The Art of Pacing in Ultras: How to Support, Motivate & Be Someone’s Hero

Raw, gritty, transformative—these words describe not just ultramarathons themselves, but the powerful act of pacing another runner through their darkest moments. While crossing finish lines gets the glory, it's the unseen heroes running alongside exhausted athletes who often make those finishes possible.

For aspiring pacers, preparation is everything. Understanding your runner's goals, communication preferences, and race strategy before you start makes all the difference. Should you lead from the front or follow behind? Do they need constant conversation or quiet presence? What small victories should you celebrate along the way? These details matter tremendously when the stakes are high and emotions are raw.

The beautiful paradox of pacing is how much the pacer receives while giving. Many report that helping someone push through seemingly insurmountable barriers reignited their own passion for ultrarunning during periods of waning motivation. The unique bonds formed through shared vulnerability on the trail extend far beyond race day, creating connections that enrich the entire ultrarunning community.

Ready to experience the transformative power of pacing? Find a runner who needs support, volunteer at your local ultra as an unattached pacer, or share your pacing stories with us @choosetoendure. When you help someone else choose to endure, you strengthen your own capacity to persevere through whatever challenges lie ahead on your running journey.

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