EDITOR’S LETTER

THE IDEA BEHIND the Runner’s world Pace Team is simple: a group of experienced runners do the Virgin Money London Marathon, aiming for finish times from under three hours up to 5:15, in 15-minute increments. If your time goal matches one of theirs, all you have to do is run with your pacer, who’ll have an eight-foot-high flag sticking out of their backpack. You don’t have to worry about going off too fast at the start, or stress about your pace at all – you simply follow the flag.

But that description doesn’t quite do justice to the pacers. They’re also on-the-go sources of advice and encouragement, and being part of a group can reduce a lot of the anxiety it’s natural to feel when tackling such a landmark event. So we wanted to celebrate the pacers this year – we talk to nine of the team on page 42. Thanks to New Balance for the great shoes and Pace Team kit.

I’ve paced a few times and will again this year. There are few feelings to match the satisfaction of helping others enjoy their race and achieve their goals. I’ve run faster marathons, but pacing on marathon day is a far more rewarding experience, as I’m sure all the pacers would agree.

This month also marks the climax of our Mission Marathon campaign, and so I’d like to wish challengers Lily, Jo and Paul the best of luck as they get set to take on 26.2 miles. Search #missionmarathon on Instagram to see how they got on. See you on the start line.