Jonathan Escalante-Phillips and Jacob Allen return to Copenhagen, poised to pace the pros through vibrant streets alive with adrenaline, racing amid the city’s iconic canals and colourful façades.

Words: Jonathan Escalante-Phillips

Photography: Brandon van Haeren

"It feels like yesterday I was back in Copenhagen pacing the now European Champion at the half marathon Karolina Grövdal. It was however a full year ago! I was privileged enough to be asked back to the event and a personal recall at that to once again take the Norwegian queen through the Danish capital.

This year the event was bigger and better. More infrastructure, smoother course and even a nicer hotel room for us pacers. I was glad to be dossing down with fellow SOAR team member Jacob Allen whose job was to take a group through 10 km at 29:20 with the target of running 62 minutes overall.

Catching up with Karolina the day before over a coffee we discussed how get the most out of her race. Pacing isn't just about looking up the average pace for the requested target time, it's about knowing the course including inclines prevailing winds and discussing with your charge. What would optimise their performance.

In the end we were able to execute our strategy exactly. A slightly conservative start relaxing up. The one slight rise at 11km to 13km and then a gradual wind up clipping away at 3:05 per kilometer by the end! Result? 66:55 and a 39s PB and National record.

Result!"