Pacemaker (running)

A pacemaker or pacesetter, sometimes informally called a rabbit,^[1] is a runner who leads a middle- or long-distance running event for the first section to ensure a high speed and to avoid excessive tactical racing. Pacemakers are frequently employed by race organisers for world record attempts with specific instructions for lap times. Some athletes have essentially become professional pacemakers. A competitor who chooses the tactic of leading in order to win is called a front-runner rather than a pacemaker.

Pacemakers may be used to avoid the tactics of deception that are possible in competition by those who, for example, race away from the start line (and are likely to subsequently slow down), giving the other runners the impression that they are far behind. A trusted team of pacemakers who are paid to keep the runners at a speed that they can manage for the rest of the race become useful in such a situation. Pacemakers are also used on world record attempts in order to make sure that the runner knows where their invisible "opponent" predecessor is at that stage of the race. Pacemakers serve the role of conveying tangible information about pacing on the track during a race. Pacemakers may also facilitate drafting.

Pacemakers are also used for amateurs to assist them in reaching personal goals. For example, in a marathon there may be pacemakers for 3 hours, 3:30, 4 hours, etc. Such pace-setters are referred to as a pacing bus or bus in South African races.^[2][3]

Flashing lights in the side of tracks set to a specific pace were an innovation introduced in 1972 by the professional International Track Association to provide visual excitement to their races.^[4] They became commonly used in major competitions (aside from championship meets) around 2023.^[5]