Pacing Ethics & Sportsmanship

When you wear a pacer singlet and carry a flag, you represent the event, the organising team and every other pacer. Runners trust you with their goal time, and other participants see you as part of the race organisation. That trust depends on how you behave, not only on how well you hold the pace. This lesson covers the ethical standards every CDPP pacer follows.

You are a pacer, not a racer#

Pacing day is not your day to shine. It is your runners' race, not yours (see you are a pacer, not a racer). In practice this means:

• Do not race. Do not use your pacing assignment to chase a personal time, a Strava segment or a place in your age group.
• Finish on time, not early. Finishing well ahead of the time on your flag is not "good pacing". Runners who trusted you may have dropped back to save energy, or may have been pushed beyond their limit to stay with you. Aim to finish on your target time, within the small margin your team has agreed.
• Let runners own the moment. At the finish, let your runners cross the line first and stay out of the photos (see finishing the race).

Professional boundaries#

Pacers are helpers, not coaches for hire on race day, and not celebrities.

• No pacing for personal gain. Do not sell services, promote your own brand or ask runners for payment, tips or gifts during or because of the assignment. Sponsor items are worn only as agreed with the organiser.
• Treat every runner equally. Your group includes runners of every age, gender, nationality and ability. Give the same attention and respect to all of them.
• Respect personal space. Ask before touching anyone, even for a friendly pat on the back. A high-five is fine when it is offered.
• Be honest about your readiness. If you feel unprepared, injured or ill before or during the race, tell your team and the organisers early (see social skills, ethics and commitment).

Fair play and race rules#

Pacers must help runners within the rules, never around them. The following are never acceptable:

Helping a runner carry a drink, or reminding them to drink, is normal pacer support. Physically moving them forward is not. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, check the race rules or ask the pacer coordinator before race day.

Respecting others on the course#

A big pacing group can take up a lot of road. Be a good neighbour:

• Keep the group compact and to one side when the road is narrow.
• Call "passing on the left" when your group overtakes slower runners.
• Thank volunteers, marshals and police. A wave costs nothing.
• Keep music at a level that suits the group and respects residential areas.

Social media conduct#

You are an ambassador of the event, also online. Do not publicly criticise organisers, sponsors or fellow pacers. Do not post photos of runners in distress or medical situations. Ask before posting close-up photos of individual runners. Share positive stories; take any complaints directly to the organising team.

Key takeaways#

• Pacing day is for your runners: do not race, and finish on your target time, not early.
• No personal gain: no selling, promoting or asking for payment during an assignment.
• Never push, pull or give illegal aid; follow the race rules and marshals' instructions.
• Respect other runners, volunteers and residents, and treat everyone in your group equally.
• Online, act as an event ambassador: no public criticism and no photos of runners in distress.