Pace team vital to marathon success

  • Published
  • By Rachel Castle
  • 88 ABW Public Affairs
One can see him, from quite literally, a mile away. With his bright red, spray-painted hair and a sign that stands higher than his tall frame, he's quite possibly one of the most encouraging people one will find at the Air Force Marathon. His name is Jim Crist and he's a cheerleader of sorts. Not the kind one sees at a basketball or football game; but rather, the kind who runs marathons and helps others to cross the finish line, cheering them on for the entire 26.2 miles.

Needless to say, it would take more than a little coaxing to get most people to run for hours and miles on end. Not only do Pace Team members run the grueling races themselves, they do it holding a huge time sign in one arm, legs jogging, yelling words of encouragement to the members in their group, some even stopping to cross the finish line until every member of their team crosses first.

These are the men and women of the Air Force Marathon Pace Team. They will be here again in September, calling out encouragement and prodding on their runners. This is what they do.

"If you wanted to run 26.2 miles alone you could have just walked out your front door and started running. When you're with a pace group you're running with a team and have lots of teammates to support you in your effort," Jim Crist, Pace Team leader, said. "I pace to help the other runners achieve their goals whether it's to finish their first marathon or qualify for Boston."

If you are interested in running with a Pace Team, stop by their booth at the Sports and Fitness Exposition Center at the Nutter Center on Sept. 13 or 14. Mr. Crist will be there to answer any questions. Pace Teams are available for both the full and half marathon races on Sept. 15 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Pace Teams for the full marathon will lead times for 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45 and 5:00. Lead times for the half marathon will be: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20 and 2:30. There is no extra cost to run with a Pace Team. For more information, visit www.usafmarathon.com.