Almost Athletes Handicap Race Series

 

This popular event has just concluded for another season and we hope to repeat it next summer.

 

What is it?

It’s a series of 4 road races over 3 laps totaling 4.5 miles – some details about how it works are further down.

 

2024 Results

All four races took place on Monday evenings from Old Pats, on 13th May, 3rd June, 24 June and 15th July.

For the overall standing after all four races, click  Here

For detailed Race 1 Results, click   Race 1 Results

For detailed Race 2 Results, click  Race 2 Results

For detailed Race 3 Results, click  Race 3 Results

For detailed Race 4 Results, click  Race 4 Results

 

How it works

Competitors have to submit a recent race time (so not yet, and one where you put some effort in to make it fair), preferably over a similar distance (eg Parkrun, 5 miles, 10k), but it is possible to convert any distance to give you your staggered start time.

Time is used as a handicap – so the slower runners start first, and faster runners start later. The faster you are, the more time you have added to slow you down. The theory is that the amount of time that is added varies so that all runners should cross the finish line at exactly the same time…therefore, the runner who puts in the most effort is the one who wins!

Points are awarded depending upon your finish position, and a runner needs to compete in at least three of the four races to be eligible for the championship. There are prizes at stake for the winner of each race and the overall winner! There will be time penalties for those finishing in the top five places – this is to help mix things up. If you can only make one or two races, still come along as it a fun event and good for learning your race craft.

You can take part in as many races as you like.  And the runner with the best 3 scores wins the prestigious Shield! Absolutely anyone can win this! It’s fabulous fun for you being chased by faster runners and chasing slower runners and for Mitch watching you all get closer together!

 

Why not take part next year?

Watch out for news about how to take part in 2025’s series next Spring.  It should be fun….honest!

As we expect it to be four races again, it will be an opportunity to gauge progress over the summer, as all races will be on the same course.

It will allow you to perfect your pace – a critical skill in getting the best from your running!

Also it will be an opportunity to mix the normal Wednesday running groups up and race against people you would not normally run with.

It will also hopefully encourage you to push yourself a little bit more as in theory everyone has an equal opportunity to win – not just the ‘racing snakes’.

Many other running clubs operate similar events, which prove to be very successful.

If you are unfamiliar with the route – please look at the document below.

 

How do you work out the handicaps?

Using a well accepted formula [T2 = T1 x (D2/D1)1.06] you can calculate, given a recent race time, an APPROXIMATE time for any other race distance, in this instance 7.2km.

This formula is used to calculate a handicap for those who have not previously taken part. Once they have an ACTUAL race time that will be used.

More information on the calculations.

Where possible, new series handicap times for individuals will be based upon an average time from the previous year. This may prove to be an advantage…or a disadvantage!

Handicap Race Rules

Although this is a ‘fun’ event, we do have some rules to ensure that it is fair for all, as there are prizes and awards at stake at the end of the series

Handicap Race Rules

 

Handicap Race Route

As mentioned the race covers three laps and is based at ‘Old Pats’. Whilst we will endeavour to mark the race route with chalk arrows, it is the responsibility of the runner to familiarise themselves with the race route. Click on the pdf icon below for details of the race route.

Handicap race route