PACER PROGRAM
The Irving Marathon Running Series Pacer Program brings a team of experienced runners from the Irving Running Club and other volunteers to help runners achieve their goals at IMRS races. They are an invaluable asset to runners attempting to complete a specific distance or want to accomplish a specific finish time. They are responsible for ensuring that the participants maintain a steady pace throughout the race, providing motivation and encouragement, and offering advice on maintaining hydration and fuel during the run. Pacers play a significant role in making long-distance races possible and more enjoyable for participants. They are one of the many reasons why running a race can be an unforgettable experience.
We are grateful for the IMRS Pacer Team, which volunteers at every event. It takes a village!!
PACER TIMES
Marathon: 3:10, 3:20, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, 6:00
Half Marathon: 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 3:00
MEET THE IMRS PACER TEAM!
MEGHAN
IMRS Races Paced: 9
2024 Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, 2024 Irving Marathon, 2023 Irving Frost Marathon, 2023 Irving Marathon (Half), 2023 Love On the Run Half Marathon, 2022 Irving Frost Marathon (Half), 2022 Fiesta De Mayo Half Marathon, 2022 Irving Marathon, 2018 Irving Marathon (Half)
Favorite finish time: Marathon 6:00, Half Marathon 3:00
Bio: I started running to become a better me. I was 300 pounds, and that needed to go. I trained so long for my first 5k in October of 2014 at Mavs Run This Town. In January 2015, I was at Too Cold to Hold, where I ran my first 10k. The next day, I joined the Irving Running Club for a group run I'd been running with since. I registered for my first half marathon, The Color Half, and completed it on March 6th, 2015. I HATED it. I told myself I would never run another one again. The joke was on me. I forgot I got an entry into Dallas Rock and Roll 2 weeks later because of snow for Cowtown. I had an amazing time and knocked off 10 minutes of my time. From there, I ran my first full with some of the IRC in March 2016. In March 2017, I ran back-to-back fulls in Little Rock and Georgia to become a Marathon Maniac. That May, I completed my first Ultra Marathon at Hachie. Fast forward to now. Over 165 half marathons, 24 marathons and ultras, and a ton of amazing friendships later, I'm so thankful for what the running community has done for me. To motivate me, inspire me, and encourage me. I give back as much as I can, and one of the ways is by pacing and encouraging, helping, cheering, and motivating other runners on the course. Keep going for your goals, and don't ever give up! See you at the start line!
Favorite pre-race meal: Vietnamese vermicelli with grilled chicken and Gatorade Zero.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: I was obsessed with trying to finish at a certain time in both distances. I didn't enjoy the experience as much as I should. It's your first and an automatic PR! Best advice-you've done the hard part which is the training. The early mornings, after work runs, running in all types of weather, the dedication and effort you put in. The race (half or full) is the easy part. You just got to go out there and run and ENJOY the experience! Don't worry about time and have FUN! :)
JOHN
IMRS Races Paced: 7
2024 Irving Marathon, 2024 Love on the Run Half Marathon, 2023 Irving Frost Marathon (Half), 2023 Irving Marathon, 2023 Love on the Run Half Marathon, 2022 Irving Frost Marathon (Half), 2022 Irving Marathon (Half)
Favorite finish time: Half Marathon 2:00-2:20
Bio: John started running in 2015 and quickly became hooked. He has completed 20 marathons, and 41 ultra marathons, and has paced the IMRS eight times since 2022. John has lived in Irving for over 20 years and enjoys supporting the local running community.
Favorite pre-race meal: Coffee and eggs
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: Run your own race. Don't be too excited and follow those dashing off in front of you.
ROBERT
IMRS Races Paced: 7
2024 Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, 2024 Irving Marathon, 2024 Love on the Run Half Marathon, 2023 Irving Frost Marathon, 2023 Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon, 2023 Irving Marathon, 2023 Love on the Run Half Marathon
Favorite finish time: Marathon 4:30-5:00, Half Marathon 2:00
Bio: I’ve been employed at AT&T for the last 19 years managing the Mobility Network. 10 years ago after bouts of feeling overwhelmed with stress, both physically and mentally, I found running and gained a new passion, an active lifestyle and a better appreciation for harmony and balance. Running has allowed me to meet and establish relationships with many different people that share my passion for running. My goals for 2024 are to be a better runner than I was last year, to continue to volunteer and give back to the running community and to continue to spread my passion to others.
