As the London 10km approaches and race bibs begin to arrive, runners of all levels are gearing up for the challenge.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner aiming to shave seconds off your time or a beginner tackling your first 10km, mastering the art of pacing is essential.

I have paced many 10km races, of varying times.

So I’ve put together my top tips to help you pace your race effectively, maximise your performance and finish with a sense of accomplishment.

 

Use your training to set a realistic goal:

Use the knowledge and experience gained from your training to establish a time goal.

Consider the intensity, distance, and consistency of your workouts in the weeks leading up to the race.

This will hopefully give you an idea of the pace you will be able to sustain on race day.

Also note this event is in July so there may be a heatwave to factor in (there was last year) – so please be aware you may need adjust your pace accordingly!

Getting even:

Some pacers will pace with negative splits – personally, I prefer to pace even splits.

I aim to maintain a consistent pace throughout the race and avoid any significant deviations.

Distributing your effort evenly will maximise your energy reserves. You want a nice strong finish!

Account for the course length:

Races are rarely ‘bang on’ the specified distance.

Running wide / short of the measured line and weaving in and out of other runners can add a little extra distance in any race.

So it’s important to account for the possibility of the course being slightly longer than specified.

I always aim to bag an extra 30 seconds during the first half of the race when you are feeling that bit fresher as a buffer.

This will provide a safety net in case the course turns out to be longer, allowing you to adjust your pace without compromising your overall performance.

Navigate GPS challenges:

London’s tall buildings can interfere with GPS accuracy.

There will be times in the race where the pace on your watch may not be accurate.

I tend to flip my watch into ‘stopwatch’ mode at use the distance markers on the course as a guide.

For example, if I am running 6 mins a km, I check it is 6 mins at 1km, 12mins at 2km and so on.

In shorter races I will hit the lap button at each marker just so I don’t have to do any complicated mid-run maths.

Its all in the mind:

Pacing a 10km race effectively requires focus.

This course has many twists and turns which will naturally alter your pace.

Don’t freak out! Break the race down into smaller sections and stay present and focused on each segment.

What little time you lose on one segment you may gain on another – don’t let your mind have a wobble!

Trust me, this race is an absolute blast! We have a team of experienced pacers ready to help you get the time you’re looking for.

Look out for the pace flags and please come and join us.

It’s going to be a great event! Just don’t forget the sunscreen!