I was checking out upcoming races recently and I read in a local trail race company’s website, that they are charging pacers. I have never heard of this before. If any other race has charged pacers in the past, I would like to hear about it.
I’m not talking about charging for meals or transportation, I can understand that. But this is a $30 charge per pacer, to be paid via Venmo, directly to the race director.
Forgive me, but there’s something strange about that. To continue with the strangeness of the pacers, the race also states: Pacer cannot run in front of Entrant. The reason is for safety. We are the firm believer that if you are in front of your runner, and they have an issue (fall, vision, or cardiac arrest), then being in back is better than front.
Really? Will there be lookouts posted throughout the race to ensure that each runner and pacer are following this bizarre and overly strict rule? I am shocked to find such an odd thing to make a rule about. I’m not releasing the name of the trail race company, but the race takes place August 12th in the Marin Headlands.
There will probably be more information in the future about this race company, so be on the lookout for that. This story is not over.