pacer
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈpeɪsɝ// UK //pˈeɪsɐ// pac·er
n. a person who walks or runs at a steady speed to help others keep a certain pace. In sports, they are often used to help runners finish a race at their best time.
n. a person who maintains a steady speed or rate, typically to assist others in maintaining a specific pace. In legal contexts, it refers to a person who sets a standard rate of progress for a group or process.
The marathon runner hired a pacer to help him finish in record time.
During the long-distance race, the pacer stayed exactly one lap ahead to ensure the lead runner maintained a consistent speed.
The legal team appointed a senior associate as a pacer to ensure the discovery process remained on schedule without overwhelming the junior staff with an unrealistic workload.