The Freescale Austin Marathon is pleased that Mizuno will again be the official sponsor of the Pace Groups for the 2006 Freescale Marathon.

The Mizuno Pace Groups will help you not only achieve your goals, but have FUN, whether the goal is a personal record, Boston qualifier or simply to cross the finish line! Our Mizuno Pace Group Leaders are extremely experienced runners, chosen based upon their previous running and/or pacing performances and know what it takes to hold a steady pace and give you a great marathon experience - dynamic and personable, and dedicated to making sure you have a great time on the course!

Participation is FREE to all participants and no registration is necessary. We will also provide you with a Mizuno Pace Group bracelet alerting you of your specific mile goals.

We will have pace groups for the following marathon times: 3:00, 3:10, 3:15, 3:20, 3:30, 3:35, 3:40, 3:45, 3:50, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00. The pace group leaders will be running "even splits," which means that every mile will be run at approximately the same pace. Exceptions to this will be in the beginning due to the bottleneck at the start and on the miles which may be slightly hilly. Most of the pace groups will not be walking.

There will be a "Meet the Pacers" seminar which will be offered on Friday and Saturday during the expo (go to the Pacer booth for meeting location site and time). At the seminar, we will be giving some last minute pointers and each pace group leader will be there for you for a question and answer session.

To meet up with the pace groups on marathon day, look for them at the start holding up signs with finishing times printed on them and wearing Mizuno Pace Group shirts. Try to meet up with your group twenty minutes before the start.

Five or ten minutes before the start, your pace group leader will give their "final instructions." This will include any adjustments being made to the pace due to course conditions. This is another great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have!

Water station philosophy, regarding whether the pace group will walk or run through it, is up to the pace group leader(s). Each pace group leader will let the team know their strategy for getting back together after a water stop. Be sure to check with your pace group leader at the booth/clinic or prior to the race if this is extremely important to you.

We want you to run your own race. If you feel great on race day, and you want to go ahead to catch the next group, we'll cheer you on. If it's just not your day, slow down and wait for the next group behind to catch you. And if you want to just fall in and match strides with your pace group leader, we're sure to appreciate the company!

Mizuno Pacers 2006