Amby Burfoot of Runner’s World Magazine developed the concept of pace teams in the mid-1990s, as a way to help runners qualify for the 100^th Boston Marathon in 1996. The first Pace Team Leaders, courtesy of Runner’s World Magazine, appeared at the 1995 St. George Marathon.

Since then Pace Teams have become an integral part of many marathons. Some of today’s notable pace team programs include the Runner’s World Pace Team, Team Red Lizard of the Portland Marathon, New Balance Pace Team, and the Clif Pace Team. Leaders in Canada are referred to as “pace bunnies”  (some actually wear rabbit ears), and in Italy they are called “pace makers.”  If you are unfamiliar with the pace team concept, learn more by visiting the CIM's Pace Team FAQs page.

The California International Marathon’s Board established the CIM’s Pace Team Program in 2001, recognizing it as an important “runner’s perk.” Although the team’s sponsor has been Clif for all seven years of its existence, the CIM has a unique arrangement with Clif. Normally Clif brings their own leaders from all over the country to pace at their sponsored events. In the case of the CIM, we provide the leaders selected from local runners and Clif provides the support and the ever-popular pace time wristbands. Read on to find out why the CIM is different.

The Sacramento area has become a Mecca for ultra distance running, thanks to its network of trails from the valley through the foothills and into the Sierra Nevada. Regional events include the “granddaddy of ultras,” the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, as well as the American River 50-Mile Run, and the scenic Way Too Cool 50K. Northern California also boasts the annual Pacific Association/USATF Ultra Grand Prix with 18 ultra running races and hundreds of participants vying for top standings. The CIM has long been a popular training run for these ultra runners: it occurs at a time when the ultra racing season has come to a close and it provides a comparatively easy workout as the holiday season approaches.

In 2003, bright red foam core signs imprinted with block white goal finish times were made and put on slender metal stakes. When they were presented to the leaders it became obvious that that the metal stakes could be a lethal weapon (wouldn’t want to fall on one of those), so they were covered in plastic tubing. Still not perfect; they were too slippery and too difficult to grip, although there was talk of using them as an effective prod to keep the group moving.

In 2004, wooden dowels replaced the metal stakes, and zip ties were used to anchor the signs to the dowels. This style of sign has been used ever since. And yes, the leaders carry them the whole way, occasionally allowing a lucky group member to carry it. The enhanced visibility of the teams due to these signs cause the crowds to cheer on the groups and the course photographers and media to recognize them for photo ops.

Other issues have surfaced over the years that make a Pace Team program a bit more complicated than it would seem on the surface.  For example:

How does Chip timing affect the pace groups?
Chip timing means that the mile splits on the course usually do not reflect the Pace Team groups split times. The leaders work with their groups to make them aware of this.

What happens if a leader is injured?
If a CIM Pace Team Leader suffers an injury, they are instructed to announce to their group that they are unable to continue and try to find someone who will take on the leadership position.

What happens if a pace group member suffers a serious injury or becomes disoriented?
If one of the group’s runners is in serious physical distress, and the leader must assist the runner to the next aid station.  As above, the leader will try to find someone who will take on the leadership position.

From: LIA
To: lisakdowney@aol.com
Sent: Mon, 19 Dec 2005
Subject: Dear Pace leader....

Don't know if you remember me, but I believe I was the last gal in your 4:15 pack for CIM. I just wanted to thank you so much for getting me through the race. I was hoping that I'd get to see you at Muir Beach, but alas I couldn't afford the fee.  By the time I figured I'd just add it to the rest of my credit card debt, the race was supposedly sold out. I heard later that they opened the race back up at the last minute.  Oh well. Guess it just wasn't meant to be. I hope that your run went well. I don't think I recover as quickly as you do, but heck, it would have been worth it just for scenery.

I also want to let you know just how much you helped me out. I've been dealing with an inoperable brain tumor for a couple of years now. Two weeks before the race I had major swelling on the brain. We discontinued my chemo and I just figured I'd see how things felt race day (why let cancer mess up a perfectly good marathon, eh?). Your humor and encouragement kept my spirits up any time the pain got to be a bit much. What was nice was that you had no idea regarding my condition - which shows just how inspirational and motivating you are as a leader....you didn't need a sob story to cheer me on. I'm sure that the entire 4:15 pace group were quickly turned into your faithful admirers!

I hope that I get to see you again out there somewhere. I'm not ultramarathoner material yet (although the 50K and 50m do intrigue me), but I do enjoy hitting the trails. Running and triathlon has been my way to fight back against cancer. I plan to continue doing it for as long as I am able. I also hope to taste some of your wonderful creations one day. It doesn't surprise me that you do that for a living. It seems to be a happy occupation. I'm sure that you put as much joie de vivre into your work as you do into the rest of your life.

Here's wishing you (and your hubby) a wonderful holiday,

Lia

To: Michael Cook michael_cook@yahoo.com
Date: Monday, December 5, 2005 4:17 PM
From: "Hunt, Dan J."
Subject: Re: Thank you for the pace on Sun.

Michael

We weren't introduced on Sunday, but nevertheless I wanted to thank you for the great pacing and for the encouragement you gave all of us in the 18+ vicinity.  I was with you all until about 24 when I decided to go see what was left in the tank (fortunately, a little bit). Your pacing helped me accomplish my goal of qualifying for Boston with 3:09:33. Thank you. After running my first marathon just 6 weeks prior, I came to see if I could qualify despite a relative lack of freshness.  Given that, I'm sure I couldn't have done it without the even pace you set for the group. Hugely helpful and overall I thought a great race. I'm sure I'll be back next year.