Have you ever you ever thought about what it's like to pace a big marathon?

In this episode of the Running 44@60 podcast Gary Dixon shares his story of becoming a marathon pacer. He's done 62 so far including London, New York, Chicago and the Comrades Marathon in South Africa. Alongside that he's just run his 250th Marathon so Gary also shares tips and advice for those setting out on their marathon running journey.

If you are keen to know more about marathon pacing and how you might get involved then please feel free to email Gary via: [email protected]

For those starting out on their marathon journey Gary offers three key tips:

1. Be flexible with your training plan. If you are injured or fatigued be ready to adjust your plan.
2. Make sure you get the right shoes so  have a proper running shoe fitting at your local running shop
3. Target a city marathon for your first marathon because there will be loads of support on the route which you will find really helpful.

Gary mentioned the Chester Marathon and the Manchester Marathon (which he organises the pacers for) for a first-time marathon runner and for seasoned marathon runners looking for that unique experience he suggests the world's oldest ultra marathon - the Comrades Marathon.

Here is a link to Gary finishing his pacing of the Comrades Marathon

You can also check out episode 65 of this podcast which featured Trevor Nel who ran Comrades 10 successive times to earn the highly sought after 'Green Number'

This is episode 97 of the Running 44@60 podcast. You can access and download the previous 96 episodes via your usual podcast app or follow this link.

Host Trevor Lee ran his own first ultra in 2021 - the 44 mile Classic Quarter - hence 44@60.  Trevor has written a book about his buildup and adventure – it is both a business and running book and is now available on Amazon via this link: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon. 

Alternatively you can obtain a copy by leaving a review on your podcast app for this podcast and then sending a screenshot of the review, with your name and address to [email protected]

If you would like to come on this podcast and share your running experiences, tips, advice, plans, as well as specialist knowledge that will help runners then email Trevor via: [email protected] 

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The Running 44@60 podcast began as a learning / motivational tool for host Trevor Lee in his quest to run a first ever ultra - the Classic Quarter in 2021 - here's the story of Running 44@60

The first episode was broadcast in August 2019. The final episode - number 173 - went out on January 31st 2025.

Trevor wrote a book on the back of the Classic Quarter: 12 Business Lessons from Running an Ultra Marathon - all proceeds go to the Children's Hospice South West