Speed leaders

Speed leaders

The marathon is an endurance race so pace and regularity are major factors. It is often quite a daunting task trying to maintain a steady speed.

For those people who set their sights on a “chronometric” target, the Maasmarathon organisers offer people the opportunity to plant themselves firmly in the wake of seasoned runners who, recognisable by a coloured balloon that can be seen from far off, are bent on completing the 42.195 km within a specific time limit.

The programme features seven different scheduled times:

3h15
Or a speed of 4’35” per km (13 km/h).Your training will have been extremely intense. The least time possible is spent taking refreshments.

3h30
5′ per km (12 km/h).The experienced pacers slow down the pace at the refreshment points, which are of key importance, to resume a steady pace between each point.

3h45
5’20” per km (11.250km/h), which is the speed of most marathon participants. Do not crowd around the pacers but stay a reasonable distance behind the balloons: this avoids any jostling during the refreshments!

4h00
At 5’40” per km the speed will be about 11 km/h with appropriate stops at each refreshments point

4h15
At 6′ per km, with appropriate stops at each refreshments point

4h30
6’25” per km, the aim is to attain 10 km/h, including stops for refreshments. The hares will offer psychological support in maintaining this speed.

Your willpower will do the rest.