- Our Races
- Meet the Pacers
- Pacer Comments
In this section:
Our Upcoming Races
Shawnee Time Travel Half - 01/25/2025
Stilly Half Marathon - 03/08/2025
Time to Paddy Half Marathon - 03/08/2025
Eisenhower Marathon/Half - 04/19/2025
DoNot Stop Half - 04/19/2025
Garmin Marathon - 04/26/2025
Trolley Run - 04/27/2025
Lincoln Marathon - 05/04/2025
Running with the Cows Half - 05/10/2025
Colfax Marathon - 05/18/2025
Bill Snyder Highway Half - 05/24/2025
Hospital Hill Run - 05/31/2025
Clinton Historic Half - 06/14/2025
Hometown Half Marathon - 06/14/2025
Four on the 4th - 07/04/2025
Valentine Marathon/Half - 08/02/2025
Words to run by
"A year from now you will wish you had started today."
Meet your Pacers for
Hometown Half Marathon
Half Marathon Pacers: 1:30 1:35 1:40 1:45 1:50 1:55 2:00 2:05 2:10 2:15 2:20 2:25 2:30 2:35 2:40 2:45 2:50 2:55 3:00
Half Marathon SmartPace Teams
1:30 SmartPace Teams
Mike B. - 1:30 pacer
Mike started running long distance races in 2012 with a NY's Resolution to finish a half marathon. He was soon hooked, logging over 22,000 miles since then and reaching for his goals of qualifying for Boston/NYC/Chicago, running a 50 miler, and a sub-3:00 marathon (2:54). Having been helped by pacers himself, he appreciates the opportunity to return the favor by bringing his running zeal and experience to bear in helping you achieve your running goals.
1:35 SmartPace Teams
Mark P. - 1:35 pacer
Mark fell in love with running as a young boy while watching his dad compete in various road races. He ran track and cross country in high school, and later finished his first ever marathon - the Chicago marathon - while still in college. Mark had run dozens of races over the years but it quickly came to a halt back in 2020 when Mark was suddenly diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. After enduring through two years of intense treatment and surgeries, Mark resumed running and continues to press forward in remission while giving thanks to God for a new lease on life.
1:40 SmartPace Teams
Spencer T. - 1:40 pacer
Spencer has been an active runner for the past four years since he finished college. He was a cross-country and track runner in high school and primarily focuses on half-marathon distances now. Spencer enjoys challenging himself on distance runs and is passionate about helping others get into the sport. He believes that running is good for both the body and mind, and has been a great stress outlet for him.
1:45 SmartPace Teams
Bren W. - 1:45 pacer
Bren runs for her physical and mental health, to strive to better herself every day, and to feel close to God. After beating stage 3 breast cancer, running reminds her that she is more than alive, she is grateful for every step! As a New York City and Boston marathon qualifier, multiple Ironman finisher, USAT All American, with a marathon PR of 3:14, half marathon PR of 1:35, Bren's passion for running is infectious to all around her. She is eager to help you believe the impossible is possible, help motivate you to reach your goals and enjoy the journey!
1:50 SmartPace Teams
Ben B. - 1:50 pacer
Ben picked up running in college as a way to stay healthy and balance the stress of his class work. After his first half marathon in 2017, he’s caught the “race fever” and has participated in 10 half marathons and 3 full marathons. He enjoys the atmosphere that he gets to create when pacing races and helping everyone cross the finish line with a smile on their face!
1:55 SmartPace Teams
Kara S. - 1:55 pacer
Kara started running eight years ago and quickly developed a love for the sport. She decided to take it to the next level and become much more competitive. During college, she was a member of a semi professional racing team based in eastern Nebraska, Lincoln Running Company Nebraska Racing. She has participated in events ranging from the 1 mile to the marathon. Her preferred distance is the half marathon. After competing for five years, she is ready to help others reach their goals through pacing.
2:00 SmartPace Teams
Anil S. - 2:00 pacer
Anil absolutely loves running. He took up running as a drunken challenge over Octoberfest and has been a fan of the sport since. He started running in 2018 and is trying to give back to the community by pacing others to their PBs. His 5K PR is 19:49 and Half PR is 1:33:01. Here is his Strava profile is you want to keep up with his runs as he leads up to a race: https://www.strava.com/athletes/5556552
2:05 SmartPace Teams
Dawna G. - 2:05 pacer
Dawña started running over 25 years ago to get in shape. She signed up to run her first marathon in January of 2003 and was hooked. She is currently training for her 43rd marathon (and 30th state.) She ran her first and only (so far) 50 mile race in March of 2021 and her first 50K in April of 2022. She is looking forward to running with you and helping you get to the finish line!
