The Woodlands Marathon

The Legacy Capital Woodlands Marathon and Houston Methodist Half Marathon will offer participants the opportunity to run with individuals designated as “PACERS” to assist with them reaching the finish line.

• As a benefit to the runners we will be offering pace teams led by experienced pacers for a wide variety of times including many of the Boston qualifying standards. We hope you will find this support useful as you strive to achieve your goals.
  
  
• For the past several months you have trained to run a marathon. The Pace Team is designed to provide you with a means for keeping track of your progress throughout the race.
  
  
• Using the Pace Team as your guide and coach, you will be able to relax and enjoy the race, knowing that experienced marathoners are looking out for you and moving you through the course at a steady pace. If the pace feels too slow in the beginning of the race that’s normal. Just stay with the group and ask the pace leader about an appropriate strategy for the second half.
  
  
• If the pace is too fast, slow down. If you become ill or injured stop off at a medical station.
  
  
• The marathon is a challenging event and anyone can have a bad day. The key to a successful marathon or half marathon is to manage your day smartly.
  
  
• While the pace leaders will strive to maintain an exact per-mile average pace, the first 1 or 2 miles may be a bit slower until the field thins a bit. Don’t worry – these experienced marathoners will do their job to keep you on pace!
  
  

Below is a list of “pace team” times available for participants to register.

Pace Team FAQs

Where do the Pacers come from?
All of our Pacers were chosen because of their years of competing in several marathons throughout the country. Our Pacers are dynamic and personable, and know from past experience exactly what it takes to help you have a great marathon experience.


What pace group should I be in?
The best way to select the proper pace group is to consult Race Prediction charts such as those at www.runnersworld.com. There you can base your desired finish time on a previous shorter race you’ve completed this season. It’s very important not to start out too fast in the marathon and to select the proper pace based on your actual previous performance.


What does it cost to run with the Pace Team?
The Pace Team is free to registered runners and doesn’t cost you anything!


How will the Pacers be running the race?
Every pace leader will be holding a steady pace throughout the marathon. These “even splits” are the best way to achieve your peak performance in the race.


Will the Pacers start out on pace exactly? How do they do that?
The Pace Leaders are very experienced and know their pace well. Sometimes at the start it’s crowded and may take a couple of miles to settle into a steady pace. Most importantly, they won’t take you out too fast and burn up all your energy early on.


Where will my Pace Leader be on race morning?
About 30 minutes before the start we’ll be assembling in the starting area. Each Pacer will be holding up their pace sign so when you see it go and join up with the group. About 15 minutes before the start the Pacer will give you some last minute instructions about running with the group. They will talk about the course, what to do if you need a break, and how to make it through the water stops. Each Pace Leader will be wearing a bright Pace Team shirt. Now is the time to ask any last minute questions you may have.


What will the Pace Leader do at the water stations?
The Pacer will most likely slow down or walk through the water stops, but this will be up to each Pace Leader, so ask them either at the Expo or on race morning prior to the start.


Will there be Pace Leaders for me if I’ve trained using the Galloway method?
You can use the Pace Leader as a guide even if you’re using the run-walk method. You will be meeting up with the Pace Leader regularly throughout the marathon, running ahead and then walking behind.


If I join a Pace group do I have to stay with them for the whole marathon?
No, you don’t. However, if you feel great at the start of the race that’s normal and you should stay with the group through the halfway point. Then you can consult with the group leader on an appropriate strategy for the second half of the race. If you’re not having a great day then slow down, take some walking breaks and work your way to the finish line. If you’re trying to hit a PR the best advice we can give you is to stick next to your pace leader for the whole race.


Will each group have the same Pace Leader for the entire marathon?
Not necessarily. The marathon may have a couple of leaders during the course of the event. However, this will not be the norm and any new Pace Leader will likewise be wearing the readily identifiable Pace Leader shirt. For the marathon the Pace Leader will be the same for the entire marathon.