The GCM 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 Group | min/km | Balloon Colour | Position | Pacers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 hrs 50 mins | 4:02 min/km | Light Purple | Start of Zone A | Jason Huang |
| 3hrs | 4:16 min/km | Light Blue | Middle of Zone A | Emmanuel Vergara, Ethan Pham & Carl Donaldson |
| 3 hrs 10 mins | 4:30 min/km | Blue | Between the 3:10 & 3:20 pacers | Erin Wallace, Ron New & Matt Brace |
| 3 hrs 20 mins | 4:45 min/km | Pink | Back of Zone A | Ricky Arnold, Brett Goldfinch & Jack Tang |
| 3 hrs 30 mins | 4:59 min/km | Green | Middle of Zone B | Simon Foster, Peter Jones & Daniel Prince |
| 3 hrs 40 mins | 5:13 min/km | White | Between 3:30 & 3:50 pacers | Ken Pritchard, Alexis Humeau & Josh Aylott |
| 3 hrs 50 mins | 5:27 min/km | Red | Back of Zone B | Muhammad Hamidon, John Brereton & Lincoln Chen |
| 4 hrs | 5:42 min/km | Black | Middle of Zone C | Katie Mackenzie, Waid Sinclair & Howy You |
| 4 hrs 15 mins | 6:03 min/km | Yellow | Back of Zone C | Kirsty Sutton, Calvin Phil & Craig Bibby |
| 4 hrs 30 mins | 6:24 min/km | Orange | Middle of Zone D | Penny Flukes, Angel (Sook Yong) & Jimmy Wong |
| 4 hrs 45 mins | 6:46 min/km | Lime Green | Between the 4:30 & 5hr pacers | Ervin Chan, Samantha Bond & Phillip Mounce-Stephens |
| 5 hrs | 7:07 min/km | Purple | Back of Zone D | Kylie Holland & Lee Boon Siong |
| 5 hrs 30 mins | 7:50 min/km | White | Middle of Zone E | Marc Mauger, Bec Petersen & Nick Mohd |
| 6 hrs | 8:32 min/km | Green | Between the 5:30 & Chaser pacers | Lai Hun Kiong, Roslyn Meyer & Andrew Charleston |
| Chaser (6hrs 40mins)* | 9:29 min/km | Blue | Back of Zone E | DG Datu Bara, Peita Hillman & Carmel Grashuis |
*Chaser will run to gun time of last wave.
china airlines Half Marathon Pace Times
| Pace Group | min/km | Balloon Colour | Position | Pacers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hr 24mins | 3:59 min/km | Light Blue | Front of Zone A | Mugsy Moloney & Jono Dunn |
| 1 hr 30 mins | 4:16 min/km | Blue | Middle of Zone A | Michael Cacciola & Ben Lonergan |
| 1 hr 40 mins | 4:45 min/km | Green | Back of Zone A | David Loader, Thanuj Kumar & Jarrod Gibson |
| 1 hr 50 mins | 5:13 min/km | Red | Front of Zone B | Sally Matsubara & Humberto Alvarez |
| 2 hrs | 5:42 min/km | Black | Front of Zone C | John White & Regan Tare |
| 2 hrs 10 mins | 6:10 min/km | Yellow | Front of Zone D | Jodie Cumner, Hung Pham & Steve Gamble |
| 2 hrs 20 mins | 6:38 min/km | Orange | Front of Zone E | Ben Kelly & Vanisha Vasudivan |
| 2 hrs 30 mins | 7:07 min/km | Pink | Middle of Zone E | Eric Seo & Sarah Meyer |
| Chaser (3hrs 20mins)* | 9:28 min/km | Purple | Back of Zone E | Kate Morris & Amanda White |
*Chaser will run to gun time.
Southern Cross University 10km Run Pace Times
| Pace Group | min/km | Balloon Colour | Position | Pacers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mins | 4:00 min/km | Light Blue | Front of Zone A | Zachery Cacciola & Ian McConnel |
| 45 Mins | 4:30 min/km | Green | Middle of Zone A | Rob McConnel & Bruce McConnel |
| 50 mins | 5:00 min/km | Red | Front of Zone B | Chin Xin Zhang |
| 55 mins | 5:30 min/km | Pink | Middle of Zone B | Pat Carroll & Janice Loh |
| 60 mins | 6:00 min/km | Black | Front of Zone C | Natalie Howard & Tina Adams |
| 1 hr 10 mins | 7:00 min/km | Yellow | Front of Zone D | Andy Valente & Matt Crawford |
ASICS GOLD COAST MARATHON PACER PROFILES
Jason huang
Pace Group: 2hrs 50min
Pace: 4:02 min/km
“It’s a privilege to be able to help people achieve their running goals.”
emmanuel vergara
Pace Group: 3hrs
Pace: 4:02 min/km
“I love giving back to the running community and getting as many runners their marathon PBs on race day.”
