Rabbit (pace runner)

[ra-bit]

Phonetic (Standard)

/ˈræbɪt/

IPA

Noun

Defintion for Rabbit (pace runner)

A rabbit (pace runner) is an athlete designated to set a specific pace in a race to help other competitors achieve a target time or record.

Long Definition

A rabbit, or pace runner, sets a consistent speed in races to help others achieve target times. They maintain a steady pace, allowing runners to focus on their performance without worrying about timing. In marathons, rabbits often drop out after a set distance, having fulfilled their role. For example, in elite races, rabbits help maintain world record paces. This matters to runners as it provides a psychological and physical benchmark, reducing the mental load of pacing and increasing the likelihood of achieving personal bests or qualifying times.

Kaizen Insights

Kaizen uses the concept of a rabbit (pace runner) to help users maintain a consistent speed during training, improving pacing strategy and overall race performance predictions.

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.