Mike Sego and friends crossing the finish line

Sego The Distance

Professional Marathon Pacing
for first timers and big goals.

What is Marathon Pacing?

Running a marathon is one of the most demanding physical and mental challenges a person can take on. Even experienced runners can fall apart in the final miles — not because they lack fitness, but because they went out too fast. That's where a professional pacer comes in.

A marathon pacer runs alongside you from the gun, holding a steady, strategic pace calibrated to your goal finish time. A great pacer does more than carry a sign — they read the course, manage the energy of the group, offer real-time encouragement, and keep you locked in when your mind starts bargaining with your body.

Whether you're chasing a personal record, qualifying for Boston, or simply crossing a finish line for the first time, having someone in your corner who knows what they're doing can make all the difference between a race you survive and a race you're proud of.

Mike Sego pacing runners across the finish line

Pacing That Moves With You

Every runner in my group gets the same thing: a steady hand, a measured stride, and someone who won't let the crowd or the adrenaline pull them off plan in mile one.

I've paced runners from 3:30 to 5:30 finish times across major marathons. My approach is simple — run smart early, hold steady in the middle, and give everything you've got when it counts most. I talk when you need it, and shut up when you don't.

I'll be there on the start line and I'll be there at the finish.

Mike Sego holding his Napa Valley Marathon medal

Who is Mike Sego?

I'm a 12-time marathoner, Boston Qualifier, and UESCA-certified endurance coach based out of the SF Bay Area. I've been running competitively for over a decade, and somewhere along the way I discovered that helping other people reach their finish line is just as rewarding as crossing my own.

I've paced dozens of runners at events across the country — from hometown community marathons to large destination races. My coaching background means I understand the science behind pacing strategy: lactate threshold, aerobic drift, negative splits. But what I care about most is the person next to me.

Whether it's your first 26.2 or your shot at a PR that's been years in the making, I show up prepared, focused, and ready to run every step with you.

  • 12-time marathon finisher
  • Boston Qualifier
  • UESCA Certified Endurance Coach
  • Years of competitive running & racing experience

What Runners Are Saying

Yuji

"I was a competitive track runner in college, but since then I haven't kept up running as much. Although I've tried some half marathons, I've been intimidated by the full marathon distance. Having Mike Sego alongside me has given me the confidence to finally fulfill my dream of running the Tokyo Marathon in 2027."

— Yuji
Randi

"It had always been a dream for me to run the New York Marathon, but I set an ambitious goal to qualify for Boston and wasn't sure I'd be able to do it. Having Mike run alongside me, dialing in the pace perfectly, made this one of the most special and memorable days of my life."

— Randi
D

"I've run with a lot of pacers. Mike is the real deal — he understands the race strategy, knows the course, and genuinely cares about the people in his group."

— Dana R.
C

"Mike helped me qualify for Boston on my third attempt. He was focused, precise, and honestly felt like having a coach right beside me the whole time."

— Chris M.
P

"What I appreciated most was how Mike read the group. He knew when to hype us up and when to just run quietly with us. It made a huge difference in the back half."

— Priya L.
T

"I bonked at mile 20 in my last marathon. With Mike, I didn't. His pacing strategy is smart — he sets you up to finish strong, not just to survive."

Get In Touch

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