Why OnPace Race Is the Gold Standard in Marathon Pacing

When it comes to creating a top-tier race experience, few things are as impactful as a reliable, professional, and encouraging pace team. Since 2022, I’ve had the privilege of pacing 25 events with OnPace Race, and I can say with full confidence: they are the best in the business.

Whether you’re a race director looking to elevate your event or a runner dreaming of crossing the finish line with confidence, OnPace Race delivers excellence at every mile marker.

A Team Built on Standards—Not Just Speed

One of the reasons OnPace Race stands out among pacing organizations nationwide is their commitment to quality and experience. Unlike many other pacing teams, OnPace Race doesn’t accept just anyone with a stopwatch and a smile. To pace a full marathon, applicants must have completed at least ten full marathons, with verified finishing times submitted as part of the application. The same high bar is set for half marathon pacers—ten half marathons completed before you’re even considered.

This level of vetting ensures that every pacer on course has both the physical endurance and mental resilience to lead others. It’s not just about running a certain pace—it’s about managing the course, the clock, and the human experience that comes with pushing through the miles.

Consistency Across the Nation

From California to Florida and everywhere in between, OnPace Race provides nationwide race pacing services. Each pacer receives a custom pace sign with their name and time, and for every race they pace, they earn a magnet to commemorate the day. It’s not just a cool perk—it’s a culture. Pacing with OnPace Race feels like joining a family. There’s a shared mission among all of us: to help runners hit their goals and enjoy the journey.

A Race Director’s Dream Team

For race directors, partnering with OnPace Race is a no-brainer. The organization is known for being:

  • Professional – Pacers arrive prepared, trained, and equipped with clear expectations.
  • Reliable – No last-minute dropouts or no-shows.
  • Inclusive – OnPace Race offers pacing groups for a variety of finish times, supporting everyone from sub-3:00 marathoners to 7:00+ back-of-the-pack finishers.
  • Customer-Focused – Runners consistently leave rave reviews about the pacers who helped them cross the finish line, often describing it as the highlight of their race day.

How to Join the OnPace Race Team

If you’re an experienced runner who loves to support others, becoming an OnPace Race pacer might be your next finish line. Here’s how to apply:

  1. Visit onpacerace.com
  2. Click on “Pacers” in the navigation bar.
  3. Fill out the application form with your personal best times and a list of 10 completed races (either half or full marathons depending on your desired role).
  4. Submit and wait to hear back from the team.

Each application is reviewed carefully, and selected pacers are offered opportunities that align with their experience and pace comfort.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Since I first paced the Modesto Marathon in 2022, OnPace Race has become my go-to pacing team—not just for the structure and standards, but because of the heart behind what they do. As a pacer, there’s no greater joy than helping someone achieve a finish line they once thought was impossible. And as part of the OnPace Race crew, I get to do that again and again—surrounded by passionate, dedicated teammates who truly believe in the power of the pace.

Ready to Elevate Your Race or Join the Team?
👉 Visit onpacerace.com to learn more about becoming a pacer or bringing OnPace Race to your next event.

Love Steph Dunlap
Why OnPace Race Is the Gold Standard in Marathon Pacing

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