In the final hour before the start, your job is simple but important: be easy to find, stand in the right place, and be ready to go at the gun. Runners look for one thing in a crowded start pen (also called a corral): your flag. If the flag is missing, falling over or in the wrong pen, runners lose confidence before the race has even begun.
Your flag kit#
On race day, pacers collect their flag backpacks and flags at the Pacer Assembly Point or Race Kit Pick-Up (RKPU) area (see Race-day logistics). Arrive on time so there is time to fit everything properly.
Check your kit before you leave the assembly point:
- The flag shows the correct target time for your group.
- The backpack fits snugly. Tighten the straps and do a short jog. The flag should not swing, bounce or lean.
- The pole is secure and at a height where it will not hit runners, signs or overhead banners.
- LED poles or lights work. For early starts in the dark, such as a 3:00 start, switch them on and check the batteries.
- Your bib is visible on the front. Backpack straps, jackets or a hydration vest must not cover it.
- Your watch is ready and you know when to start the GPS search (see the watch checklist).
Where to stand#
- Your pen number is printed on your bib. Go to that pen and nowhere else. Do not move to another pen.
- Stand at the front of your own pen, so runners behind you can see the flag and start with you.
- In Pen 1, stand behind the elite runners, never on the very front of the start line.
- Keep clear gaps between pace groups. When two groups share a pen, the faster group stands ahead, with a few metres of space between the flags. Runners can then see clearly which flag is which.
- The pacers of one group stand together, in the formation you will run in: the leader in front, support pacers on each side (see Team formation).
The corral briefing#
While you wait, give a short briefing to the runners around you. Keep it under two minutes:
- Introduce the team and the target finish time.
- Explain the plan: a slightly slower first 1–2 km, then steady pace.
- Explain what you do at water stations.
- Show the standard hand signals: raised flat hand = slowing, circular arm motion = regroup, pointing left or right = upcoming turn, pointing down = obstacle.
- Explain when your watch starts (see below).
Gun time and chip time#
| Gun time | Chip time | |
|---|---|---|
| Starts when | The start signal (the gun) | You cross the timing mat at the start |
| Ends when | You cross the finish mat | You cross the finish mat |
| Who uses it | Pacers start their watch at the gun | Most runners' personal result |
Pacers start their watch at the gun, not at the mat (see On course: gun time). It may take a little time to reach the mat, so the group's time is slightly "harder" than a runner's chip time. A runner who starts behind you and finishes with you will usually have a chip time a little faster than the target.
After the finish#
Return your backpack and flag to the RKPU or assembly point straight after the race (see After the race). Report any damaged poles or lights so they can be fixed before the next event.
Key takeaways#
- Check your flag, backpack, LED lights and bib visibility before leaving the assembly point.
- Stand at the front of the pen printed on your bib, behind the elites in Pen 1.
- Keep clear space between pace groups so runners can find the right flag.
- Give a short corral briefing including hand signals and the start plan.
- Pacers start at the gun; runners' chip times will usually be slightly faster.
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