We are very excited to introduce you to our amazing pace Team Members!
Here are our pace team times: 3:15 (7:26/mi): Todd Smith and Tom Thurston 3:30 (8:00/mi): George Deane and Jason Wulff 3:45 (8:35/mi): Tim Shea and Mariana Wingood 4:00 (9:09/mi): Rowly Brucken and Tom Nuovo 4:15 (9:44/mi): Rick Morris and Bob Ayers 4:30 (10:18/mi): Jen Sorrell and Kristin Lundy 4:45 (10:52/mi): Rebekah Thomas and Karen Morris 5:00 (11:27/mi): Michelle Perlee and Marie Bartoletti 5:30 (12:35/mi): Vic Tirrito and Deb Tirrito
If you’re local, please join us for one of these upcoming runs where you’ll have the chance to meet our pace team leaders:
- Thursday, April 4, 2019. Meet the pacers at 5:30pm followed by a 4-6 mile run at 6:00pm. Meet at SKIRACK, 85 Main Street, Burlington, VT.
- Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 6:00pm. Meet the pacers at 5:30pm followed by a 4-6 mile run at 6:00pm. Meet at SKIRACK, 85 Main Street, Burlington, VT.
- Saturday, May 25, 2019, at 9:30am. Meet at Battery Park for a 3.4 miles run on the PUBVCM course.
The pace leader program is generously supported by SKIRACK and HOKA ONE ONE.
Not sure what this whole pace team thing is all about? Here are answers to some common questions, but don’t hesitate to ask more.
Frequently Asked SKIRACK Pace Team Questions:
Why should I run with a SKIRACK Pace Team? Running with a SKIRACK Pace Team is a fun way to run with a group and target a specific time goal. SKIRACK Pace Team Leaders are experienced marathoners who will encourage you throughout the race, keep you moving you through the course at a steady pace and help you achieve your performance goal.
What is the cost to join a SKIRACK Pace Team? $0! There is no cost for running with a SKIRACK Pace Team.
What are the finish times available for the SKIRACK Pace Teams? 3:15, 3:30, 3:45, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:30. All Pace Teams are led by two pace leaders.
Who are the pace leaders? We’ll feature a SKIRACK Pace Team Leader every week on The RunDown so you can get to know the team. We’ll supply emails for all the leaders as well; feel free to contact them before the race if you have specific questions.
How do I sign up to run with a SKIRACK Pace Team? While registration is not required, we would love to get a sense of how many people plan to run with each SKIRACK Pace Leader. Please contact our SKIRACK Pace Team coordinator, Jack Pilla, at paceteam@runvermont.org indicating which pace group you plan to run with. No worries if you change your mind between now and race day and decide to run another pace or opt out of the Pace Team. You can also visit the SKIRACK Pace Team at the Sport & Fitness Expo on Friday and Saturday prior to the race.
What SKIRACK Pace Team should I join? You should choose a pace that reflects your training and ability level and allows you to run at a comfortable pace throughout the marathon. If you can’t decide between two paces (for example 3:45 and 4:00), it is recommended that you start with the slower pace as you can always pick it up later in the race.
What is the actual pace per mile for the different SKIRACK Pace Teams? The chart below lists SKIRACK Pace Team times and corresponding per mile times:
Overall Time: 3:15 Per Mile: 7:26 Overall Time: 3:30 Per Mile: 8:00 Overall Time: 3:45 Per Mile: 8:35 Overall Time: 4:00 Per Mile: 9:09 Overall Time: 4:15 Per Mile: 9:44 Overall Time: 4:30 Per Mile: 10:18 Overall Time: 4:45 Per Mile: 10:52 Overall Time: 5:00 Per Mile: 11:27 Overall Time: 5:30 Per Mile: 12:35
What will the pacing strategy be throughout the race? SKIRACK Pace Team Leaders will run even splits throughout the entire race. Running even splits is the most efficient way to run a marathon as it prevents you from going too fast or too slow. If in the first few miles the pace is slow due to the crowds, SKIRACK Pace Team Leaders will not go more than 15 seconds per mile faster than the established pace until they gradually get back on pace.
What if I have to go to the bathroom? SKIRACK Pace Team Leaders will not plan any bathroom breaks during the race and will not wait for you. If you need to use the bathroom, it is suggested that you run ahead of your team before breaking to use the bathroom, then jump back in with the team or catch up to them.
How does the SKIRACK Pace Team handle drinking at the Aid Stations? Each SKIRACK Pace Team will take water and/or sports drink from every aid station to ensure that runners remain well hydrated throughout the race. Teams that stop to walk while they drink should walk quickly to keep the crowd moving through the aid station. If you need to stop completely, go past the Aid Station and move off to the side of the road and out of the way of other runners.
Do any of the SKIRACK Pace Teams offer a run/walk method? Most groups will not offer a run/walk method but do get in touch with your specific pace leader for additional information. In most groups you should be able to keep your SKIRACK Pace Team within your sight should you decide to walk.
How will I find my SKIRACK Pace Team on race morning? Look for your pace leader in the general start corral. Look first for signs that indicate a minutes-per-mile pace (7:45, 8:00, etc.), then look for the pace leaders themselves who will be carrying smaller signs on long sticks.
Pace leaders will also be dressed in uniform shirts.
Do I have to stay with my SKIRACK Pace Team throughout the race? No. Runners are welcome to use the SKIRACK Pace Teams for whichever portion of the race they think will help the most. You can run ahead or drop back at any time.
Do SKIRACK Pace Teams go by clock time or chip time? Chip time. SKIRACK Pace Team Leaders will start their watches at the start line as they cross the chip timing mats.
For more information or if you have questions about the SKIRACK Pace Team, e-mail paceteam@runvermont.org.
Once again, feel free to post any questions you have as a comment, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
A huge thanks goes out to our pace leaders and our pace team sponsor, SKIRACK, without whom this program would not be possible.