The Support Squad
While you are the one putting one foot in front of the other, a strong crew can be the difference between finishing and a DNF. Your crew provides logistical support, emotional encouragement, and tough love when needed.
Choosing Your Crew
Select people who know you well, stay calm under pressure, and are willing to sacrifice their sleep and comfort for yours. Your crew chief should be someone organized who can make rational decisions when you are too exhausted to think clearly.
The Role of a Pacer
Pacers are usually allowed in the latter half of 100-mile races. They run with you to ensure your safety, keep you on course, and maintain your pace. A good pacer is a cheerleader, a navigator, and a psychologist all rolled into one.
Communication is Key
Before the race, provide your crew with a detailed spreadsheet including estimated arrival times, specific food or gear requests for each aid station, and strict instructions on what to do if you threaten to quit.
Crewing Etiquette
Remind your crew to respect the aid station volunteers and other runners. They should park only in designated areas, leave no trace, and understand that their primary job is to get you in and out of the aid station efficiently.
The Pacer's Golden Rule
The pacer's job is not to race. They should always run behind or slightly beside the runner, never dragging them forward. They must carry their own food and water and be entirely self-sufficient, allowing them to focus entirely on the runner's needs.