03/08/2026
If youโve never run I HIGHLY recommend it. Itโs kind of a darling race in the running community. Beautiful course, the locals come out to cheer, incredible vibes, great for PRs, and really well organized!
I had the chance to pace the 2:10 half marathon group this year with my run club ๐
Started with a big crew and ended with one too! Always fun when a group locks into the pace and works together through the miles.
My strategy as a pacer for this race is to run even splits so runners know what to expect mile to mile. For the 2:10 group that meant about a 9:54 pace per mile. On hillier courses I sometimes manage the splits a little differently, but with the gentle hills and long flats in Napa, this is the best way to help everyone stay relaxed, enjoy the race, and get it done.
Part of the job is also easing the group through aid stations so everyone can grab water or fuel, and keeping the energy up as the miles add up. ๐คช
We finished in 2:09:20 chip time and 2:09:47 on my watch, right where we wanted to be. I usually aim to bring the group in about a minute under the goal time.
This was my fourth time volunteering as a pacer at this race and itโs always such a great experience. Thank you Napa Valley Marathon and to all the runners who trusted me with your big day.
If youโre ever curious about pacing races or volunteering at events, feel free to reach out. Happy to help connect people with opportunities!
No wrong turns. ๐ช๐ป
(Good miles in the new Topos. Iโve run about 75 miles over the last 10 days. Time to take a little break!)
