Pace setters in track and field events like the marathon provide an important service to elite runners by setting a consistent, predetermined pace intended to help runners achieve record times. Given their valuable role, a common question is whether these pace setters receive payment for their efforts.
What is a pace setter?
A pace setter, also known as a rabbit, is an athlete who runs alongside elite competitors in long-distance running events like the marathon with the goal of maintaining a steady, fast pace throughout the race. The pace setter aims to hit pre-planned incremental times for specific distances (e.g. reaching the 5K mark at 15 minutes, 10K at 30 minutes, etc.) to help the elites achieve a record finishing time.
For example, at the 2020 London Marathon where Eliud Kipchoge ran a world record 2:02:37, his pace setters guided him through the first 25K in 1:11:34, hitting splits of 4:38 per mile with precision. This strategy relieves elite runners from paying close attention to their watches and lets them focus on exerting maximum effort.
Why do runners use pace setters?
There are several key reasons why elite marathoners employ pace setters:
- Help achieve record times: Pace setters aid runners in maintaining an extremely fast, consistent pace required for records.
- Reduce fatigue: Drafting behind pace setters reduces wind resistance and saves energy.
- Relieve mental burden: Following pacers means less focus on pacing strategy/watches.
- Increase confidence: Having company provides psychological motivation to maintain speed.
Male marathoners began using pacers in the 1950s, but the practice became widespread after Alberto Salazar set world records at multiple distances with pace setters in the early 1980s. Now, nearly all serious attempts at marathon records involve multiple pacers.
Do pace setters get paid?
Yes, pace setters are generally provided payment for their services. The amounts vary based on the runner, race, and contract, but pacers typically earn thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
For example, reports indicated Eliud Kipchoge’s pacesetters earned around $20,000 each for helping him break 2 hours in the 2019 INEOS 1:59 Challenge. The London Marathon pays its rabbit recruits approximately $23,000.
Here are some factors that influence pacer pay:
- Event prestige/visibility: Pacers at major marathons/record attempts get higher pay.
- Pacing distance: Pacing further into the race warrants greater pay.
- Runner status: More famous elites offer bigger pacer payments.
- Rabbit experience: Proven pacers command higher rates.
Bonuses may also be provided for hitting exact splits. Ultimately, race organizers and runners themselves foot the bill for pace setter fees.
Who gets selected as a pace setter?
Race directors and elite runners hand-pick pace setters using certain criteria:
- Proven track record: Pacers must have race times/experience demonstrating ability to hit required paces.
- Racing shape: Current fitness level must be very high to maintain speed.
- Race tactics: Experience with group pacing strategy is preferred.
- Course familiarity: Local pacers or those who’ve run the route help.
- Biomechanics: Running style should minimize disruption to runner drafting behind.
Many pace setters are elite runners themselves, though often a tier below marathon record contenders. They may excel at shorter distances on the track or have fast personal bests at the marathon distance without necessarily being world beaters.
What is expected of pace setters during the race?
Although their job may seem simple on the surface, being an effective pace setter requires meeting significant physical and mental demands:
- Maintain exact pace and splits, typically under world record schedule
- Run smoothly in a straight line without surging or slowing
- Sacrifice their own race to drop out once pacing job is done
- Withstand the mental strain of high exertion for an extended period
- Follow the lead runner’s instructions/preferences during the race
- Shelter lead runner from wind and allow them to draft
If a pacer goes out too fast or slows unexpectedly, it can ruin the elite’s race strategy. The very best rabbits understand how to execute their role flawlessly under immense fatigue.
How are pace setters coordinated during the race?
To provide the right support, pace setters work as an organized team:
- Multiple pacers may be assigned to run a certain distance (e.g. 5K-15K, 15K-25K).
- Runners cycle in if any pacers drop out earlier than planned.
- A designated lead pacer runs in front and others flank to shield wind.
- Certain pacers may carry fluids to hand off to the runner.
- Lead car on the course provides ongoing split times/directions.
Pre-race, the athlete’s coach provides pacers with precise time/distance targets and instructions so everyone works together seamlessly. This level of orchestration is vital for major record attempts.
When do pace setters drop out of the race?
To avoid disrupting the lead runner, pace setters try to peel off the course as inconspicuously as possible once their job is done. Predetermined points for dropping out depend on factors such as:
- Pacer’s assigned distance
- Lead runner’s goals/preferences
- Pacer’s own fitness/training
- Racecourse layout and facilities
Typically, pacers aim to run until at least 30K to provide support late into the marathon. However, some may stop earlier if feeling fatigued. The lead runner’s coach monitors pace setters and decides on any changes if needed.
