Handicap Rules

Handicap Races

From 2012 there are two separate race series - the 5km and the 10km. Both races are around the streets of Berowra. Runners can alternate between the two distances, however points will not be carried across between the two handicap series.

There are 10 races in the season (held on the 1st Sunday each month from February to November).

The 10km course each month is identical, apart from alternating in direction.

Both the start and finish lines are in the carpark at Warrina St Oval, corner of Warrina St & Hillcrest Rd, Berowra.

There is no handicap in January or December. The Christmas Relay is held annually - either in July or December, and is separate to the handicap.

Start Times

The timing clock for the 10km race starts at 7:15am for runners with a handicap equal to 60 minutes, so that if all runners run exactly to their handicap they will finish at 8:15 am. The aim for the 10km is to get runners to finish around 60min, eg a 42min 10km runner will start off 18min.

The same timing clock is also used for the 5km - if all runners run exactly to their handicap they will finish at 8:05 am. The aim for the 5km is to get runners to finish around 50min, eg a 20min 5km runner will start off 30min.

Therefore, each runner is on an equal footing, with everyone having an equal chance of winning the race.

To be eligible to come first, second, third or fourth, runners must start on their official handicap time. If a runner starts late their finishing time will still be taken into account when adjusting handicaps for the next month. If a runner starts early, their handicap will not be adjusted for the next month, unless of course they run quickly!

Official Handicaps

Any runner can take part in the handicap - you can join as a full or social member on the day.

Only those runners who are current financial members of Berowra Bushrunners and have completed two handicaps are provided with an official handicap.

New runners will be provided with a provisional handicap. Handicaps will be adjusted as per the time adjustment rules below.

Timekeeper

A designated timekeeper will be appointed to carry out starting and finishing duties at every handicap. Starting duties include sending people off at correct intervals. Finishing duties include recording runners' names and finish times. the position will be done on a voluntary basis and is open to everyone, e.g. former runners, injured runners etc.

For their efforts, the timekeeper will be awarded 1 handicap point in the handicap of their choosing. Their handicap time will remain unchanged.

Points - 10km

Points are allocated from the 10km handicap races as follows:

5 points for 1^st Place (if running off official handicap);
4 points for 2^nd Place (if running off official handicap);
3 points for 3^rd Place (if running off official handicap);
2 points for 4^th Place (if running off official handicap);

1 point for everyone else who starts irrespective of finish place;
1 point if not an official handicap, or starting earlier than the official handicap;
1 point for the timekeeper who does not run, or any runner who DNF.

Points - 5km

Points are allocated from the 5km handicap races as follows:

3 points for 1^st Place (if running off official handicap);
2 points for 2^nd Place (if running off official handicap);

1 point for everyone else who starts irrespective of finish place;
1 point if not an official handicap, or starting earlier than the official handicap;
1 point for the tiimekeeper who does not run, or any runner who DNF.

Depending on the number of 5km runners, this may be adjusted during 2012.

The 5km handicap event is separate to the 10km handicap - points from the 5km handicap do not count towards the 10km handicap (and vice versa).

Annual Championship

Results from the best 8 (out of maximum 10) races are counted towards determining the annual Handicap Champion and Runner-Up.

If scores are tied at the end of the year, then the person with the most handicap wins will be the winner.
If scores are still tied, the person who attended the most races will be the winner.
If scores are still tied, the person who has shown the most improvement over the year will be the winner.

The 5 kilometre handicap will be separate to the 10km handicap - there will be separate champions for each distance.

Time Adjustment Rules

10km handicap

1^st Place is penalised by the greater of 1 minute or the time by which they beat their handicap.
2^nd Place is penalised by the greater of 30 seconds or the time by which they beat their handicap.
3^rd Place is penalised by the greater of 15 seconds or the time by which they beat their handicap.
4^th Place's handicap remains unchanged.

The handicaps of runners who start early or DNF will not be adjusted.
All other finishers have their handicaps decreased by 30 seconds regardless of whether they beat their handicap in coming 5th, 6th etc.

The handicaps of runners who start late (up to 5min late) will still be adjusted as per above, although only 1 point will be awarded, i.e. if a late runner actually had the fastest gross time of the day, their handicap will be increased by 1 minute or by the time that they beat their handicap ... but they will only receive 1 point.

Everyone's handicap may be reduced by 30 seconds at start of new year.

5km handicap

1^st Place is penalised by the greater of 30 seconds or the time by which they beat their handicap.
2^nd Place is penalised by the greater of 15 seconds or the time by which they beat their handicap.
3^rd Place handicap remains unchanged.

The handicaps of runners who start early or DNF will not be adjusted.
All other finishers have their handicaps decreased by 15 seconds regardless of whether they beat their handicap in coming 4th, 5th, 6th etc.

The handicaps of runners who start late (up to 5min late) will still be adjusted as per above, although only 1 point will be awarded, i.e. if a late runner actually had the fastest gross time of the day, their handicap will be increased by 30 seconds or by the time that they beat their handicap ... but they will only receive 1 point.

Everyone's handicap may be reduced by 15 seconds at start of new year.

Both races

Those who do not run in the previous calendar year will be treated like a new member, i.e. they will need to run two races before they are given a new official handicap - and they are not eligible to come 1st, 2nd or 3rd in that race.

The handicapper reserves the rights to adjust any runner's handicap time to take into account any unusual circumstances.

The Monthly Handicap - afterwards

Breakfast - A light breakfast is generally provided after each monthly handicap race held on the first Sunday of each month and usually includes fresh fruit, muffins, and juice. The cost is funded out of our membership fees and is kindly put together on a roster basis.

Handicap Prizes Generally a choice of gift cards from local businesses which support the club is presented to 1st, 2nd & 3rd place getters in the 10km, and 1st in the 5km race. (must be financial with a minimum of 2 completed handicaps to qualify)

Lucky Draw Prize 1 box of chocolates or similar (TBC)

Christmas Relay Prizes to first 3 teams (based on the last person in each team crossing the line).

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