Plano Pacers

The club has over 700 members and is growing! Members include children and seniors, recreational and competitive runners. Plano Pacers is for all ages and ability levels.

What are the benefits of membership?

Members receive free entry to monthly Prediction Runs and monthly Saturday races (except special fund raising events) and a subscription to the club newsletter The Pace, which includes articles written by local runners, an upcoming race schedule, race results, and more. Plano Pacers enjoys the sponsorship of local running stores that offer discounts to Club members.

How do I join or renew my membership?

Enjoying the benefits of membership has never been easier. Join or renew online now! Annual membership is $20 for an individual and $30 for a family. If you prefer, you can complete a membership form and mail it in or fill out an application before a race. You’ll need to include your name, address, date of birth, and signature. Please make checks payable to Plano Pacers. You can pay in cash if you join on race day.

Does the Plano Pacers organization have by-laws under which they operate?

The Plano Pacers have a set of by-laws under which they operate. If you have any questions or comments about the by-laws, from the Contact page submit your question or comment using the subject "General Inquiry".

Tell me about the monthly races.

We meet the last Saturday of each month at the pavillion at Harrington Park in Plano. Race distances range from 1 mile to 15K. Depending on the month, either one or two distances are available (see schedule). Attendance varies from 100 to 400.

Registration for regular Saturday races is held race morning between 7:00-7:55 am. Races are free to members and $5 for non-members. You’ll register for the race and sign a waiver at the pavilion. Guest-Pregister (Special fund raising races require a fee and pre-registration is recommended.)

Saturday races begin at 8 am sharp. Courses consist primarily of paved trails within the park and nearby residential streets. Turns are clearly marked, and the race director provides a brief description of the course before the start of the race. Courses have at least one aid station with water.

Following the races, there is a Jr. Sprint for those 12 and under. Parents are welcome to accompany children on the 1 kilometer course. Children may sign up either during the 7:00-7:55am registration period or shortly before the Jr. Sprint begins. Each child completing the course receives a finisher’s ribbon. Medals go 2 deep for both boys and girls in the 0-8 and 9-12 age groups.

What can I expect after the race? Are there awards?

An awards presentation follows the races. Trophies go to the top male and female in each race in the following categories: Overall, Masters (age 40+), and Senior (age 55+). Additionally, age group awards go 3 deep for males and females. Age groups typically span 5 years; however, the race director may modify the groups to better reflect the participants in a given race. Awards also go 3 deep in the Clydesdale (male, 190+ lbs.) and Filly (female, 150+ lbs.) categories. There is no duplication of awards. Award winners are listed in the Sunday Dallas Morning News as well as in other local newspapers and running periodicals.

Of course, plenty of runners come to the Pacers for the exercise and socializing, not for a trophy. Hanging out after the races is a great way to meet fellow runners and talk about upcoming races, running injuries, training, etc. We serve food (usually bagels) and beverages.

Following the awards presentation we draw for valuable certificates from sponsors like Luke's and RunOn!.

Full results typically post to our Web site the day of the race.

How do the monthly Prediction Runs work?

The second Tuesday of each month we hold a 5K Prediction Run at 7 pm at Schimelpfenig Library at 5024 Custer Road (1 block south of Spring Creek on the east side of Custer) in Plano. Runners predict how long they’ll need to complete a 5K. No watches are allowed on the course. Trophies go to the 5 runners who do the best job in predicting their times. Attendance varies from 20 to 50.

5K Prediction Runs are free to all participants. Registration (and time prediction) takes place immediately before the run.

What is the Grand Prix?

The Grand Prix is an elite local championship based on Plano Pacers race performances over the course of a calendar year. Everyone who enters a Pacers race is automatically considered for Grand Prix awards, and no special entry is required.

Anyone can be competitive in the Grand Prix due to its use of normalized race scores that account for differences in race distance, age, and sex. Eligibility is established once a runner completes races on 4 different Saturday dates. (A special accommodation is made for the June event, where participants are permitted to count results from both the Millet Mile and the 5K race.) An individual's top 4 scores are averaged to produce his or her Grand Prix total for the year. Grand Prix winners receive special trophies and possible media attention early the following year.

Note: Starting in 2007, the Grand Prix will be maintained and reported online, but no awards or trophies will be given out.

What is the Grand Slam?

Note: Starting in 2007, the Grand Slam is being eliminated.

Grand Slam awards recognize participation in Plano Pacers races. The basic Grand Slam award is given to participants who complete at least one 3K, 5K, 8K, and 10K in a given year. For the Grand Slam, race directors may substitute a directed race for one of the corresponding distances above. Super Grand Slam awards go to those who complete a 15K event in addition to satisfying the requirements of the Grand Slam. Members who complete either of these two circuits twice in a year will receive the Double Grand Slam or Double Super Grand Slam, respectively. Consideration for the Grand Slam awards is automatic, and no special entry is required.

Are there any casual group runs?

There are informal running activities in the Plano area. These group runs are not sponsored by the Plano Pacers Running Club, but Pacers members often participate.

The loop around White Rock Lake and the Plano trail system are also popular with members of the running community.