Pacers
Pacers:
01:45 Liina Tšernov
02:00 Siiri Leskov
02:15 Jelena Melnikova
02:30 Liina Kesamaa
02:45 Renna Nelis
03:00 Marika Roopärg
You can recognize the pacer by the large balloon and the bib number marked with the respective finish time.
01:45 pacer Liina Tšernov 
Please briefly introduce yourself – who are you and how long have you been running?
I am Liina, a former middle-distance runner and the Estonian women’s record holder in the 1500m, 1000m, and mile. I competed in professional sports until 2019, and since then, after becoming a mother, I’ve continued as a recreational athlete.
Why is running with a pacer beneficial, especially for a first half marathon?
A pacer helps you maintain a steady pace, so you don’t have to constantly check your watch. Running in a group is always easier and more enjoyable.
What is the most common fear you’ve noticed among runners, and how can it be overcome?
I would say many people want results very quickly and sometimes overestimate their abilities. Give your body time to adapt and take it one step at a time to improve.
If someone is just starting training now, what should they pay the most attention to?
Start with more moderate paces, for example by combining running and walking, and remember that consistency is the key to training.
Why do you personally recommend women to participate in the Tallinn Women's Run?
There is a great sense of women’s power at the LHV Maijooks. Sport is about emotion, and it’s worth coming to experience that feeling.
02:00 pacer Siiri Leskov 
Please briefly introduce yourself – who are you and how long have you been running?
My name is Siiri, and I have been running for about 17 years. I have always been active in sports; during my school years, I played handball.
Why is running with a pacer beneficial, especially for a first half marathon?
Since a half marathon is quite a long distance, beginner runners often struggle to choose the right pace. They tend to start too fast, and then “hit the wall” towards the end of the race and run out of energy. A pacer helps maintain an even pace, so you don’t have to constantly check your watch or worry about whether you’ll reach the finish in your target time—the pacer takes care of that. Running with others is also easier, motivation is higher, and if it happens to be windy, it’s a bit easier too because the group helps block the wind.
What is the most common fear you’ve noticed among runners, and how can it be overcome?
Probably the biggest fear is not being able to finish the race or not being able to maintain the desired pace until the end. In reality, there’s no need to worry—everyone has their limits, and things will go as they go. If you don’t reach your goal this time, you’ll achieve it next time. The most important thing is to reach the finish line in a good mood and feeling great.
If someone is just starting training now, what should they pay the most attention to?
If you’re starting training now, it’s important not to take on too much load right away, as this increases the risk of injury and fatigue. The workload should be manageable and increased gradually. It’s also a good idea to reduce the training load during the last week before the race so the body can rest. Being fresh and well-rested makes race day much easier.
Why do you personally recommend women to participate in the Tallinn Women's Run?
Being active feels great! And the feeling at the finish line—when you’ve achieved or even exceeded your goals—is something you have to experience yourself, because it’s hard to describe. It’s an incredibly, incredibly good emotion!
02:15 pacer Jelena Melnikova 
Please briefly introduce yourself – who are you and how long have you been running?
I have been running my whole life. As a child, I attended the Kalev Athletics School, and already back then I realized that running is something I truly enjoy. Since then, running has been a natural part of my life. I have completed over 50 marathons around the world, and for the past three years I have discovered a new role for myself—being a pacer—which brings me a lot of joy and the opportunity to support other runners.
Why is running with a pacer beneficial, especially for a first half marathon?
Running with a pacer makes the whole experience much calmer and more reassuring. You don’t have to worry about your pace or constantly check your watch—someone is doing that for you. Especially during a first half marathon, it’s very easy to start too fast or lose pace later on, but a pacer helps maintain a comfortable and steady rhythm. In addition, running in a group provides motivation and helps you keep going during more difficult moments.
What is the most common fear you’ve noticed among runners, and how can it be overcome?
The most common fear is “what if I can’t finish” or “I’m too slow.” These thoughts are completely normal. What helps is starting at a calm pace, trusting yourself, and not running alone—moving forward together with others or with a pacer feels much easier and more secure.
If someone is just starting training now, what should they pay the most attention to?
The most important thing is to start calmly and be consistent. There’s no need to run fast or long right away—regularity is enough. Listen to your body, get enough rest, and don’t rush. Try to keep running enjoyable and pleasant—progress will follow naturally.
Why do you personally recommend women to participate in the Tallinn Women's Run?
The Women’s Run is a special event—it has a supportive, positive, and inspiring atmosphere where every participant matters! It’s also a great opportunity to take time for yourself, be active in the fresh air, and enjoy movement together with other women. This day gives you a lot of energy and a great feeling that lasts long after crossing the finish line!
02:30 pacer Liina Kesamaa 
Please briefly introduce yourself – who are you and how long have you been running?
I have been running regularly for about 14 years, and alongside work, family, and currently also studies, it has become a natural part of my life. Even in childhood, I was very active on a daily basis and went running from time to time. Running gives me a sense of well-being, keeps me healthy, and offers a valuable opportunity to switch off from the daily overload of information and constant rush.
