{{Use dmy dates, date=January 2023
A paceband is a
wristband
Wristbands are encircling strips worn on the wrist or lower forearm. The term may refer to a bracelet-like band, similar to that of a watch, wristwatch, to the cuff or other part of a sleeve that covers the wrist, or decorative or functional ...
, sometimes made of a strip of
waterproof paper
Waterproof paper uses special coatings (plastic-coated paper) and fibers to enhance durability, dimensional stability, tear resistance and resistance to changing shape or texture when exposed to water.
The paper has applications for wet or damp ...
, that lists expected split times for a running race. When used in conjunction with a
stopwatch
A stopwatch is a timepiece designed to measure the amount of time that elapses between its activation and deactivation.
A large digital version of a stopwatch designed for viewing at a distance, as in a sports stadium, is called a stop clock ...
, a paceband can assist athletes in maintaining a steady pace throughout the race. This is the most efficient racing pace from a
cardiovascular
In vertebrates, the circulatory system is a system of organs that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood which is circulated throughout the body. It includes the cardiovascular system, or vascular system, that consists of the heart a ...
and muscle energy perspective. Erratic running speeds, particularly the urge to sprint early in a race while feeling fresh, consume energy inefficiently. A glance at the paceband and stopwatch as each distance marker is passed allows the
athlete
An athlete is most commonly a person who competes in one or more sports involving physical strength, speed, power, or endurance. Sometimes, the word "athlete" is used to refer specifically to sport of athletics competitors, i.e. including track ...
to quickly determine if they are running too fast for their targeted finishing time or too slowly and adjust accordingly.
Pre-printed versions for a variety of target finishing times can often be obtained before endurance races such as
marathon
The marathon is a long-distance foot race with a distance of kilometres ( 26 mi 385 yd), usually run as a road race, but the distance can be covered on trail routes. The marathon can be completed by running or with a run/walk strategy. There ...
s, or commercially. Many websites exist that allow the free creation of customised pacebands for different distances and target finishing times that can be printed on the visitor's own computer.