PACE SETTERS because a pace setter might have started in an earlier or later start than them . Runners need to be aware of that , and this is why the pace setters ’ flags will be colour-coded for the different starts .
Paul adds that the pacing buses are there for those who want to join , but there is more than one way to use the pace setters . “ A bus is not for everybody , as buses can get quite large , and some runners prefer to run in smaller groups , or on their own . You can join a bus from a distance , if you like , and it ’ s fine to run by yourself about 100m from a bus . If the flag says a particular time in the ultra , we will finish at least two minutes ahead of that time , for example a sub-6-hour flag will finish in 5:58 . In the half marathon , the buffer is about one minute , so if you are a little bit behind the flag , you can still make it .” two years ago that contains tips , hints and all the little things that they have learnt over many years as pace setters .
It ’ s About Giving Back
Further to that , he says a pace setter must also have the right mindset when going into the role . “ Pace setting is about giving back to the sport . It ’ s about sacrificing your race for the benefit of other people . You need to have a strong personality to be a good pace setter . Most pace setters are of a giving nature , and in most cases , they are also already involved in their clubs in a leadership capacity in some way .”
Paul feels it is important for pace setters to express their personalities during races . “ Everyone has a different approach . Some pace setters like to create a vibe by singing , and make use of a tambourine to set the rhythm . This is particularly apparent from pace setters that come from outside of Western Province . I like pace setters to make the bus their own by instilling their own unique personality . I am very quiet myself , because I am always very focussed on time on the clock . I think I sometimes need to perhaps come out of my shell a bit .”
He adds that he thinks it is also a pace setter ’ s job to explain the route that lies ahead . “ At the Totalsports Two Ocean Ultra Marathon , for example , you can explain the route leading up to Chapman ’ s Peak . You then develop a run-walk strategy . In this way , you can encourage people by just telling them what to expect , and guide them through the tough parts . Two Oceans is very long , and Constantia Nek is a challenge for everybody , so you must guide them through the whole route . There is a lot of motivating that needs to be done .”
Challenges in Two Oceans 2022
For this year ’ s race , Paul says they are putting a large contingent of pace setters out on the road . “ In the Half Marathon , there will be about 23 pace setters split across the different pacing groups and start times . Roughly half of these pace setters will be coming from outside the province . In the Ultra we will have 25 experienced pace setters , and it ’ s a major responsibility for them to take on . The pressure of being a pace setter is immense , because if you don ’ t bring the bus in on time you feel dreadful , but pace setters also suffer from cramps and issues as much as other runners ,” he says .
A further complication is that there will be staggered batch starts for both the Half Marathon and Ultra Marathon , with each batch consisting of up to 1000 runners . This means there will be different groups of pace setters in each batch . This could be confusing for runners on the road ,
Problems Keeping Up ?
Of course , things don ’ t always go strictly to plan in running events , so Paul also has advice for runners who may find themselves falling off the bus . “ To begin with , you need to talk to the pace setter at the beginning to make sure that you don ’ t join a bus that is too fast . If you have a choice between two busses , rather join the slower bus to make sure you have a successful race . Then , if you ’ ve joined a bus , but you get tired , or pick up a slight injury , you must switch to a maintenance strategy . Drop your pace and join up with a slower bus when it comes along .”
“ When you get tired in the Ultra , you often need to eat or drink , so take a five-minute walk break and you will feel better most of the time . You can then carry on at a slightly quicker pace to catch up to the bus . The same thing if you need a toilet break . Then , if you are near the end of the race and you are feeling strong , you are welcome to run away from the bus to go for a good time … but if you are going to do that , make sure you let the bus drivers know , as a matter of courtesy , as they will want to know how you ’ re doing . That ’ s because it is hugely satisfying as a pace setter to help people to reach their goals , especially in the Ultra , when you have been with them for many hours . It really is one of the most rewarding experiences to help runners to a PB , or just to cross that finish line ,” adds Paul .
How to Find the Pace Setters ?
With the staggered batch starts this year , runners will just have to look out for the pace setting flags at the start and choose which bus they want to join to suit their goals . Our job is to try to get as many people as possible to finish in their time , to the best of our ability . If you are not sure what pace group to join , tell a pace setter what your finish time is in the most recent race that you have done . They will then advise you as to which group to join according to your half marathon or marathon time . You can also find all the information on our Facebook page , Western Province Pace Setters .
Images : Action Photo SA , Ark Images
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