Pacers - Discuss

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santababy Apr 2012 6:05pm, 23 Apr 2012 67,379 posts	0 santababy When i ran Perth50k last yr i wasnt even allowed to wear a garmin because it was national championships. i cant quite understand how pacing can be legal if Garmins arent
paul a Apr 2012 6:07pm, 23 Apr 2012 9,212 posts	0 paul a But santa only runs ridiculous ultras where pacing is governed by the number of times the sun rises.........
santababy Apr 2012 6:08pm, 23 Apr 2012 67,380 posts	0 santababy
JohnnyO Apr 2012 6:11pm, 23 Apr 2012 12,535 posts	0 JohnnyO I wondered about the garmins. They are classed as unfair aids and therefore banned in races, but you are allowed a highly trained Kenyan to pace you?? Also, that Merrien chap was looking at one all the time yesterday. Unless he was unduly fascinated with his casio watch.
Duchess Apr 2012 6:22pm, 23 Apr 2012 1,092 posts	0 Duchess I don't remember the elite men, but the elite women were definitely all wearing "running watches" and pressing buttons as they crossed the start line.
Ian M Apr 2012 6:25pm, 23 Apr 2012 721 posts	0 Ian M I think the rules re garmins have or are about to change. I see no problem with pacers at all to be honest. To be able to run at the insane pace set in a world class marathon at the front dictates that you already have the skill to be able to pace yourself a good race IMHO. However, just to be sure, organisers seem to like someone to set the pace hot enough to make it interesting and maintain the money as already intimated. Maybe they just do it so that elite pacers can earn a bob or two while trying out on the circuit? I would guess that if you are at the front of an elite race then you are going to run quite fast regardless of who "paces" you.
postieboy Apr 2012 6:28pm, 23 Apr 2012 1,008 posts	0 postieboy They've been using pacers forever. Roger Bannister was paced to the first sub four minute mile being the classic example from years gone by. Wasn't a problem then, shouldn't be one now.
Ultracat Apr 2012 6:28pm, 23 Apr 2012 9,755 posts	0 Ultracat Not seen pacers in any championship events like the Olympics. When I did 24 hour race I wasn't allowed to wear any sort of timing device, are you allowed watches in track races?
Ian M Apr 2012 6:36pm, 23 Apr 2012 722 posts	0 Ian M postieboy, I was about to say the same. It's not a new thing.
Foxy Davy Apr 2012 7:34pm, 23 Apr 2012 26,657 posts	0 Foxy Davy UKA cant administer an ipod ban so a Garmin ban would be unworkable for the every day mid pack 3.30 - 5 hour runner & the US only ban ipods if claiming a prize on the basis you could be recieving coaching through your headphones or like Deena Kastor have your coach as your pacer - genius