Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Jersey Marathon (NJM) Pace Team?
The pace team is a group of experienced runners that run an even pace (from 3:00 - 6:30 marathon and 1:30 - 3:00 half marathon times) and will help coach, entertain, encourage, and distract while getting you to the finish in your goal time.
What paces do you have?
We will try to recruit pacers from 3:00 marathon time to 6:30 and all the Boston Qualifying times in between.
How come there isn't a pacer for my goal pace time?
Check back as we get closer to the marathon, as we are continually recruiting. We try to recruit for almost all the Boston Qualifying Marathon Times. If there isn't a pace team leader for your pace time, line up at the start according to your goal pace (e.g. if you are pacing 4:30, line up behind the 4:25 pacer) and you'll find others unofficially pacing for your time.
Do pacers maintain an even pace?
Yes! As much as possible, our pacers will do even splits for every mile.
Do the pacers start out exactly on pace?
Our pacers are experienced runners. At the start it may be a little crowded and therefore it will take a mile or so to settle into the pace. But, the pacers will not take you out too fast, and as much as possible they will maintain even splits.
How do I join a Pace Team? And is their a fee?
You can sign up at the expo, or simply join us at the start of the race. Signing up at the expo is recommended since this gives us an idea of how many people to expect. Joining the pace team is free! We highly encourage you to look over the pacer lists and contact the pacer(s) that are running your expected finish time to get to know them prior to the race.
How can I find the Pace Team Leaders at the start?
Thirty minutes before the start, all the pace team leaders will line up according to pace carrying large yellow signs with their marathon finish time. They will be wearing bright colored pacer t-shirts and carrying fluorescent orange pennants displaying their pace time.
If I join the Pace Team does that mean I have to stay with them the whole way?
Not at all. If at some point you feel that you have the energy to go faster or are looking to do a negative split you are entirely free to go ahead. If you are having a bad day and cannot maintain pace, slow down (especially if you are struggling early on. If you have questions about the appropriate pace team for you come talk to us at the Expo, or consult the race results predictor on MarathonGuide.com.
I've used the Galloway Method to train for the marathon, will it help to join the pace team?
Absolutely! Although the pace team leaders will be doing even splits, you will see your pace team leader many times through the course, sometimes you will be ahead and sometimes behind.
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