Lessons from the Crew: What I Learned as a Pacer and Support Crew

If you’ve ever signed up for a big event—whether its a PB 10km, an ultra, or your first proper challenge—you’ll know that training is only half the battle. The other half? It’s the team behind you. Over the last year, I’ve had the privilege of pacing and crewing for some epic events: from pacing a sub 60 10km, running alongside friends at 100-mile races down the promenade, supporting attempts at 200-mile ultras, to pacing night sections of an FKT. Each experience has taught me that, when it comes to performance, the right support crew can be the difference between finishing strong and not finishing at all.

Behind the Scenes: More Than Just Miles

Most people see the finish line photos or the medal at the end, but what they don’t see is what goes on behind the scenes. Being a pacer or part of the crew is about so much more than handing out gels or shouting encouragement. It’s about reading the situation, adapting to what’s needed, and sometimes making the tough calls to keep your athlete moving forward.

I’ve learned that good support is about anticipation. It’s knowing when your runner needs a quiet word, a joke to lift the mood, or just a bit of space. It’s having spare kit ready for a sudden downpour, knowing the route inside out, and having a backup plan for every “what if.” When things go wrong—and they always do at some point—it’s the crew that keeps things together.

What Makes a Great Crew?

• Preparation is everything: Every event is different, and therefore has different requirements. As a crew member you have to know what is and isn't allowed for a start. Being a part of these crews I've learnt about the hours that go into mapping out logistics, nutrition, kit changes, and check-in points. The best crews are the ones who sweat the details so you don’t have to.

• Adaptability: No plan survives first contact with the course. Whether it’s a broken head torch at 2am or a last-minute route change due to stinging nettles up to your nipples blocking the path, you need to think on your feet and stay calm.

• Communication: The best support isn’t just about talking—it’s about listening. Sometimes, a runner just needs a nod or a bit of reassurance. Other times, you need to step in and make a call for their safety.

• Empathy: Having been on both sides, I know how hard it is when you’re deep in the pain cave. A good crew doesn’t judge—they support, encourage, and remind you why you started. You also need to communicate very clearly with your crew what you will need prior to the event.

Stories from the Road

Recently while pacing my friend Paul, who ran 100 miles back and forth down the mumbles promenade, he hit a dark moment. Throughout the day his spirits were high, heading into the night, nothing seemed to phase him. I however needed some rest. He told me to get my head down for a bit and get some sleep. He was in such good spirits I obliged and got a very short nap. When waking, to my surprise, he wasn't feeling so positive anymore. The sun was rising but his energy had dropped. 16 hours in and about 70 miles deep the cracks were starting to show and he wanted to quit. In that moment, it wasn’t about split times or pace—it was about breaking things down to the next checkpoint, the next bite of food, the next step. I broke it down to him. I told him the 11 more steps story (which I mentioned in this blog post). It got him through the rough patch and onto moving well and pushing through.

I’ve also seen how it can all go wrong too. When I was completing my 50 mile barefoot walk, my support car broke down. The crew couldn't even make it to the start to see me off. the plan was for my crew to take my car, full of my food and sleeping gear to checkpoints along the route to allow me to carry less and top up more. I had to make the decision to start without them, and without any guarantee they would even make it to me at all! I took more supplies than planned and my sleeping bag too just in case I didn't get to see them. This made it so much harder to start, a feeling of loneliness and uncertainty with a huge challenge ahead is not the feeling you want at the start. I was alone for at least 8 hours, low on food and water and exhausted by the time they met me. It ended well eventually but that feeling will always stick with me.

Why It Matters

Having the right support can make or break your event. It’s not just about logistics—it’s about belief. When you know someone’s got your back, you can push further than you thought possible. That’s why I’m so passionate about providing bespoke event support and personalised planning for anyone taking on a big challenge. I've seen amazing teams in action and the difference it makes, I've been a part of them too. I've received some of the best crewing you could ask for, I also have been on the other end where things go wrong. With the right team, anything is possible.

Ready for Your Own Challenge?

If you’re planning your next big event—whether it’s your first marathon, an ultra, or a personal adventure—I’d love to help. My bespoke event support services are built from real experience, and tailored to what you need most: guidance, planning, and a team that genuinely cares about your success.

Want to find out more?

Drop me a message for a free consult, or check out testimonials from athletes I’ve supported. Let’s make your next challenge one to remember—for all the right reasons.

Final thought:

Behind every great finish is an even greater crew. When you’re ready to take on your next adventure, make sure you’ve got the right people in your corner.