Ethan Pham
Pace Group: 3hrs
Pace: 4:16 min/km
“Nothing beats helping other runners reach their goal on race day, especially knowing all the hard work they’ve put into the lead up to the race.”
carl donaldson
Pace Group: 3hrs
Pace: 4:16 min/km
“Helping others achieve what I was able to achieve at my first marathon, GC 2025. Breaking 3hr at age 44.”
erin wallace
Pace Group: 3 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 4:30 min/km
“I love witnessing others achieve their goals.”
matt brace
Pace Group: 3 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 4:30 min/km
“Why pace? Because helping others achieve dreams is the ultimate runner’s high. At GCM26, I’ll bring energy, encouragement and plenty of smiles to every mile!”
ronald new
Pace Group: 3 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 4:30 min/km
“I love to be there to assist a runner achieve their goals, especially when you can play a key role for them, to see their smile when they finish is AMAZING!!!”
brett goldfinch
Pace Group: 3 hrs 20 mins
Pace: 4:45 min/km
” I want to be a part of the GCM26 marathon experience and help runners be their best!”
ricku arnold
Pace Group: 3 hrs 20 mins
Pace: 4:45 min/km
“Absolutely love helping others achieve their dreams or at least try my best!”
jack tang
Pace Group: 3 hrs 20 mins
Pace: 4:45 min/km
“Helping people to achieve their goal!”
daniel prince
Pace Group: 3 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 4:59 min/km
” Awesome opportunity to help people achieve their goal. Hopefully!”
peter jones
Pace Group: 3 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 4:59 min/km
“Helping people to achieve their goal!”
simon foster
Pace Group: 3 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 4:59 min/km
“There’s no other reason to pace at the GCM26 that to help others achieve goals they work so hard for.”
alexis humeau
Pace Group: 3 hrs 40 mins
Pace: 5:13 min/km
“I’m a dedicated runner passionate about helping others achieve their marathon goals. As your kind pacer, we’ll be cruising at the perfect tempo to hit that 3h40 target together!”
josh aylott
Pace Group: 3 hrs 40 mins
Pace: 5:13 min/km
” I want to support others in achieving their marathon dream at the most stunning course in Australia!”
ken pritchard
Pace Group: 3 hrs 40 mins
Pace: 5:13 min/km
“Helping people achieve their goals is highly rewarding. I live on the GC so most of my runs are on the course which makes pacing and sharing the experience on race day a highlight. Join me as your tour guide on the GC and let’s bring this 3:40 bus home!!!”
John Brereton
Pace Group: 3 hrs 50 mins
Pace: 5:27 min/km
“This will be my sixth time as a Gold Coast marathon pacer, and I love helping runners achieve their goals and dreams.”
lincoln chen
Pace Group: 3 hrs 50 mins
Pace: 5:27 min/km
“To give back to the running community and help others achieve their goals.”
muhammad shafik hamidon
Pace Group: 3 hrs 50 mins
Pace: 5:27 min/km
“GCM26 inspires me because of its strong community atmosphere and the opportunity to help runners achieve their race goals. Being a pacer allows me to give back, support others through the challenge of the marathon, and contribute to a positive, motivating race experience.”
haowei you
Pace Group: 4 hrs
Pace: 5:42 min/km
“I want to give back the support I once needed.”
katie mackenzie
Pace Group: 4 hrs
Pace: 5:42 min/km
“The debut marathoners are my inspo!”
waid sinclair
Pace Group: 4 hrs
Pace: 5:42 min/km
“A love of running and pushing limits!”
calvin pihl
Pace Group: 4 hrs 15 mins
Pace: 6:03 min/km
“I love to run. Having paced 2 GC marathons, I love the reward of helping others fulfill their goals for the event.”
craig bibby
Pace Group: 4 hrs 15 mins
Pace: 6:03 min/km
“I want to inspire runners!”
kirsty sutton
Pace Group: 4 hrs 15 mins
Pace: 6:03 min/km
“Helping people achieve their goals!”
jimmy wong
Pace Group: 4 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 6:24 min/km
“Running has given me so much, and I’d love to give back. As a 4:30 pacer at GCM26, I want to help runners stay steady, feel confident, and reach their goal together.”
penny flukes
Pace Group: 4 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 6:24 min/km
“Helping people to achieve their goal!”
sook yong tan
Pace Group: 4 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 6:24 min/km
“Being a pacer allows me to serve the running community by offering calm guidance, positive energy, and belief, helping runners move forward with confidence toward their personal milestones.”
ervin chan
Pace Group: 4 hrs 45 mins
Pace: 6:46 min/km
“I want to bring joy to the community!”
