For many runners, the race expo (the event where they collect their bib and race kit) is their first contact with the pacers. A friendly, well-prepared pacer booth builds trust before anyone has run a single step. It also prevents problems on race day: a runner who chooses the right group at the expo is far more likely to finish happy than one who guesses in the start pen.
Preparing for your booth shift#
Treat a booth shift like a small race: arrive on time, in uniform, and with your facts ready.
- Wear your pacer shirt so runners can recognise you.
- Know the list of pace groups for each distance, for example half marathon groups every 15 minutes.
- Bring a copy of your race-day strategy plan and a sample Wristband.
- Know the basic course features: big bridges, water stations and any known bottlenecks.
- Know the start time, pen layout and where pacers will stand.
- Have a phone or tablet open on Find my pacer group.
- Know who to send questions to that you cannot answer, such as the pacer coordinator or the race information desk.
Common runner questions#
| Question | A good, honest answer |
|---|---|
| "Will you get me to the finish in 2:00?" | "We will run an even, steady pace to finish on 2:00. Whether you finish with us depends on your training and the day. We can't promise your time, but we'll give you the best chance." |
| "Do you start fast to bank time?" | "No. We start slightly slower in the first 1–2 km and run a steady race. Banking time usually costs more at the end." |
| "When does your watch start?" | "At the start signal (gun time). If you start behind us in the pen, your own chip time will be a little faster than ours." |
| "Do you stop at water stations?" | Explain what your strategy plan says. If you do not know, say so and find out. |
| "What happens if a pacer has to stop?" | "Each group has more than one pacer. Another pacer takes over, so the group keeps its pace." |
| "It's going to be hot. Will you slow down?" | Only repeat what the organisers and your coach have decided. Never make up a new plan at the booth. |
Helping runners choose the right group#
Runners often choose the group they hope to run, not the one their training supports. Help them with a few simple steps:
- Ask about recent results. "What was your last race at this distance, or a recent 10 km?"
- Ask about training. "How did your longest runs feel? Did you finish strongly?"
- Use the tool together. Enter their details into Find my pacer group and look at the suggestion with them.
- If they are between two groups, suggest the slower one. They can still move up to the faster group in the second half if they feel strong. Moving back is much harder.
- Remind them about the conditions. In hot and humid weather, like an early-morning race in Ho Chi Minh City, a more careful choice is usually wiser.
Your behaviour at the booth#
Everything you say at the expo represents the pacing team and the event. Be patient with nervous first-timers. Be honest when you don't know an answer. Avoid criticising other groups, the course or the organisers. Keep your phone away unless you are using it to help a runner. If a runner is excited about a goal that seems unrealistic, encourage them warmly but explain why starting with a slower group is safer.
Key takeaways#
- Prepare like a race: on time, in uniform, with the facts about groups, course and start.
- Answer questions honestly and never promise a finish time.
- Use Find my pacer group with runners and suggest the slower group when in doubt.
- Explain gun time, the steady pacing approach and what happens at water stations.
- Send questions you can't answer to the right person.
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