2:10 SmartPace Teams
Paige L. - 2:10 pacer
Paige started running casually in 2007 and ran her first half marathon in 2012 and hasn't looked back! Paige has run countless 5ks, 10ks, Half Marathons, and 6 Full Marathons. Paige is passionate about running and loves to encourage others in their fitness goals as well. She is looking forward to running with you!
2:15 SmartPace Teams
Hillary S. - 2:15 pacer
Hillary Susz is a distance runner who is passionate about adventure. Her training focuses on improving her ability to climb higher, run farther, and experience more magic and wonder in life and nature. In 2023, she had a podium finish at the Sander's Saunter and top 10 at the Hiawatha Trail Ultra. This year, she will take on new ultra distances on more challenging terrain, as well as cultivate a community of spirted runners through pacing.
2:20 SmartPace Teams
Kirby W. - 2:20 pacer
Kirby has been running since middle school when she started competing in track and field, she continued to run through college as a long sprinter and hurdler. After college she started with longer distance running and triathlons. She’s completed two Ironman 70.3 triathlons, 13 half marathons, and 3 full marathons. Kirby is excited to help runners of all abilities reach their goals!
2:25 SmartPace Teams
Nicole C. - 2:25 pacer
Nicole started running at the age of 14 to cross-train while swimming competitively. She stopped swimming, but kept running recreationally through college as a way to manage stress. She completed her first half marathon in 2003, and first full marathon in 2006. Since then she has completed 9 marathons (including the Goofy and Dopey Challenges), numerous half marathons, 4 half Ironmans and a full Ironman. Nicole is a physical therapist, and is happy to chat about injury prevention for runners.
2:30 SmartPace Teams
Amanda M. - 2:30 pacer
Amanda started running as a way to get in shape and lose the freshman 15 in 2017. She has completed multiple half marathons and one full marathon since then. Her hope is to help other runners achieve their goals through pacing and help others discover their love for running. Her ultimate goal is to qualify for Boston one day!
2:35 SmartPace Teams
Shekita R. - 2:35 pacer
Shekita started running in 2013 after a friend invited her to run in a local "Diva" 5K event. To date, she has completed numerous 5Ks/10Ks, over 20 half marathons and three marathons. Shekita's initial running experience ignited a strong passion and appreciation of the sport. Her positive experience using Pacers, during her first marathon, planted a seed to one day help others on their fitness journey. She genuinely enjoys observing spirited expressions as runners cross the finish line and is excited to cheer with you as you cross the line of SUCCESS!
2:40 SmartPace Teams
Scott B. - 2:40 pacer
Scott started running again at the young age of 41 just to lose a few pounds and be in better health. Joined a local running club and after a few years of a mile here and a mile there he decided to try his first marathon in spring of 2014 and has been hooked since. Two years since the spring of 2014 he has completed many marathons and 70+ half marathons. His favorite thing about running is the camaraderie that runners share and helping others achieve their goals whether it be a first race, a PR or just enjoying a run with good company.
2:45 SmartPace Teams
Brian M. - 2:45 pacer
Brian has been running consistently since 2022. He is currently an active member and daily streak runner with the Measly Mile Mafia (MMM). Although he is a streak runner, he prefers distance and munching miles. Brian has run 3 marathons so far and numerous half marathons. He is currently running at least a half marathon and around 100 miles every month to stay in tip-top condition. He can't wait to get out there and crush goals together!!
2:50 SmartPace Teams
Kim C. - 2:50 pacer
Kim started running to lose the "baby weight" after her youngest turned 2. She fell in love with running, especially the half-marathon when she completed her first half (The KCM Half) in October of 2012. She enjoyed the race experience so much that she completed her second half just 4 weeks later. Since starting, Kim has completed 71 half marathons and over 50 5K & 10K runs and is a member of Half Fanatics. Kim's goal is to run to have fun and enjoy the journey.
2:55 SmartPace Teams
Denisse R. - 2:55 pacer
3:00 SmartPace Teams
Tom M. - 3:00 pacer
Tom ran track and cross-country in high school and mostly 10K’s during and after college. After a couple decades of work and family obligations his physician told him to exercise. Running was familiar and races provided measures of progress. He’s run over 40 marathons, including Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, and London along with local marathons, half marathons, 10 and 5K’s. He experienced the advantages of the SmartPacing system and is delighted to share that with you, whether this is a first race, a PR attempt, or a comeback race. He will ease you into an efficient pace, going slow in uphills and faster in downhills, along with strategic walk breaks at aid stations. He’ll encourage you, distract you, and entertain you to your goal. He has paced numerous races over several years and enjoyed helping runners achieve their goals.
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