phillip mounce-stephens
Pace Group: 4 hrs 45 mins
Pace: 6:46 min/km
“I am a passionate runner who loves sharing my passion and supporting fellow runners. I love encouraging others to achieve their running goals.”
samantha bond
Pace Group: 4 hrs 45 mins
Pace: 6:46 min/km
“Helping others achieve their goals!”
lee boon siong
Pace Group: 5 hrs
Pace: 7:07 min/km
“Receiving applaud and cheer is giving me the biggest support on my running struggle, and I want to be that person who giving motivation and cheering to somebody who struggle in running.”
kylie holland
Pace Group: 5 hrs
Pace: 7:07 min/km
“I’m a passionate pacer and love to encourage and support people in achieving their running goals. I like to provide energy and advice to keep the group focused and strong.”
bec petersen
Pace Group: 5hrs 30min
Pace: 7:50 min/km
“It is a joy and a privilege to pace.”
Marc mauger
Pace Group: 5hrs 30min
Pace: 7:50 min/km
“I love helping others achieve their goals, in every aspect of running! I love running and fitness.”
nik mohd kamaruddin
Pace Group: 5hrs 30min
Pace: 7:50 min/km
“I love helping runner achieve goals/PBs.”
andrew charleston
Pace Group: 5hrs 30min
Pace: 7:50 min/km
“I love the Gold Coast Marathon, having completed it ten times, and looking forward to giving back as a Pacer.”
roslyn meyer
Pace Group: 6 hrs
Pace: 8:32 min/km
“Pacing is the most rewarding experience I have ever had in life – there is nothing better than helping others achieve their running dreams and goals!”
lai hun kiong
Pace Group: 6 hrs
Pace: 8:32 min/km
“helping others achieve their goals!”
dg razimah binti datu bara
Pace Group: Chaser (6hrs 40mins)
Pace: 9:29 min/km
“I love Running and finishing Marathons. I also love helping people. Being a Pacer allows me to give back to my sport by helping others complete successfully their marathons.”
Carmel Grashuis
Pace Group: Chaser (6hrs 40mins)
Pace: 9:29 min/km
“I enjoy helping the back-of-the-pack participants to achieve their goal of finishing their marathon”
Peita Hillman
Pace Group: Chaser (6hrs 40mins)
Pace: 9:29 min/km
“I really enjoy helping others to achieve their event goals, particularly first time marathoners who are completing such an awesome achievement. It’s always such a great atmosphere at GCM”
CHINA AIRLINES HALF MARATHON PACER PROFILES
mugsy moloney
Pace Group: 1 hr 24mins
Pace: 3:59 min/km
“To help people achieve their goals.”
jonathan dunn
Pace Group: 1 hr 24mins
Pace: 3:59 min/km
“I’ve always loved running and I also really enjoy volunteering and being part of the running community. Becoming a GCM26 pacer feels like the perfect way to combine both of those passions. I can support and encourage runners around me while helping them achieve their goals on race day.”
Michael Cacciola
Pace Group: 1 hr 30 mins
Pace: 4:16 min/km
“Eliud Kipchoge taught us that “no human is limited ” and I am inspired by runners pushing their limits and chasing their goals. For me to to run alongside others and help them achieve is pure gold!”
Ben Lonergan
Pace Group: 1 hr 30 mins
Pace: 4:16 min/km
“GCM was my debut marathon and feels like my “home” run. It’s an electric atmosphere to be amongst and a sensational course. I love being a part of the event.”
Thanuj Kumar
Pace Group: 1 hrs 40 mins
Pace: 4:45 min/km
“Goal to help runners to achieve their PB’s while running with legends at the most iconic course. I have been fortunate enough to pace with so many wonderful runners here”
David Loader
Pace Group: 1 hrs 40 mins
Pace: 4:45 min/km
“I really enjoy pacing and helping runners achieve their goals. It is extremely rewarding”
Jarrod Gibson
Pace Group: 1 hrs 40 mins
Pace: 4:45 min/km
“Having experienced the thrill of helping people achieve their goals at a great event brings me back every year”
Sally Matsubara
Pace Group: 1 hrs 50 mins
Pace: 5:13 min/km
“Pacing at my local Gold Coast Marathon allows me to give back to the running community, support goal chasers, and share the joy and confidence pacing brings on race day.”
Humberto Alvarez
Pace Group: 1 hrs 50 mins
Pace: 5:13 min/km
“Inspired by the joy of helping runners achieve their goals, sharing their journey, and keeping them focused and motivated all the way to the finish line.”
Regan Tare
Pace Group: 2 hrs
Pace: 5:42 min/km
“I always enjoy motivating others to achieve their running goals and helping them find the freedom I have found in running. I love the whole atmosphere.”