Do pace setters ever finish the race?
In most cases, no – pace setters drop out well before the finish line once their pacing duties end. There are some exceptions where rabbits may finish if circumstances permit:
- Pacing shorter distance like 10K or 15K
- Feeling good and wanting to complete race as training
- No other pacers available to replace them
- Lead runner encourages them to finish together
However, continuing at record pace would excessively fatigue most pacers. Their primary goal is pacing the supported athlete, not competing themselves. So early drop outs are the norm.
Famous pace setters in marathon history
Some accomplished runners have become well-known for serving as pace setters at major marathons and historic record attempts:
- Bernard Lagat – Helped Eliud Kipchoge break 2 hours in 2019.
- Sammy Kitwara – Longtime pacer of Geoffrey Mutai.
- Daniel Limo – Paced Patrick Makau to former world record in 2011.
- Chris Solinsky – Notable for pacing fastest debut marathon ever in 2011.
- Abel Kirui – Berlin Marathon pacer and 2-time world champion.
- Haile Gebrselassie – Even legends pace when acting as race promoters.
These accomplished runners provide value not just from speed but experience guiding elite athletes chasing marathon glory.
Controversies surrounding pace setters
While accepted as standard practice today, employing pacers has generated some controversies over the years:
- Unnatural aid: Some view pacers as an artificial performance enhancer.
- Official records: Governing bodies have debated recognizing paced records.
- Spectator appeal: Fans complain paying to see pacers drop out.
- Race tactics: Concerns about distorted competition/psychology.
However, most experts believe pacers benefit the sport overall. Races now specify if records require solo running versus pacing permitted.
Examples of pacing compensation
Here are some reported examples of pace setter pay at major marathons and elite record attempts:
| Race | Year | Athlete | Pacer Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| London Marathon | 2020 | Eliud Kipchoge (WR) | $23,000 each |
| Berlin Marathon | 2018 | Eliud Kipchoge (WR) | $15,000 each |
| INEOS 1:59 Challenge | 2019 | Eliud Kipchoge | $20,000 each |
| Berlin Marathon | 2011 | Patrick Makau (WR) | $10,000+ each |
Top marathon racers likely invest over $100,000 in pace setters for major record attempts after all expenses.
How does pacer pay compare to appearance fees?
In addition to pace setter payments, some races also provide elite runners sizable appearance fees – essentially compensation for participating. For instance, reports indicate Eliud Kipchoge earned a six figure appearance fee from the London Marathon in 2020.
Appearance fees for star runners generally exceed pacer pay, sometimes substantially. A sampling of reported pay:
| Athlete | Race | Appearance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Eliud Kipchoge | London 2020 | $250,000 – $300,000 |
| Kenenisa Bekele | Berlin 2019 | $50,000 |
| Brigid Kosgei | Chicago 2019 | $115,000 |
For the biggest star runners, appearance fees from races are generally their primary source of income versus prize money or sponsorships.
Do appearance fees impact pacing?
There is some concern that appearance fees could incentivize top runners to prioritize paid participation over seriously contending for records and victory. However, this risk appears overblown:
- Competitive drive outweighs fees for most elites.
- Races only pay large fees if athletes are expected to compete seriously.
- Appearance fees help offset forgone winnings from pacing focus.
- Fees enable stars to compete in more races for fans.
While athletes certainly appreciate the income, race fees are unlikely to override competitive motivations for elites with pride and sponsorship incentives on the line.
Do other sports pay pace setters?
The concept of hired pace setters is relatively unique to long-distance running events like the marathon. You generally don’t see paid pace setters in other sports for a few key reasons:
- Drafting advantages: Less benefit in sports that don’t involve drafting/wind resistance.
- Strategy disruption: Could distort normal tactics and competition.
- Set durations: Races have fixed distances rather than time durations.
- Team dynamics: Most sports involve teams/direct competition.
The marathon’s combination of drafting, prolonged duration, and focus on records/time makes paid pacing services uniquely well-suited.
Conclusion
Pace setters undoubtedly provide value to elite marathoners chasing fast times, justifying meaningful pay for their assistance. While pacing originally generated controversy, it is now an accepted practice celebrated for facilitating new records and faster performances at the front of the pack.
Today, top pacers can earn substantial income while playing a key support role in landmark marathon achievements. With more records likely on the horizon, speedy pace setters will continue earning their keep helping top runners chase history.