Favorite pre-race meal: Baked Salmon, seasoned brown rice and broccoli.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: That I should hydrate properly days before my half or full marathon for the best results.
KACHY
IMRS Races Paced: 6
2024 Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, 2024 Irving Marathon, 2024 Love on the Run Half Marathon, 2023 Irving Frost Marathon, 2023 Irving Marathon, 2023 Love on the Run Half Marathon
Favorite finish time: Marathon 3:40-3:45, Half Marathon 1:40-1:50
TAM
IMRS Races Paced: 5
2024 Irving Marathon (Half), Love on the Run Half Marathon, Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, Irving Frost Marathon (Half), and Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon
Favorite finish time: Half Marathon 2:20-2:30
Bio: My name is Tam. I’ve been running since November 2018 where I completed my first 5k. I was hooked after that. I’ve now ran 5 full marathons, and too many to count of the others. Running frees my soul. I am a dog mom of 2. Happily married to someone who supports my hobbies.
Favorite pre-race meal: Smuckers Uncrustables.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: Something that I still don’t practice enough to this day! Stretching and recovery are just as important as mileage.
STACEY
IMRS Races Paced: 4
2024 Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, 2024 Irving Marathon (Half), 2024 Love on the Run Half Marathon, 2023 Irving Oktoberfest Half Marathon
Favorite finish time: Half Marathon 2:20-2:30
Bio: I started running during my sophomore year in high school because I wanted to try something new, and I fell in love with cross country and racing. I continued my love for the sport over the years and have completed 1 ultra marathon, 11 marathons, over 90 half marathons, and countless shorter distance races. Running has become a passion and a lifestyle!
Favorite pre-race meal: Coffee (a must!) and a Nature Valley Almond Butter Biscuit.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: I wish I’d known more about nutrition and fueling for running!
BEAU
IMRS Races Paced: 3
2023 Oktoberfest Half 1:50, 2024 Irving Half Marathon 1:50, 2024 Fiesta De Mayo Half Marathon 1:40
Favorite finish time: Half Marathon 1:40 - 2:00
Bio: My name is Beau Brown, and I grew up in the DFW area. I started my running Journey in 2020 at Cowtown with a 5k, and ran my first half marathon at Fiesta De Mayo in 2021. My favorite part of running is hanging out with my friends in the Irving Running Club after and before events. I am currently training to beat the 3 hour marathon mark and qualify for Boston!
Favorite pre-race meal: Babes Chicken the night before! Day of race: Banana!
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: To check how long the batteries lasted on my headphones! Running without music for 2 hours hurt me!
ANDY
IMRS Races Paced: 3
2024 Fiesta de Mayo Half Marathon, 2024 Irving Marathon, 2023 Irving Frost Marathon (Half)
Favorite finish time: Marathon 3:50, Half Marathon 1:40+
Bio: Andy has been running seriously since 2007 and kicked it up a notch in 2017 – averaging 20 half-marathons (his favorite distance, PR 1:32) along with numerous 5Ks & 10Ks in each of the last few years. He’s also run over 30 full marathons (or longer) with a 26.2 PR of 3:12. Andy is a resident of Keller (North Fort Worth), TX, and he can often be found at any of the area running clubs or (racing) on the Trinity Trails in “Downtown Cowtown” – especially for post-run socializing and photos. He welcomes the opportunity to be your pacer and to help you meet your goals!
Favorite pre-race meal: Chicken fried rice.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: Enjoy the experience. The race is your victory lap after a lot of training.
AMBER
IMRS Races Paced: 2
2024 Irving Marathon, 2023 Irving Marathon (Half)
Favorite finish time: Marathon 5:30, Half Marathon 2:30
Bio: My name is Amber and I have been running for 2.5 years. After the 2:30 Pacer at the Irving Frost helped me to reach my goal time during my first half marathon, I was inspired to come back and become that person a year later. I love helping others reach their goals and I wear silly outfits on race day to show how fun running can be!
