Key takeaways
- A crew is a support team that meets an ultrarunner at aid stations/access points during a race.
- They provide food, drinks, fresh gear, dry clothes, first aid, and encouragement.
- Unlike a pacer (who runs with the racer), crew support from the sidelines, off-trail.
- An efficient, prepared crew can be a major asset in a long race.
What a crew is
A crew is a support team — friends, family, or helpers — who assist an ultramarathon runner during a race by meeting them at designated aid stations or access points. They provide food, drinks, fresh gear, dry clothes, first aid, and encouragement, helping the runner resupply and care for themselves quickly before heading back out.
What a crew does
A good crew anticipates the runner’s needs and has everything ready on arrival: refilling flasks, handing over planned nutrition, swapping dry socks and layers, helping with foot care, offering encouragement and a clear head to a depleted runner, and getting them moving again fast. Crewing well takes planning, knowing the runner’s plan, and being at the right places on time.
At a crew-access aid station deep into a 100-miler, the runner arrives to find their crew ready — bottles filled, a hot cup of broth and their next gels in hand, dry socks and a headlamp set out — and they’re refueled, re-geared, and back on the trail in a few efficient minutes.
Crew vs pacer
A crew supports from the sidelines (off-trail) at aid stations; a pacer runs with the racer on the course for company and safety. Many ultrarunners use both, within each race’s rules. See crew vs pacer. Where crews can’t reach, a drop bag fills the gap.
The bottom line
A crew is the off-trail support team that meets an ultrarunner at aid stations with food, gear, dry clothes, first aid, and encouragement — helping them resupply and recover fast before pushing on. Distinct from a pacer (who runs alongside), an efficient, prepared crew that anticipates the runner's needs can be a major asset in a long race.
Frequently asked questions
What is a crew in ultrarunning?
A crew is a support team — often friends or family — who help an ultramarathon runner during a race by meeting them at designated aid stations or access points. They provide food, drinks, fresh gear and clothing, first aid, and encouragement, helping the runner resupply and take care of themselves quickly before heading back out on the course.
What does a crew do?
A good crew anticipates the runner's needs and has everything ready when they arrive: refilling bottles and flasks, handing over planned food and nutrition, swapping in dry socks, shoes, or layers, helping with foot care and minor first aid, offering encouragement and a clear head when the runner is depleted, and getting them moving again efficiently. Crewing well requires planning, knowing the runner's plan, and being at the right places on time.
What's the difference between a crew and a pacer?
A crew supports the runner from the sidelines at aid stations and access points but doesn't run with them; a pacer runs alongside the racer on the course for company, motivation, and safety (usually in the later stages). Crew help you off-trail; pacers help you on-trail. Many ultrarunners use both, within each race's rules. See our crew vs pacer comparison.
Sources
- Ultramarathon racing — American Trail Running Association
- Endurance events — American Council on Exercise