Team will set the pace for the big race (From Swindon Advertiser)

Team will set the pace for the big race in Swindon

5:22pm Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News

RUNNERS hoping to beat their personal bests will again have the help of pacemakers in the Nationwide Swindon Half Marathon.

Organisers have added an extra pacemaker to this year’s race who will run at a 2hr 20min pace, bringing the total number of pacemakers up to six.

Twelve volunteers will act as pacemakers to enable runners to keep to their required pace. It means runners will be able to monitor exactly what speed they should be running to achieve one of six possible times.

There will be two pacemakers for each time who will run at 1hr 30min, 1hr 40min, 1hr 50min, 1hr 57min, 2hr 10min and 2hr 20min pace.

All the pacemakers will be wearing fluorescent orange bibs with the word ‘PACE’ and their designated time on the front and back. They will also carry pace poles displaying their designated time.

This year’s half marathon and associated five-mile multi terrain and two-mile fun run will take place on Sunday, October 14.

Entries for the half marathon are up on last year with almost 1,400 having registered so far, but there is still time to get entries in for all three races.

Entries for the fun and five miler can be made on the day and entries for the half marathon close at midnight on October 10 as does online entry to the event.

The half marathon, which is organised by Swindon Council and sponsored by Nationwide Building Society, starts on the southern edge of Swindon and winds its way through some of the neighbouring villages before heading back into the town.

Coun Keith Williams, cabinet member for leisure and strategic transport, said: “Our pacemakers do a great job and they not only help runners keep to their correct pace, they also offer a lot of encouragement to those taking part along the way.

“I’d like to thank them and all our volunteers for their help on the day.”

Half marathon competitors must be aged 17 or over on race day and anyone running the multi-terrain must be 15 years or over. The two-mile fun run is for all the family but children under eight must be accompanied by an adult who has also entered the race.

Anyone wishing to take part in this year’s half marathon should call the registration line on 01793 465401 or log onto www.swindonhalfmarathon.co.uk.

l Running the Nationwide Half Marathon for charity? Get in touch with the newsdesk on 01793 501806 or email newsdesk@swindon-advertiser.co.uk