John White
Pace Group: 2 hrs
Pace: 5:42 min/km
“I’m inspired by the community spirit collective running brings to the health and well-being of individuals. I love to support everyone along the journey.”
jodie cumner
Pace Group: 2 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 6:10 min/km
“I enjoy giving back to the running community and to help athletes achieve their running goals. From first timers to achieving PB’s. I love the buzz.”
hung pham
Pace Group: 2 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 6:10 min/km
“I love to run and want to support budding runners to achieve their running goals.”
Steve Gamble
Pace Group: 2 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 6:10 min/km
“My way of giving back to the running community after racing for many years! And I Love helping people achieve their goals it is so rewarding!”
Ben Kelly
Pace Group: 2 hrs 20 mins
Pace: 6:38 min/km
“To help others achieve their goals, be it a time or just to finish is an amazing experience as it allows me to give back to this amazing community”
Vanisha Vasudivan
Pace Group: 2 hrs 20 mins
Pace: 6:38 min/km
“Being a pacer lets you share the love of running with others. You get to lead a group of runners, help them stay motivated, and experience the race in a different way”
Eric Seo
Pace Group: 2 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 7:07 min/km
“I’m your enthusiastic pacer, ready to lead with a smile! I run with joy and am here to encourage and guide every fellow runner to their goal.”
sarah meyer
Pace Group: 2 hrs 30 mins
Pace: 7:07 min/km
“Running has given me so much, and seeing others complete their first race or achieve their goals always makes me genuinely happy. Being a pacer means I can help support them every step of the way.”
Kate Morris
Pace Group: Chaser (3hrs 20mins)
Pace: 9:28 min/km
“I love encouraging people to run, and I love helping other runners meet their goals.”
Amanda White
Pace Group: Chaser (3hrs 20mins)
Pace: 9:28 min/km
“Pacers are an amazing part of the race when trying to achieve results and have been there for me and helped myself achieve my goals and I’d love to give back and do the same to motivate others”
Southern Cross University 10km run PACER PROFILES
Zachery Cacciola
Pace Group: 40 mins
Pace: 4:00 min/km
“I am obsessed with being a part of other people’s PR’s, milestones and achievements. It brings me so much joy to see the impact I have as a pace runner.”
ian mcconnel
Pace Group: 40 mins
Pace: 4:00 min/km
“My brother Rob is my hero. I’m also pacing with my identical twin, Bruce. No, we’re not genetically modified. Just 3 blokes who run a lot & somehow volunteered to pace you.”
rob mcconnel
Pace Group: 45 mins
Pace: 4:30 min/km
“Inspired by the great man Pat Carroll and PCRG, I’m pacing GCM26 to help you chase breakthrough moments—so you cross the line stronger than you believed possible and maybe even notch a PB.”
bruce mcconnel
Pace Group: 45 mins
Pace: 4:30 min/km
“Running is part of our family activities. Motivating others to achieve their goals and giving back to the running community is why I’m a pacer!”
chin xin zhang
Pace Group: 50 mins
Pace: 5:00 min/km
“Running shaped my life, and coaching deepened my purpose. I’m inspired to pace because supporting runners, building confidence, and helping them achieve meaningful milestones is incredibly fulfilling.”
Pat Carroll
Pace Group: 55 mins
Pace: 5:30 min/km
“To give back to the sport and to help runners achieve their goal”
janice loh
Pace Group: 55 mins
Pace: 5:30 min/km
“GCM26 is one of the world’s biggest running races. Last year’s KLSCM pacer exchange program inspired me, why not apply as an overseas race pacer and help others?”
Natalie Howard
Pace Group: 60 mins
Pace: 6:00 min/km
“I look forward to helping other runners reach their goals. I understand and respect the role of a good pacer”
Tina Adams
Pace Group: 60 mins
Pace: 6:00 min/km
“I enjoy helping others get their goal, to see the nerves at the start line, then help to keep them on track, it is ultimate seeing their face when they have finished and reached their goal, its PRICELESS”
andy valente
Pace Group: 1 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 7:00 min/km
“Few things are more satisfying than people coming up after the race to thank me for helping them achieve their goals.”
matt crawford
Pace Group: 1 hrs 10 mins
Pace: 7:00 min/km
“I’m pacing to help people achieve their goals!”
Want to be a pacer in 2026? Applications NOW OPEN – Limited Spots Available
To adequately carry out the pacer 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.
All volunteer pacers will receive a race entry to their designated race and a pacer singlet. The Pacer Program is curated and supported with assistance from Pat Carroll via Pat Carroll Online & Onland.
Note: Due to a high demand, only successful applicants will be notified & once certain pace groups or the full program reaches capacity, suitable applications received will be added to a waitlist.
Pace Bands
Reach your ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, China Airlines Half Marathon or Southern Cross University 10km Run goal and purchase a silicon pace band for $5.
Pace bands will be available at the “GCM Collectables” booth at the Gold Coast Check In Centre. All pace group times for each race will be available.
