Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I run with a Pacing Team?
Running with a Pacing Team is one of the most efficient and fun ways to run a marathon. The ING Georgia Marathon Pacing Team Leaders are experienced marathoners who will encourage you throughout the Race.

Where can I find the pacers booth at the expo?
The pacers booth in located near the Mizuno booth.

How were the Pacers chosen?
Our pacers are volunteers from the Atlanta running community with many years of experience running half marathons, marathons and ultras. The pacers know what it’s like to be in your shoes and they’re ready to lay it on the line to see you through to the finish.

What pace groups will be offered?
We’re trying to accommodate as many runners as possible, from the runner aiming for their first trip to Boston to the first time marathon runner hungry to reach the finish line. We are offering 12 pace groups: 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 7:00.

What pace group is right for me?
MarathonGuide.com is a great resource for calculating your pace. Click here to view their pace chart.  Ultimately, your best guide will be your recent race history, training and personal knowledge of your own body. No calculator can tell you that your shins will hurt for the first 2 miles or the hills will slow you in down on specific miles of the course. So base you pace off your recent training runs. What was your long run pace? How did that feel?

Is this course hilly?
While very scenic, this course is a hilly course and may not be your best choice for a PR.

Where can we get pace bands?
We will have pace bands in the pacing booth, which is near the Mizuno booth.

Can I switch groups race morning?
Yes! You can switch mid-race if you choose to do so. The leaders are merely guides to help you achieve your goals. Utilize them to run a great race!

Is there a cost to participate?
Other than the marathon entry fee, no! You need to be a registered for the marathon.

What pace per mile will we run?
The pacers are going to run EVEN splits throughout the race. Not every mile will be perfectly even, but the pacers will adjust as necessary each mile to make sure they stay as close as possible to maintaining EVEN splits. By running even splits, the pacers accommodate as many runners as possible and help you to avoid going out too fast. Going out too fast is the most common mistake marathon runners make! Your Pacer will always be happy to share their race strategy prior to the race. You are welcome to contact your Pacer via email before the race, as well as at the pre-race expo. Click here to find your pacers e-mail address.  Our goal is to run continually even splits, and when course conditions prevent this, we will make up any lost time over the entirety of the race, not over one or two miles.

Are we going to go right out on pace?
The first mile is often crowded and usually slower as a result. The pacers will try to take you out on pace, but if they are slowed down they will gradually adjust the pace over the next several miles to get back on the goal pace. Whatever happens, we’ll make sure you don’t go out too fast!

How do I meet up with my Pace Team on race morning?
You will meet the pace group at the start. Look for your pace groups time on the orange flags being held up by the pace leaders. The pace group leader will be holding a orange flag high in the air with the pace time written on it. They will be holding this flag high in the air for at least the first half mile to allow those who arrive late to find their pace group. The pacers will also be wearing white/blue/orange Mizuno uniforms. The pacers are friendly folks who are eager to lead you to the finish. Don’t be shy about asking them questions or engaging in friendly conversation.

Will we walk through the water stations?
The pacer will usually slow down to grab water or other nourishment but will probably not walk.

Will there be walking breaks?
The pacers will be focused on maintaining EVEN splits in order to accommodate as many runners as possible. However, you may use any method that works for you and use the pacers as a guide for your overall pace.

Do I have to stay with the team the whole time?
Absolutely not! Listen to your body and use whatever method works for you. You don’t need to run even splits to use the pace group as your guide. If you become injured or ill, please seek aid or assistance!

Are the pacers going to run the entire marathon?
Yes, the pacers will run the entire race with you

What if I have to go to the bathroom?
The Pacing Team Leaders will not be planning any bathroom breaks during the Race and will not wait for you. It is suggested that you run ahead of the team a bit and then jump back in with the team or catch up with them.

How does the Pacing Team handle drinking at the Aid Stations?

Each Pacing Team will take water and/or Gatorade from every aid station to ensure that runners remain well hydrated throughout the Race. The Pacing Teams will stop at the middle to end tables where is should be less crowded. Teams that stop to walk while they drink should walk quickly to keep the crowd moving through the water station. If you need to stop completely, go past the Aid Station and move off to the side of the road out of the way of other runners. Larger pace teams will try to utilize both sides of the streets so as not to create a bottle neck and will come back together on the right side of the street after the Aid Station

What goes on at the Pace Team clinics?
At the clinics during the Expo, you'll get another chance to meet the Pace Leaders, hear their individual race strategies, and get any questions you have answered. Pacers will also be available throughout the day at the Pace Team booth during the Expo.

What if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Please email the Pace Team Director