Pacer

A runner who accompanies an ultra racer through later miles for safety, motivation, and navigation.

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Understanding Pacer

A pacer is a runner who accompanies an ultra or marathon runner through part of the race for support, safety, and motivation. In ultras, pacers are typically allowed in the final 30–50 miles, when runners are most fatigued, sleep-deprived, and at risk of getting lost on dark trails.

A good pacer is invaluable. They maintain a steady pace, navigate the course, carry backup supplies, manage the runner's nutrition schedule, provide conversation to keep the runner mentally engaged, and make critical decisions about pace adjustments. The best pacers have run the race before and know the course.

Pacing is a selfless act — you're out there for someone else, running their pace, on their schedule, through their hard moments. It's also deeply rewarding. The bond between a pacer and the runner they help to the finish line is one of the most meaningful relationships in endurance sports.

Key Facts: Pacer

Key facts and insights about pacer that every endurance athlete should know.

Pacers are allowed in most ultras

Pacers are allowed in most ultras (50K+) and some long marathons

Typically allowed for the last 30–50% of

Typically allowed for the last 30–50% of the race distance

Pacers cannot physically assist the runn

Pacers cannot physically assist the runner (no pulling, pushing, or carrying)

Pacers usually run for free

Pacers usually run for free — they don't need a separate race entry

Pro Tips: Pacer

Choose a pacer who runs your pace comfortably — they should have energy to spare

Brief your pacer on your nutrition plan, pace targets, and "code words" for when you need help

A pacer who has run the race before is worth their weight in gold for course navigation at night

Be a good pacer: carry extra food, stay positive, and match the runner's energy — don't impose your own

Frequently Asked Questions About Pacer

For a 50K, no — it's short enough to manage alone. For a 50-miler or 100K, a pacer is helpful but not essential. For a 100-miler, a pacer is strongly recommended for the final 30–40 miles, especially through the night section when fatigue and navigation are biggest challenges.

Someone who: (1) can run your pace for the required distance without struggling, (2) stays calm when you're suffering, (3) knows when to talk and when to be quiet, (4) manages your nutrition without nagging, (5) makes decisions for you when you're too tired to think. The best pacers run your race, not theirs.