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Pacing the 2:20 Bus at Tuffman Half Marathon


Bib Number: 21248
Race Date: 2nd February 2025
Event: Tuffman Half Marathon
Pacer Goal: 2 Hours 20 Minutes

This was my first time officially pacing a race, and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be!

To prepare for pacing the 2:20 bus, I did focused training. I ran two practice half marathons at an even 2:20 pace to internalize the rhythm and effort required. This wasn’t just physical prep—it was special because it trained me to run at a lower heart rate, a valuable skill that’s already helping with my main goal: finishing the Tata Ultra 50K strong.

But this race wasn’t just about me. I encouraged three friends from my apartment to join as well—two signed up for the 5K and one bravely stepped into the half marathon distance. I even picked up their bibs and drove them to the race. It was such a unique experience to pull and push first-time runners toward the joy of running.

Race Day

At the start line, I stood alone with my pacer flag. But just before the gun went off, runners began gathering around me. I gave them a short briefing:

“We will complete this race confidently and calmly. Just follow the mantra:
• Maintain good posture
• Breathe from the core
• Go slow on the downhills
• Pick up pace slightly on flats
• Stay steady on the uphills
I’ll guide you on breaks and pace—just trust the bus.”

And with that, we were off—right on time.

Throughout the race, we stuck to our pacing strategy. I kept spirits high, reminded everyone of the mantra, and made sure no one dropped off the pace. As we neared the finish line, I shouted, “Give it everything now!” in the final 200 meters. It was such a rush of adrenaline and emotion.

At the Finish Line

The response from the runners was overwhelming—selfies, hugs, high-fives, and heartfelt thank-yous. Many said the run felt effortless because of the support and rhythm of the bus. That moment made every bit of effort worth it.

After the race, I reconnected with my apartment friends—we clicked photos, danced in celebration, and enjoyed a hearty breakfast. It felt like a victory for all of us.

This was truly a mind-blowing learning experience. Thank you to Tuffman and Coach Santhosh for trusting me with this opportunity. I’m excited to take this energy forward to future races and pacing duties.

Here’s to running strong, and lifting others while we do it! 🏃‍♂️🚌💫


























































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