How to Be a Better Pacer | Ultramarathon Pacer Guide

Wondering how to pace an ultramarathon? Have you been asked to be a pacer at an ultramarathon? Congratulations! You are in for an experience.
Watch as I serve as a pacer for my friend, Paul, as he finishes the 2021 Georgia Jewel 100 mile race.
Pacing in ultramarathon races is not just how fast a runner runs, but it's also a volunteer position often taken on by friends, family and crew members helping out a racer.
The pacer helps a runner get to the finish line safely, and ideally, within their goal time, be that first place or before cutoffs.
In this video, I give my Do's and Don't for Pacers in an ultramarathon. Four things not to do. Five things to do. And two bonus items to make really go above and beyond for your runner.
The main things are safety, motivation and pacing. Keep those things in mind and you'll be ok.
Let me know in the comments your best tips and strategies for pacing an ultramarathoner.

[@patrickbrown7398]

Thanks for the info. First pacer duty on Wednesday for 2024

[@BackyardWesternStates]

Nice job bud, Paul was lucky to have you :)

[@SeeChadRun]

Great tips! This is perfect!

[@RunDaddyO]

Thank you!!

[@mariaavinafranco8046]

Thank you!!!

[@RunDaddyO]

Thanks for watching

[@nickr5051]

Excellent video and information. Thank you.

[@xObscureMars]

Your channel deserves a lot more traffic. I think it popped up because i just recently found 3 of 7 and u did their first event

[@RunDaddyO]

Thank you. I was pretty discouraged with the amount of views vs time it took, so I’ve taken a break from making the videos. Maybe I’ll find the motivation to get back into it soon.

[@keypfitalways3430]

This is a incredible video! Go Paul. You were a very conscientious pacer. Thanks for the perspective.

[@RunDaddyO]

Oh thank you!! Everyone has a different style and I’m certainly not the drill sergeant type. Thankfully it worked well enough for Paul! He did awesome. 😃

[@VoidNoiz3]

Amazing video, just sent this to two of my non running buddies that I am trying to convince to pace me at my next hundred attempt 😅

[@TDMiller]

Awesome advice! I'd really think pacing a runner can be so much fun. Thanks for the upload!

[@RunDaddyO]

Thank you! Yes, it is a great way to be a part of the sport, be on the trails, interact with other runners, help out a friend, and be a part of someone achieving a dream!

[@TheDeterminedRunner]

Well done Paul with the finish! & well done Matt with helping Paul get to the finish, I know he'll have been really thankful for your support 🏃👍

[@RunDaddyO]

Thanks Martin! Paul did all the hard work. I was glad to be able to offer some support. And maybe prod him along when necessary 😂

[@brielleshinall1125]

Congratulations, Paul! What a great video. The Georgia Jewel course is beautiful! I really appreciate your advice - This will be incredibly helpful the next time I get the opportunity to pace or crew!

[@RunDaddyO]

Yes! Congratulations Paul and all GA Jewel finishers! Thank you, yes the course is stunning. It was especially beautiful as the rain fell at twilight. Glad you find the information helpful!

[@LizardKing5983]

Boy that’s a rough stretch. I actually saw someone fall asleep one time while they were running that last section.

[@RunDaddyO]

Haha! You don’t say!? Wonder who could manage that? You kept me alive out there that’s for sure. Who knows what would have become of me without you. I’d still be wondering around half asleep 😂

[@emilylabutta4950]

Awesome advice! Thank you!

[@RunDaddyO]

Thanks Emily! Have you got some pacing duties coming up?

[@emilylabutta4950]

@@RunDaddyO I do! I'll be helping a friend of a friend at Endurance Hunter in April. I'm honored and excited, and equipped thanks to you!

[@RunDaddyO]

@@emilylabutta4950 Good luck to you and your runner this weekend! Have fun.

[@emilylabutta4950]

@@RunDaddyO Thanks for remembering! I sadly had to bow out because of a knee injury. It's getting better, but I'd be a liability not an assess for 25 miles in the dark 😢

[@williamlivingstone4326]

Interested in seeing if your pacing tips work for a 200? Love this btw!

[@votecharlieg]

Thanks for this video, it's informative and inspirational! I am mentally (and of course physically) preparing to pace my brother in the upcoming Pine to Palm 100. I thought the topic may be too obscure to find good content on TH-cam, but I was wrong! Thanks for touching on the expected pace, especially for a second half. I've been somewhat stressing out about my training being behind schedule and running slower than I hoped. Anyway, cheers!

[@RunDaddyO]

Thank you! You’re doing exactly what my brother in law did for my 100. And I made this with people like him in mind! I’m so glad it was helpful. Pacing is a great way to get introduced to the sport. And a huge help to the runner. And yes, later in the race it may be a lot of hiking!

[@walkhumbly8577]

Thank You for your insight into pacing a 100 miler.
What was your training strategy for Pacing? Did you training as if you too were running a 100 miler?