Races / Pacemakers
The marathon is an endurance race requiring staying power: rhythm and regularity are the keywords.
Keeping a regular pace is a real difficulty, which is why the organisers of the Grand Toulouse Marathon propose that those setting themselves a "timed" objective tuck in behind experienced runners who, identifiable from a distance via a distinctive, coloured balloon, are assigned to complete the 42.195 kms within a defined time.
Seven benchmark times are on the programme:
When bibs are handed out, you can collect a strap in the colour of your target time.
The Marathon in 3hrs 00: the Purple Balloon
Representing a pace of 4’16’’ per km (14 kph)
A very regular and sustained pace. Refreshment taken on the run.
The Marathon in 3hrs 15: the Red Balloon
Representing a pace of 4’38’’ per km (13 kph)
A very regular and sustained pace. Refreshment taken on the run.
The Marathon in 3hrs 30: the Blue Balloon
Representing a pace of 4’59’’ per km (12 kph)
Regular pace between refreshment zones. Refreshment taken while slowing down.
The Marathon in 3hrs 45: the White Balloon
Representing a pace of 5’20’’ per km (11.3 kph)
Maintaining a regular pace and keeping sufficient distance with pacemakers to avoid packing with other runners.
The Marathon in 4hrs 00: the Green Balloon
Representing a pace of 5’42’’ per km (10.5 kph)
The "mythical" bar of 4 hours. Care over the first half of the course and respect of refreshment. Brief stops at each refreshment zone.
The Marathon in 4hrs 30: the Yellow Balloon
Representing a pace of 6’25’’ per km (9.4 kph)
A regular pace and stops at each refreshment zone.
The Marathon in 5hrs 00: the Pink Balloon
Representing a pace of 7’07’’ per km (8.4 kph)
A regular pace and stops at each refreshment zone.
