Pace Runners

The Pacers assist participants to their time goals in the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, China Airlines Half Marathon and Southern Cross University 10km Run. Pacers are experienced runners who aim to maintain an even pace throughout the race with the goal to have you finishing slightly faster (30 seconds or so) than your goal time.

For easy visibility, the pace runners will be carrying a coloured balloon and a goal time sign high amongst the starting runners. Each pace runner will also wear a singlet with the goal time marked on the back. It’s important to know the start zone your pace runner will be in and ensure you choose the same start zone when you enter so you can start the race near your pace runner.

Each pace time will have at least two pace runners who will lead the pace (off net-time) whilst guiding & motivating you throughout the race.

Pacers will run to the ‘Net Time’ (also called ‘Chip Time’). Net Time is the time it takes you to complete the distance once you’ve crossed the start line. Note: Due to participant numbers, it may take several minutes to cross the start line after the gun is fired.

ASICS Gold Coast Marathon Pace Times

Pace Groupmin/kmBalloon Colour PositionPacers (Coming Soon!)
2 hrs 50 mins4:02 min/kmLight Purple
3 hrs4:16 min/kmLight BlueFront of Zone B
3 hrs 10 mins4:30 min/kmBlueMiddle of Zone B
3 hrs 20 mins4:45 min/kmPinkBack of Zone B
3 hrs 30 mins4:59 min/kmGreenFront of Zone C
3 hrs 40 mins5:13 min/kmWhiteMiddle of Zone C
3 hrs 50 mins5:27 min/kmRedBack of Zone C
4 hrs5:42 min/kmBlackFront of Zone D
4 hrs 15 mins6:03 min/kmYellowMiddle of Zone D
4 hrs 30 mins6:24 min/kmOrangeFront of Zone E
4 hrs 45 mins6:46 min/kmLime GreenBetween the 4:30 & 5hr pacers
5 hrs7:07 min/kmPurpleMiddle of Zone E
5 hrs 30 mins7:50 min/kmWhiteBetween the 5hr & 6hr pacers
6 hrs8:32 min/kmGreen Between the 5:30 & Chaser pacers
Chaser (6hrs 40mins)*9:29 min/kmBlueBack of Zone E

*Chaser will run to gun time.

china airlines Half Marathon Pace Times

Pace Groupmin/km Balloon Colour PositionPacers (Coming Soon!)
1 hr 24mins3:59 min/kmLight BlueFront of Zone A
1 hr 30 mins4:16 min/kmBlueMiddle of Zone A
1 hr 40 mins4:45 min/kmGreenBack of Zone A
1 hr 50 mins5:13 min/kmRedFront of Zone B
2 hrs5:42 min/kmBlackFront of Zone C
2 hrs 10 mins6:10 min/kmYellowFront of Zone D
2 hrs 20 mins 6:38 min/kmOrange Front of Zone E
2 hrs 30 mins7:07 min/kmPinkMiddle of Zone E
Chaser (3hrs 20mins)*9:28 min/km PurpleBack of Zone E

*Chaser will run to gun time.

Southern Cross University 10km Run Pace Times

Pace Groupmin/kmBalloon Colour Position Pacers (Coming Soon!)
40 mins4:00 min/km Light BlueFront of Zone A
50 mins 5:00 min/kmRed Front of Zone B
60 mins6:00 min/kmBlack Front of Zone C
1 hr 10 mins7:00 min/km YellowFront of Zone D

 

Want to be a pacer in 2025?

To adequately carry out the pace runner role you’ll need to be able to comfortably run the pace you’ve nominated for. You also need to be prepared to offer encouragement and motivate runners in your pack. All pace runners will receive an entry and singlet. Contact Pat Carroll for more information.

Apply for a pace runner role