In the world of professional running, milestones such as qualifying for championships or breaking personal bests often define an athlete's career. For Brannon Kidder, however, a new highlight emerged from a race he didn’t finish. Kidder took center stage last weekend, pacing his teammate Josh Kerr during a monumental world record attempt in the mile.
At the London Diamond League, Kerr shattered Hicham El Guerrouj’s long-standing record of 3:43.13, clocking in at an impressive 3:42.66. Though Kidder didn’t cross the finish line, his tactical pacing was instrumental in Kerr achieving this historic feat.
Kidder, alongside pacer Žan Rudolf, skillfully orchestrated the race through its early laps, showcasing precise pacing. Their early laps were executed with remarkable consistency, with splits of 54.8 seconds for the first 400 meters and 1:50.70 for 800 meters—an essential foundation that set the tone for Kerr’s success. As part of the strategy, Kidder stepped aside to let Rudolf continue pacing before Kerr took control for the final stretch.
Mastering the Art of Pacing
As Kidder explained, pacing a world record isn't merely about timing; it's an intricate balance of strategy and psychology. "The goal of the pacer in general is to set the tone for the race and reduce the cognitive load for Josh," he shared. Overdoing the pace can backfire, sending runners into a spiraling fatigue as the race progresses. Conversely, a lack of urgency risks slipping into less ambitious times.
On the day of the race, Kerr emphasized the importance of maintaining a steady tempo, preferring a slightly cautious start. Kidder took this directive to heart; his goal was to avoid surging while still staying ahead of the pack. Relying on pacing lights and real-time feedback from the stadium screens, he monitored Kerr’s positioning, ensuring the runner stayed on track without unnecessary pressure.
By the time Kidder completed his stint, he was feeling fatigued but confirmed that he could have continued running for another half lap. A skilled pacer recognizes the right moment to step aside, ensuring their runner has the energy needed for a successful finish.
Kerr expressed his gratitude for Kidder's presence during the race: “He was a rock for me mentally... had more confidence in me than I did sometimes.” This partnership reflected not just physical skill, but a deep-seated trust built through extensive training together.
Prepping for Greatness
The collaboration that led to this success didn’t happen overnight. In December, Kerr approached Kidder about pacing him for the record attempt, and Kidder immediately embraced the challenge. Although he'd never paced at such a prestigious Diamond League meet, their established rapport from training sessions offered a foundation of familiarity.
Kidder felt particularly suited for the task, often joking that he specializes in the 1,000-meter distance—a blend of his main events in the 800 and 1500 meters. He had previously broken collegiate records in this rarely contested event, which gave him confidence as he prepared to assist Kerr.
Two weeks prior to the record attempt, Kidder paced Kerr during a high-intensity 1200-meter trial, which Kerr executed with remarkable speed. Kidder’s response, an astonished “Holy shit, dude. You got it,” captured the thrilling potential they both recognized. This trial bolstered Kidder’s belief in both his pacing abilities and Kerr’s potential to shatter the record.
Emotions ran high as race day approached, and while Kidder tried to compartmentalize his nerves, he later admitted the pressure was palpable. He understood the significance of the moment but focused on delivering the best pacing possible.
The result of their careful planning was evident as Kerr became the first athlete to record a mile in under 3:43. The post-race atmosphere was electric, with Kerr basking in the cheers of fans and media. This elation extended to Kidder, who reflected on their accomplishment in a relaxed cooldown session shortly after the race.
They discussed the factors that led to success: favorable weather, good health during travel, and a receptive crowd that amplified the excitement. Kidder summarized it effectively, remarking, “This is the product of one of the most talented guys in the world being the most hardworking and not leaving anything up to chance.”
Looking back, it's clear that the blend of skill, strategy, and synergy between Kerr and Kidder was fundamental to achieving one of athletics' most coveted milestones. This partnership exemplifies the often overlooked importance of pacing and mental support in competitive running.
