”Drafting behind another runner can conserve energy, although the effect is less than in cycling due to the fact that speeds are lower.”
There also is a psychological effect. It is easier to keep a constant pace if there’s somebody in front of you that does it, too.
Are there any ultramarathon runners that wear glasses while they run?
Some events don't even allow the use of Garmin watches (by elite runners) because they can be used for pacing.
https://image.businessinsider.com/5da1887a4af90974904877c2
https://static.standard.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2...
But that can't provide the drafting and morale benefit of running behind your teammates
For the previous attempt at the Breaking 2 event at Monza racetrack, they used a Tesla as a pace car.
Personally, I find this a very inspirational idea.
Strava live segments kind of do this already and it's more of a curse during training. The hardest part of training for running, aside from the consistent long hours, is taking it easy most of the time. Strava segments cause you to compete with yourself and others and go too hard. This quickly leads to burnout and injury. Slow, consistent runs are what you need during training, and a GPS watch can already give you that.
And then the internet will be flooded with bloggers talking about how everyone is doing it wrong since they're now self-proclaimed experts, repeating the same things they've heard someone else say.
And eventually, most people will get on the right track with it. It'll be a "GPS watch" in their head that's far more effective.
And I'm sure people will take it beyond that in ways that neither of us are prepared to imagine yet.
Of course, if the speed benefit of pacing is down to psychology and camaraderie rather than purely information, a simulated pacer might not offer the same benefit.
It doesn't apply to this one-person demonstration event, but it would sell like crazy to the gear nuts.