Helping fellow runners meet their goals is what we're all about-and pacing the Portland Marathon is no exception. 2009 is the 7th year that Team Red Lizard has paced for the Portland Marathon. It's one of our favorite traditions.

Think of the pacers as a guide; we run "even effort" splits. This means that each mile has an assigned pace, based on the terrain of the course.
But you should run your own race according to how you feel. The pacers are there as guides. If the pace feels too slow in the beginning of the race, that's okay. Remember, it's a long race and what feels slow at the start will feel a lot different 20 miles later! If the pace is too fast, slow down. If you feel like you can go faster, speed up. It's your race, and we're here to help you enjoy it so that you will want to come back year after year.

Many of our pacers are marathoners or have paced at Portland before. Feel free to pepper us with questions and engage in friendly conversation. We're here to make you feel welcome and reach your goals!

Please stop by the information booth at the Portland Marathon Expo to meet some of the pacers from Team Red Lizard and to pick up a pace band, courtesy of Team Red Lizard and OregonLive.com.