Why is running with a pacer beneficial, especially for a first half marathon?
A pacer helps maintain a steady pace and provides a sense of confidence. During a first half marathon, it’s easy to start too fast, but a pacer helps you distribute your energy wisely and enjoy the run all the way to the finish. It’s easier together :)
What is the most common fear you’ve noticed among runners, and how can it be overcome?
Among beginner runners, I’ve noticed that the distance itself can feel intimidating—especially the number. However, if you start calmly and don’t focus on the kilometers, but instead pay attention to your surroundings or listen to music or a podcast, the kilometers tend to pass almost unnoticed.
If someone is just starting training now, what should they pay the most attention to?
Consistency and recovery. There’s no need to run a lot right away—it’s more important to go running regularly and listen to your body when it needs rest.
Why do you personally recommend women to participate in the Tallinn Women's Run?
It’s a very special and supportive event where everyone can move at their own pace. There is so much positive energy at the Women’s Run that when you reach the finish line, you feel truly proud of yourself.
02:45 pacer Renna Nelis 
Please briefly introduce yourself – who are you and how long have you been running?
My name is Renna, and I have been actively involved in running and orienteering my entire life. I ran my first marathon in Venice in 2008, and by now I have completed over 20 marathons. However, the half marathon is closest to my heart – it offers just the right level of challenge and a great sense of running enjoyment.
Why is running with a pacer beneficial, especially for a first half marathon?
Running with a pacer helps maintain a steady and manageable pace throughout the entire distance. In races, it’s very easy to start too fast because the energy and emоtions at the start carry you along – a pacer helps prevent that and keeps you focused all the way to the finish.
In addition, a pacer provides a sense of security – you don’t have to constantly watch your watch or worry about whether you’re moving at the right pace. This allows you to focus more on how you feel and enjoy the run.
What is the most common fear you’ve noticed among runners, and how can it be overcome?
Beginner runners often fear that they won’t be able to run the entire distance without stopping and may have to walk at times. In reality, there is nothing wrong with that – what matters is to keep moving forward according to how you feel and to reach the finish line.
The best way to overcome this fear is to choose the right starting pace and consciously decide to begin more conservatively rather than too fast.
For more experienced and faster runners, the fear is often related to performance – whether they will achieve their goal or not. This can create unnecessary pressure and lead to not enjoying the run.
In both cases, it helps to focus on the process rather than just the result. Listening to your body, maintaining a manageable pace, and allowing flexibility (including walking if needed) turns running into a positive experience. This is what builds confidence and motivation to keep moving in the future.
If someone is just starting training now, what should they pay the most attention to?
It is never too late to start training. If preparation time is short, it is especially important to make conscious choices – particularly when it comes to pacing. It’s better to start more conservatively and choose a manageable pace to complete the distance with a positive experience.
In general, training should begin gradually and consistently. The biggest mistake beginners make is starting too fast – wanting to do too much, too intensively, right away. In reality, long-term habits are built through moderate and regular activity.
It is important to listen to your body and allow enough time for recovery between workouts. Variety also matters – in addition to running, it’s beneficial to include strength exercises and mobility work to help prevent injuries.
Most importantly, enjoy being active – positive emоtions are what help create a lasting habit of movement and support health throughout life.
Why do you personally recommend women to participate in the Tallinn Women's Run?
Maijooks is a high-quality running event that you simply have to experience. It’s an event where every participant matters – the result is not important, but participation and the positive emоtions gained from movement. Experiences like this help build lasting exercise habits and give confidence to stay active in the future.
03:00 pacer Marika Roopärg .png)
Please briefly introduce yourself – who are you and how long have you been running?
I have been actively involved in running for over 20 years, and I’ve been running longer distances since 2006. I have completed 221 marathons both in Estonia and abroad, as well as several ultraruns.
Why is running with a pacer beneficial, especially for a first half marathon?
Running with a pacer for the first time gives you more confidence, especially as a beginner. One of the biggest mistakes beginner runners make is choosing the wrong pace and struggling to maintain a steady rhythm. A half marathon is a long distance even for experienced runners, and it’s more enjoyable to run together.
What is the most common fear you’ve noticed among runners, and how can it be overcome?
A common fear among runners is whether they will be able to finish the race. Another concern before the race is choosing the right clothing. Beginners often tend to overdress—I’ve experienced such situations myself. The best advice is to dress so that you feel slightly cool at the start.
If someone is just starting training now, what should they pay the most attention to?
If you’re starting out with running, it’s a good idea to find a training partner who has more experience or to join a jogging group—these can be found in almost every region of Estonia. If you prefer training alone, begin by alternating walking with slow running intervals. It’s also important to invest in good running shoes that suit your feet—don’t hesitate to ask for help in a sports store if you’re unsure. Running shoes should feel comfortable immediately; you can usually tell right away when walking in them in the store if they are a good fit.
Why do you personally recommend women to participate in the Tallinn Women's Run?
My personal recommendation to take part in the LHV Maijooks is that it is a large running celebration just for women, offering a wonderful and uplifting sense of joy in movement.
