NYC Marathon Pacers Lead Thousands to Finish Line Success
More than 50,000 participants, including elite athletes, celebrities, and amateur runners, will take on the TCS New York City Marathon on November 5, 2023. Among them are 90 dedicated volunteer pacers from the New York Road Runners (NYRR) organization, who play a crucial role in guiding runners along the challenging 26.2-mile course that traverses all five boroughs of New York City.
These pacers, often considered unsung heroes of the marathon, carry signs indicating their target finish times. They provide essential support, including pacing tips, hydration reminders, and motivational encouragement throughout the race. As Philippe Day, pacing the 4:55 group, explains, “The pacer is there to guide you from Mile 1 to the finish line. You have to trust them.”
NYC Marathon Details and Pacing Requirements
The marathon kicks off at 08:00 ET, with live coverage available on ESPN2 and ESPN3 from 08:00 to 11:30 ET. The course starts in Staten Island, winds through Brooklyn and Queens, enters Manhattan, briefly crosses into the Bronx, and finishes in Central Park.
To become a pacer for NYRR, candidates must meet several requirements, including completing at least three marathons or five half-marathons, running the course they will pace at least three times, and maintaining specific time thresholds. Accepted pacers participate in a four-week training program that includes practical assignments, such as running at their target marathon pace. Upon completion, they join a roster of around 200 volunteers, receiving an NYRR singlet and free race entry, although they are not compensated for their efforts.
According to Steve Mura, NYRR’s lead for runner training and education, the majority of pacers come from the local New York and New Jersey area, with a small percentage hailing from other parts of the country and even overseas. This year, finish times for pace groups range from 2:55 to 6:15, with pacers strategically positioned in five-minute intervals.
Insights from the Pacers
In advance of this year’s marathon, ESPN spoke with several pacers to gain insight into their motivations and experiences. Vanessa Tang, pacing the 3:25 group, shared her enthusiasm, stating, “This will be my very first time pacing the New York City Marathon, but I’ve run in it six or seven times. I’m very familiar with the course. It’s kind of in my heart.”
Philippe Day, who has paced the New York City Marathon for the last 13 years, emphasized the role of pacers in calming nerves. “You have to be able to bring [runners] along because they depend on you. I tell them where the water stations are, to watch out for potholes, all kinds of things. I’m their eyes. I’m guiding them.”
The marathon has a storied history, beginning in 1970 with just 127 participants. Today, it has grown into one of the largest marathons in the world, attracting over 55,646 finishers in 2024. Pacers play a vital role in helping runners achieve their goals, whether they are aiming to qualify for other races or simply looking to complete the marathon.
Eliud Kipchoge, an 11-time Abbott World Marathon Majors champion, recently shared his view on the importance of pacers, stating, “Pacers are critically important in the life of running. Those are the people who assist you in achieving what you have been planning for in your life for the past four or five months.”
As the marathon approaches, pacers are reminded that anything can happen during the race. Justin Wood reflected on a past experience when his watch broke around Mile 20, challenging him to run by feel. “You have to respect the distance,” he noted.
The NYC Marathon course, known for its hilly terrain and unique challenges, requires pacers to adapt their strategies. Tang mentioned, “My strategy is to run at effort pace, rather than just the watch time. We’ll ease it back a little on the bridges and uphills and then naturally pick it up on the downhills.”
For many pacers, the joy of seeing runners achieve their goals is a significant motivator. Jackie Choi, who has been pacing since 2013, expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s the best day of the year, in the best city in the world. It’s like a party.”
As the race day nears, these dedicated individuals prepare to support thousands on the streets of New York City, embodying the spirit of perseverance and community that defines the TCS New York City Marathon.
