Pacers for SCSM08

Recent updates have it that 48,000 people have signed up for the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM08) to date, and the organizers are extending 2,000 slots. Registrations in the Full Marathon category have registered the highest increase by 31 % since registration opened on 21 July.

Enjoy all the beautiful sights that SCSM's course has to offer and let someone else worry about your time goal! Run with one of the Pace Groups, enjoy the race and let the experienced Pacers do the math and deliver you to the finish line on time.

Below are a few frequently asked questions about Pacing, Pace Teams and what will happen on race day.

What is a Pace Group?
A Pace Group is a number of runners working together to achieve a shared time goal. The group is lead by a Pacer who is experienced in running marathons and running with groups of people. Whether you are trying to set a PB, qualify for another race, or just get across the finish line a Pace Group is the way to go!

Will there be Pacers at this years Standard Chartered Marathon?
Team FatBird is looking to offer Pace Groups at the SCSM08 for the Marathon and Half Marathon. Our Team is comprised of experienced distance runners who love helping fellow runners realize their goals. Many of our Pacers return year after year to help you enjoy the marathon experience and achieve your running goal. Think of them as your coach-on-the-run!

How were the Pacers chosen?
All of our Pacers are chosen because of their serious, multi-marathon experience, a number with proven successes as Pace Team leaders for several marathons. All of the Pacers have both competitive marathoning and running backgrounds. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and know from past experience exactly what it takes to help you have a great marathon experience.

Do I need to sign up for a Pace Team?
To join a Pace Group simply contact Team FatBird members or your name, email, hp, race distance, target timing to teamfatbird@gmail.com.

What Pace Groups will be offered?
Team FatBird aspires to offer the following Pace Groups, subject to availability of suitable and committed Pacer candidates, and runners' demand

Groups will be leading to finish the Half marathon in the following times:
1:45, 2:00, 2:15

Groups will be leading to finish the Full marathon in the following times:
3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 5:30

What pace per km will we run and how do they keep the pace consistent?
We will be running "even effort" which means that every km will be run at approximately the same pace. The first few km are always a bit slow, due to the crowds. The Pacers may use their discretion in adjust the pace to cater for varying terrain. Our goal is to run continually even splits, and when course conditions prevent this, we will make up any lost time over the entirety of the race, not over one or two km.

Our Pacers are familiar with pacing and how to keep it consistent. . (They may use a special watch that will help them to run each km at a consistent pace, ensuring that their groups make their time goal!)

Are we going to go right out on pace?
Sometimes it is crowded at the start line and may take a couple of km to settle into a steady pace. Most importantly our Pacers won't take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.

Can I get a Pace Band as well?
Pace Bands may be made be available to all participants in either half marathon event or the full marathon event whether you choose to run with a Pace Group or not. The Pace Band will note the distance split times so if you should lose the group for some reason (pit stop?) you can help yourself stay on pace. Pace Bands will be available closer to the Marathon date.

What are the Pacer Training runs about?
This will be a chance to meet your Pacers and find out about their strategy for the half or full marathon.

How do I meet up with my Pace Team on race morning?
Will update closer to the race day!

What will the Pacer do at the water stations?
Most Pacers will run through the water stations and maintain pace. Each Pacer will let the team know his/her strategy for getting through the water stations. Some Pacers may choose to slow down or walk through the stops depending upon the group. Be sure to check with your Pacer if this is extremely important to you so that you are not surprised if they don't walk these stations.

Will there be walking breaks?
Your pacer will maintain even splits right through the water stops. However, we want you to run your race as you have planned and trained. If you trained with walk breaks, race morning is not the time to make a change. Use the Pacer as a guide and take your walk breaks just as you did in training. Since even splits are maintained throughout the race, you should be able to take walk breaks and still spend time in the presence of your Pacer, as you will continually "meet up" over the course of the race.

Do Runners/Pacees have to stay with the Pacer for the entire race?
No. Run your own race and enjoy yourself. If you are feeling great and want to run faster, go for it. If it's not turning out to be your day slow down. Pacees can always drop back to the next Pace Group. Just know that the Pacer will not speed up or slow down for the group but rather stick to the goal pace.