U.S. Air Force Marathon provides pace team for the half marathon
News Release
August 9, 2006
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 that 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 Air Force Marathon.
Pace Team Director, Jim Crist, explains, "The sport of distance running is seeing many runners move up from the 5K (3.1 miles) to the half marathon. Many of the runners in the 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."
Half marathoners should stop by the Pace Team booth at the Sports & Fitness Expo and discuss their race goals with the pace leaders. "The Air Force Half Marathon is one of the only half marathons to offer pacers working exclusively with the half marathon runners," Crist adds. "Runners attempting the 13.1 mile distance for the first time will find outstanding support at this event. 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 emails from many runners that attributed their success in the marathon to running with the Pace Team. This year we will be providing that service to even more participants."
The 2006 United States Air Force Marathon will be held September 16 at Wright-Patterson AFB near Dayton, Ohio. In addition to military personnel it is open to the general public. Additional information is available at http://afmarathon.wpafb.af.mil/ or by calling 800-467-1823.
The Pace Team is organized and directed by Jim Crist who provides Pace Team services to marathons and half marathons around the country. He may be reached at 412-487-9708 or PacerJim@hotmail.com.