Run with the pacers

The Hyderabad Marathon has experienced runners volunteering as pacers to help new runners

July 29, 2014 06:35 pm | Updated 06:36 pm IST - HYDERABAD

Romil Barthwal

Romil Barthwal

Never ask a runner why he/she runs. What begins as a health and fitness initiative changes an erstwhile couch potato’s lifestyle and soon, running becomes an addiction. Helped by training, runners progress from 5K to 10K and half marathons and while at it, realise the gnawing eagerness to do more — not just complete a run but do it within a stipulated time. Pacers help them do just that. For the first time, organisers of the Hyderabad Marathon, Hyderabad Runners (HR), have gone all out to encourage new runners to take the help of pacers.

Who are pacers?

Pacers are experienced runners who volunteer to motivate new runners instead of competing at a marathon. They run alongside new runners, helping them maintain pace and time. “We have pacers for both half and full marathons. They help beginners set a target and train towards it,” says Ajay Mohan Reddy (in a picture clicked by Sriram Raju), one of the pacers for the half marathon.

How do pacers help?

“Pacers know the route and terrain and set an ideal pacing time,” explains Ajay. There is a pace plan for every kilometre. The pace to run down Khairatabad flyover will be different from that of running up an incline near KBR Park. “Pacers try to make the group complete the run one minute ahead of the set time, which calls for a lot of planning,” says Ajay, who has been a core member of HR society since 2009.

Choosing a pacer

The HR group put up its list of pacers on its Facebook page two months ago, enabling new runners to choose their pacers. The Hyderabad Marathon has runners and pacers participating from others cities as well. Mumbai-based Sayuri Dalvi, who has been running for the last nine years, says volunteering as a pacer is her way of giving back to running, which has made her healthier and given her new friends apart from recognition. “Many new runners have the ability to finish a run but lack confidence. It’s my responsibility to help them overcome their fears. A few runners based in Mumbai will be coming to Hyderabad for the marathon. I’m planning to conduct a dry run for them,” she says.

Which bus will you board?

Half and full marathon participants can choosers pacers in different buses. Ajay is in the 1.45hr category while Sayuri is in the 2hr category for the half marathon. For the full marathon, there are 4hr, 4:30hr; 5hr; 5:30hr and 6hr buses, where ‘bus’ refers to the time taken to finish the marathon.

Romil Barthwal, a pacer in the 4hr bus has been training with new runners. Volunteering for the second year in a row, he says, “When a new runner approaches me, I find out the basics — how long he/she has been running, the distance they run and their fitness levels and plan training regimens accordingly. They too have questions, from the pace plan to what they should eat. We’ve been training on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays,” says Romil.

Each pacer has a different strategy. Some pacers maintain constant pace through the run. Others start at a quicker pace, slow down in between and again pick up pace in the last few kilometres. Knowing their strategy in advance helps runners align themselves to the pacers.

Devyani Haldar, a pacer for the 5:30 bus, says her pace will vary according to the terrain. “The initial route is on a flat course and can be covered easily. In the beginning, there is bound to be a lot more crowd. All this needs to be factored in. For the flyovers enroute, the runners will require more time,” she says. Devyani recently completed the Leh Marathon. “I started running 15 years ago to counter stress while pursuing a doctorate course. My friends dropped out eventually but I didn’t,” she says.

Across cities

What happens if a runner from Hyderabad chooses a pacer from another city? “Pacers can share their strategies online with the group a week before the marathon. One day before the event, we will have an expo where all pacers will be present for interaction,” informs Ajay.

When to train?

Marathon participants require at least two to three months training. For those who rue the lack of time, Romil says, “Once you discover the joy of running, everything revolves around it. There are occasions when we’ve run at 11 p.m., 12 midnight or even 3 a.m. armed with lights and reflective jackets for safety. If you like running, you will find the time for it.”

The joy is evident in Romil’s picture above, shared by Catch Mani.

For more details on pacers, check >https://www.facebook.com/MarathonHyderabad

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