Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Race Buddys
What is Buddy Pacer for official races?
Buddy Pacer lets you run with others in official races (like the Valencia Marathon) with runners who match your pace and goal, helping you improve both your race-day experience and your results.
How does matching work?
Set your target pace and find buddys at your level. You’ll receive your match confirmation before race day, and you can message your buddies in the app to coordinate.
Which races is it available for?
We’re currently launching the service at the Valencia Marathon 2025, and we’ll be adding more national and international races soon (half marathons, marathons, and 10K).
Can I choose who I run with?
Yes. You’ll be able to view the profile and ratings of your potential buddies before confirming. You can also decline a match and wait for other options. And you can choose whether to race with one buddy or more than one.
How do I pay?
Payment is processed securely through our payment gateway (Stripe) integrated into the web/app, when you confirm your match.
Does Buddy Pacer cost anything to use?
Yes. Running with a buddy in an official race costs €2.99, which helps ensure the service runs smoothly.
When do I pay?
Payment is only made once your match is confirmed with your buddy. When you submit your request, a temporary authorisation is placed (no charge is taken). If you don’t find a compatible buddy, you won’t be charged anything.
What does the service include?
It includes finding and matching you with compatible runners based on your pace and goal, pre-race communication, and match support to ensure a great experience on race day. You can also rate your buddys afterwards.
What happens if the race is cancelled?
If the race is officially cancelled by the organisers or due to force majeure, you’ll also receive a full refund.
What devices is it available on?
You can access Buddy Pacer via the web app or download the native app on iOS and Android. For the best experience, download the app so you can receive real-time notifications.
What if my buddy doesn’t show up on race day?
We’ll issue a full refund. Our goal is for you to have the best possible experience, and if your buddy doesn’t show up on race day, we’ll refund you once we’ve verified it.
Can I use it if I’m a beginner?
Of course. There are runners of all levels. You’ll always be able to choose buddies who match your pace.