The Pace Team sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods is returning to the 2023 GE Appliances Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon/miniMarathon with new energy and a group of runners who are experienced marathoners and pacers.

Are you looking to complete your first marathon, trying to set a personal record, or qualify for Boston? We will help you achieve your goal and have fun doing it!

DO YOU NEED A PACER?

Running with a Pace team is a fun way to run with a group, and can help you reach your target miniMarathon or Marathon finish time. We’ll have a seasoned runner out front on Race Day with signage, leading the pace group, so you can time out your run.

The goal is that Pacers will be running “even splits,” which means that every mile will be run at approximately the same pace. Most of the pace groups will not be walking during the marathon.

HOW TO JOIN A PACER GROUP

Sign-up for FREE for your Pace Group at the Dick’s Sporting Goods Race Expo and Packet Pickup on April 27-28.  Find the Pace Team Booth at the Expo and sign-up for the correct Pace Group to receive your Complimentary Pace Bracelet (One per runner).

OUR PACE TEAM

Our Pace Team has seasoned pacers who believe in consistent pacing, are energetic and personable, and dedicated to making sure you have a great time on race day.

Each Pacer will let their team know their strategy for getting back together after a water stop, when you meet up on race day. Fluid station philosophy, meaning whether the Pacer will walk or run through the water stops, is up to the Pacer(s).

(Traditionally, the pace groups from 4:15 and slower will be walking during fluid stations. Be sure to check with your Pacer at the expo booth or prior to the race if this is extremely important to you.)

PICKING A PACE GROUP TIME

Picking your pace team depends on what your Finish Line goal time is. Choose a pace group that reflects your training and ability level based on finish times during training, and allows you to run at a comfortable rate throughout the race.

If you can’t decide between two paces (for example 3:55 and 4:00), it is recommended that you start with the slower pace, as you can always pick it up later in the race.

The 2023 Pace Team has pace groups for the following FINISH TIMES (given in hours & minutes):

Marathon Times will include: 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30, 5:45, 6:00

miniMarathon Times will include: 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50, 3:15

*Traditionally, the pace groups from 4:15 and slower will be walking during fluid stations and pace groups 5:00 to 5:45 may incorporate longer walk breaks during the marathon.

PACE GROUP ON RACE DAY

Meet up with the Pace Team on race day at the starting line!

They will be holding up signs with the pace group finishing times printed on them, and wearing Pace Team singlets. Please try to find your pace group twenty minutes before the start.

Five to ten minutes before the start, your Pacers will give their “start line instructions”. This will include any adjustments being made to the pace due to course conditions, as well as your Pacers’ method of meeting back up and keeping the group together at the fluid stations. This is another great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have!

We want you to run your own race. If you feel great on race day, and you want to go ahead to catch the next group, we’ll cheer you on. If it’s just not your day, slow down and wait for the next pace group behind to catch you. And if you want to just fall in and match strides with your pacer, we sure will appreciate the company!

BEST OF LUCK and most importantly, ENJOY YOUR RACE!