Pace team provides coverage for half marathon Published Aug. 18, 2006 By James Baker Skywrighter staff WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- An often overlooked but intricate part of a marathon is the pace team that is assembled to benefit runners by having an experienced leader to help get them through the race. In addition to the return of the pace team for the full 26.2 mile marathon, this year the pace team has expanded to provide coverage for the 13.1 mile half marathon. The pace team is a group of experienced marathoners who lead runners through the entire course at even, designated paces. Runners wishing to achieve a particular goal pace only need to meet up with the pace group leader at the starting line and run with that leader to achieve their goal. This year the pace team is adding the half marathon pace group goal times of 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20 and 2:30. The addition of pacers for the half marathon was prompted by the growth of that event at the U.S. Air Force Marathon. "The sport of distance running is seeing many runners move up from the 5K (3.1 miles) to the half marathon," said Jim Crist, pace team director. He said many of the runners in the U.S. Air Force Half Marathon are attempting that distance for the first time. "We felt that by providing the service of the pace team to the half marathoners that would help those runners enjoy a more successful race," said Mr. Crist. Half marathoners should stop by the pace team booth at the Sports & Fitness Expo Sept. 14-15 at the Ervin J. Nutter Center, Fairborn, and discuss their race goals with the pace leaders. Experienced pacers are chosen because of their years of competing in marathons throughout the country and for their leadership traits. "The Air Force half marathon is one of the only ones to offer pacers working exclusively with the half marathon runners," Mr. Crist said. "Runners attempting the 13.1 mile distance for the first time will find outstanding support at this event." He also said if someone were on the fence about running their first half marathon, then learning there is a pace team for them could be just what they needed to make the commitment. "Last year, I received e-mails from many runners who attributed their success in the marathon to running with the pace team," he said. "This year, we will be providing that service to even more participants." The pace team is organized and directed by Mr. Crist who provides pace team services to marathons and half marathons around the country. If you have any questions, you may reach him at PacerJim@ hotmail.com. Open to the base community and general public, the 2006 U.S. Air Force Marathon will take place Sept. 16. You can register at http:// www.usafmarathon.com.