Becoming a Pacer: From Personal Bests to Personal Responsibility

When you’re used to chasing PBs, switching to pacing is a gear change. It’s not about you—it’s about the runners alongside you, their hopes pinned to your performance. In my years of regular running, the chance to pace at events like the Fen Gallop in Willingham, Cambridgeshire has shown me how much preparation really matters.

Each of these races raises vital funds for the local primary school and every stride supports my Runpreneur challenge: to run beyond 4,292 days, clocking over 40,075 km and raising £1M to save children’s lives. Every day, every kilometre, every conversation helps get us closer to that total.

Why Preparation Is Everything

Whether it’s a full marathon or a community 10K, knowing your route isn’t negotiable. At the Fen Gallop, half the course is off-road, half is tarmac—a seemingly simple distinction, but it changes everything about pacing strategy.

• Run the Route: I always pre-run the course multiple times to understand the terrain and the rhythm. Off-road sections can demand up to 30% more effort than road segments. Consistency underfoot is a luxury; stability and ‘spring’ can easily disappear when the ground softens.

• Know Your Limits: For a 10K, I pace the 45-minute group, but I’m capable of running around 40 minutes at peak. That buffer is vital—aim to be five minutes quicker than your pacing target if you want confidence. If you’re tackling a half-marathon, it’s 7–10 minutes; for the full marathon, you need to be at least 10–15 minutes quicker.

• Strategise Every Step: It’s not just about holding pace through mud and grass—it’s about adjusting intelligently, sometimes going five seconds/km slower off-road, then speeding up on the road. The most important part? Communicate. If your group knows your strategy, they can adjust; if not, they might misjudge their effort and have their race ruined.

Why Pacing Matters to the People Around You

When you agree to pace, you become an anchor for everyone chasing a milestone. I never want to be the reason someone misses their goal—and that’s why I treat pacing with as much respect as any top-level race. Preparation, clear communication, and steadiness become my priorities.

Those sticking to your heels as you tick down the kilometres are putting their faith (and race dreams) in your hands. A few seconds too fast or too slow, and their whole race strategy wobbles. I always aim to come in seconds under my target, so any runner hanging on will just sneak under their goal.

Takeaways for Aspiring Pacers—and All Runners

• Preparation beats ego: It’s about the route, not your raw speed.

• Be faster than your pacing target: The buffer keeps you honest and reduces stress.

• Consistency counts: Learn the course, practice the terrain, train for the conditions.

• Communication saves races: Let your group know your plan, every step of the way.

Every episode of my run vlogging journey is part of a LIVE fundraiser to help children. If you care about smashing goals—whether that’s a finishing time, a fundraising total, or just pushing boundaries—I hope you’ll follow, subscribe and join me. The more people we reach, the more lives we save.

Runpreneur Challenge: DAY 1,860 and counting. Next stop: Day 4,292. Distance goal: 40,075 km. Mission: £1M for children’s causes.

Are you ready to pace someone’s race—or your own? Drop your questions and comments below. Every interaction helps raise another pound to save a child’s life. Let’s go further, together.

Share, Subscribe, Comment. Every click gets us closer to the goal. Stay positive, stay happy, and I’ll see you soon—on the road, on the vlog, and in the race for a better world.