Pacers are Back at Covered Bridges Half Marathon in June!
By: Rebecca Stanfield McCown
UVRC is excited to be providing the pacers for the event again in 2022, our 5th year providing pacers for this exciting event, and we will be looking for volunteers. What does it take to be a good pacer you ask? There are a couple things: 1) this isn’t your first rodeo- you are an experienced half marathoner and having run Covered Bridges before is a bonus, 2) you aren’t looking to set a PR- it is very important to select a pace that is slower than your race pace and you are certain you can maintain, and 3) you come second- this race won’t be about you but about helping those around you reach their goals.
As a pacer you get to run the race for free, a special pacers tech shirt, and the awesome experience of helping other runners reach their goals. Pacers are also encouraged to attend the question and answer session the day before the race as well as the pasta dinner the night before. Prior to race day, we will have a pacer meeting and opportunities to get out on the course with your co-pacers to develop a strategy, get comfortable with the pace, and get to know each other if you don’t already.
We will be looking for 2 pacers for each group and a few "drifters" that can be on hand and ready run when we have to fill in spots last minute. That means about 30 pacers in all. That is a lot of people!! If you haven't had an opportunity to pace yet, I highly encourage you to give it a shot. It is a very rewarding experience. You also get free entry into the race, a pacer shirt, and to carry an awesome sign while you run!
How do you become a pacer? Fill out the Pacer Application https://forms.gle/Ahe4i9fdj8FLN7cK8 Last time we were able to accommodate almost everyone that volunteered and I expect the same will be true this year! UVRC members get first crack at pacing times and then the offer goes out to other running clubs to fill in the gaps.
Rebecca Stanfield McCown and Mike Kokko will be organizing the pacers this year, please reach out with any questions. rebecca.estelle@gmail.com or mike.kokko@gmail.com.
Paces will be: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30