Favorite pre-race meal: Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: On race day, carry salt tablets and ginger chews! Salt is good for leg cramps and ginger is good for nausea.
AARON
IMRS Races Paced: 2
2023 Irving Frost Marathon, 2023 Irving Marathon
Favorite finish time: Marathon 3:20-3:30, Half Marathon 1:40-1:50
Bio: My name is Aaron Ehrle. I live in Aubrey, Texas, but I am originally from Cincinnati, Ohio. This year will make 25 years of running competitively. I started running track as a 7th grader; I ran varsity cross country from 8th grade on. I was fast enough to be able to run collegiately for several years. Over the years I have raced and placed in every distance from 1 mile to 100 miles. This year I will hit 50+ marathons as I continue my quest towards accomplishing the 50 states and the Abbott 6 majors.
Favorite pre-race meal: My favorite pre-race meal is usually some type of carb, more recently pasta or pizza. If I am going the pasta route, it is typically spaghetti bolognese, gnocchi, lasagna, or fettuccini carbonara.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: I guess the one thing I would have loved to know about halfs is not to go out so damn fast. I tanked my first half because I went out at a 5k pace and crashed and burned. I corrected that by the time I ran my first full.
MUTHU
IMRS Races Paced: 2
2024 Irving Marathon (Half), 2023 Irving Frost Marathon
Favorite finish time: Marathon 6:00, Half Marathon 3:00
Bio: I am a husband, a father of two, and an IT consultant. I started running for health reasons and was guided by a couple of friends to finish a half marathon. Now I am passing the torch to my friends and community by encouraging & influencing them to lead an active, healthy lifestyle. In addition to road running, I enjoy biking, hiking, and trail running. I believe that setting a goal will only lead you to the destination. That’s why I encourage my friends and community to commit (register) to races periodically to maintain consistent training.
Favorite pre-race meal: RX Bar, Bagel.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: It is not Sprint but Marathon. Don’t start fast. Check your watch every minute to ensure the pace for the first mile until the race settles.
CAMILO
IMRS Races Paced: 1
2024 Irving Marathon
Favorite finish time: Marathon 4:10 or faster, Half Marathon 1:50-2:20
Bio: Running came into my life during college as a gift from my mother. I haven’t stopped running since that first 21k (I declare myself as a “runlover”). It’s incredible how, through the races I have run, every mile has taught me something. Nowadays, I’m chasing the six-star dream and preparing myself to empower people to get their better races while they discover their own pace.”
Favorite pre-race meal: Eggs with rice
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: Not all the shoes are designed to run, especially if your first race is a half...jaja😅
PRASHANT
IMRS Raced Paced: 1
2024 Irving Marathon 4:20
Favorite finish time: Marathon 4:20-4:30, Half Marathon 2:00+
Bio: I have been running marathons since 2010 and have done more than 50+ half and 20+ full marathons including a few ultra marathons. I love pacing as I want to give back to the community and it's a great feeling to help someone reach the finish line.
Favorite pre-race meal: A banana.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: Slow and steady is the best strategy.
JOAQUIN
IMRS Races Paced: 1
2024 Irving Marathon
Favorite finish time: Marathon 4:00
BILL
IMRS Races Paced: 3 (I've paced over 60 races around DFW)
Favorite finish time: Half Marathon 2:15 and 2:30.
Bio: I began running when I was 43 years old. I'm 60 now and retired in 2023. I still run 25 to 30 miles a week and run 12 to 14 races a year. I've completed 27 full marathons and roughly 175 half marathons. I really enjoy pacing and encouraging other runners. The thing I enjoy most about the running community is we encourage each other. We are blessed to have the ability to run. I believe that we set an example for our families and friends to live a more healthy lifestyle.
Favorite pre-race meal: Any type of pasta.
One thing I wish I'd known before my first marathon or half marathon: I wish I had known the importance of proper nutrition.
IRVING FROST MARATHON
DECEMBER 21, 2024
LOVE ON THE RUN
FEBRUARY 15, 2025
IRVING MARATHON
MARCH 29-30, 2025
FIESTA DE MAYO HALF MARATHON
MAY 17, 2025
IRVING OKTOBERFEST HALF MARATHON
OCTOBER 4, 2025