pace·set·ter 
/ˈpeɪsˌsɛtɚ/ noun
plural pace·set·ters /ˈpeɪsˌsɛtɚ/ noun [count] US : a person who runs ahead of the other runners in a race in order to set a pace — often used figuratively ▪ The company has continued to be the industry's pacesetter.
