Helping You Every Step of the Way
Our Pace Team Leaders are here to help runners run smart, stay motivated, and cross the finish line feeling strong. These experienced runners are hand-selected for their pacing skills, race experience, love of the run community, and their swagger. Expect steady splits, encouragement when it gets tough, and plenty of high fives along the way.
Whether runners are chasing a personal best or aiming to finish on goal, running with a pacer allows them to relax, trust the process, and enjoy the race.
Pace leaders will be offered for the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Full Marathon and the Half Marathon
There is no cost to run with a pace team and no registration required. Pace Team Leaders are easily identified by signs showing their goal finish time and pace and will be lined up at the start on Chancellor–Matheson 15 minutes prior to the race start.
Pacing Options & Strategy
• Run continuous and run/walk options are available
• Run/walk pace teams are clearly indicated
• Pace Team Leaders run even splits throughout the race
• If early congestion causes delays, pacers will not exceed 15 seconds per mile faster than goal pace while gradually returning to target pace
• Pacers will not plan bathroom stops and will not wait for runners who step off course
• Each pace team will take water and/or sports drink at every aid station
• Pace leaders use chip time and start their watches as they cross the timing mats
Who Are Our Pacers?
Each Pace Team Leader is selected for both pacing ability and personality. All pacers are experienced endurance runners, have completed a marathon within the previous year, have run at least 20 minutes faster than the pace group they lead, and are confident, encouraging, and committed to helping runners succeed. They create confidence, community, and consistency on race day.
BECOME A PACE TEAM LEADER
2026 Pace Team Applications Are Now Open
This role may be a great fit if you:
• Are an experienced runner who is passionate about community
• Are comfortable and confident running your chosen pace (20-minute buffer)
• Are energetic, positive, and motivated to help participants reach the finish line safely and on goal time
• Are available on June 21, 2026
Pace Team Leaders play a vital role by providing steady pacing, motivation, and encouragement so runners can focus on their race.
Pace Team Leader Perks
• Manitoba Marathon Pace Team Shirt
• Complimentary race entry
• Complimentary on-site or shuttle parking
Golden Carrot Award
Pace leaders are eligible for the Golden Carrot Award, presented to the leader who most accurately finishes on goal time without going over. Any intentional “running the clock” behaviors (stalling, jogging in place, etc.) will result in disqualification.
Questions?
Email: sarah@manitobamarathon.mb.ca
