pacers
n. countablen. people or vehicles that set the speed for others in a race. They help the other runners or drivers stay on schedule to finish in a certain time.
n. individuals or vehicles that lead a race to establish a specific speed or tempo for other competitors. Often used in long-distance running or horse racing to ensure a target time is met.
The marathon used professional pacers to help runners finish under four hours.
In the early stages of the race, the pacers stayed at the front to maintain a steady rhythm for the elite athletes.
While some athletes prefer to run by feel, many rely on official pacers to prevent them from starting too quickly and exhausting their energy before the final miles.
Usually plural when referring to a group of people or vehicles in a competitive event.