacers

Runners, often carrying a flag or balloon, who run at an even pace to help others reach a target finish time in a race.

Long Definition

Pacers are individuals or devices that help runners maintain a specific speed or finish time during a race. They set a consistent pace, allowing runners to focus on their performance without constantly checking their speed. In marathons, pacers often carry signs indicating target finish times, like 3:30 or 4:00 hours. Pacers are crucial for runners aiming to achieve personal bests or qualify for events like the Boston Marathon. They provide motivation, reduce mental strain, and help manage energy efficiently. Pacers can be volunteers, professional runners, or even wearable technology like GPS watches.

kaizen Insights

Following a pacer helps you hold an even pace on race day. kaizen's Fitness estimate can help you choose a realistic pace group before you line up.

Category

Running Communities & Concepts

Questions and answers

Relevant Links

  • Plan your training and races with the Running Pace Calculator — enter a finish time and distance to get your ideal pace per km or mile.

  • Easily convert between pace units using the Pace Conversion Chart — great for switching between metric and imperial training plans.

How to train with the kaizen app