Race Handicap System
The handicappers are always willing to accept any letters suggesting ideas for ways that we can make the system better. As always, the handicappers welcome letters from athletes who need clarification about their particular handicap and we will reply either personally or by letter.
1. We endeavour to make the minimum gap between groups of starting runners 15 seconds, often the gap will be 30 seconds. To increase the competitiveness which comes with larger groups of runners.
2. Most runners will have their handicap rate lifted by 1 sec./km every six weeks. Special lifts will be given wherever necessary to bring runners handicap rates closer to their actual racing rates; this applies particularly to new runners. Consideration in lifting the handicap rate will also be given to whether a runner has won a race (or the last date a runner has won), the age of the runner and the ability of the runner to improve.
3. Special attention is drawn to Rule 11 of the By Laws of the Club (see Members Handbook).
4. The following are the approximate penalties which may be incurred by those placing in the first 10 in a race. They are subject to the handicapping discretion.
1st between 5 and 25 sec/km.
2nd between 2 and 5 sec/km.
3rd between 1 and 3 sec/km.
Twice in the first 10 placings (4th. Ð 10th.) Ð 1 to 2 sec/km.
The above penalties (re handicapping) will be based on the runnerÕs win rate, handicap, winning margin, starting handicap mark etc.
5. Runners in their 4th season or more since their last win or who may be placing for the first time, may not be penalised for minor placingÕs.
The following are some extra points which may be helpful for people to understand the handicapping system.
a) Because you start at a certain time e.g.: 8.20 on the handicap sheet one week and 10.15 the next, do not assume that you have incurred a penalty. These times are dependent not only on your rate, but on the person off ÒGoÓ and on the distance of the race.
b) All times are reduced to a running rate kilometer and these usually range from 5.30 (5 minutes 30 seconds) per km to 3.00 min/km. from an individualÕs regular running rate, the handicappers select a handicap rate which runners must achieve in order to get within striking range of a win.
c) A new runnerÕs handicap rate is well below their actual racing rate (or potential winning rate). As a runner improves and with their ÒliftsÓ every six weeks, the runnerÕs racing rate becomes very close to their handicap rate.
d) In establishing a rate, the handicappers have to make a subjective assessment regarding a runnerÕs potential to improve. Training programs, fastest race rate, mass, age, sex are some of the factors which influence a runnerÕs potential. For example, a 17 year old has a great potential to improve, but a 17 year old running a rate of 3.10 per km might take 3 years, and plenty of hard work to improve to 3.00 min/km. A 50 years old has not the same potential to improve but a 50 year old running a rate of 5.00 min/km could improve 10 seconds to 4.50 min/km in less than 3 months.
e) There are occasions when a runner has a Òslow downÓ, due to injury change in work patterns, change in eating habits and so on. To help give this member some incentive, encouragement the handicappers may give this runner a Òdiscretionary liftÓ. This applies only until the person regains form. With improvement the runner is gradually bought back to their correct mark. (Please note that whilst a runner is on a discretionary handicap the runner is not eligible to collect prize money). As with everyone who supports the club by regular running, these athletes receive the 1 second lift to their correct mark every six weeks.
f) With these points in mind, it is worth analysing why you race each week. For some it is fitness, for others it is weight control, punishment for Saturday nightÕs over indulgences, to lower cholesterol, to improve cardiovascular condition, but for most it is the satisfaction of trying to do their best, to see improvement and to maximise their potential. That is why most runners cherish their win and the great sense of personal fulfillment that comes from having dedicated many hours to training and pushing for that second by second improvement