Woodstock Harriers

We are continuing the Club Championship for 2017 based on a handicap system. This should give first claim members of all abilities a chance to win the competition and thus, hopefully will give incentive to run in as many races as possible.

How the Handicap system will work:

The basis of the handicap, will be each member’s 2016 best performance for 10K. Many members have run a 10K but, for those who have not, the nearest equivalent distance has been taken as the basis (i.e. 4,5 or 6 miles).

The Table below shows the best 10K times or equivalent 10K times. Those who do not have an appropriate qualifying time in 2016 will be given a handicap as soon as his/her next appropriate race is completed.(No new handicaps will be given after 10 races have been completed, and no new entrants to the competition will be allowed). Taking the fastest 10K or equivalent time, the average time taken per kilometer is calculated (see below under average per kilometer).

The fastest time is allocated as the standard/base time. Other times are then compared with the base time and given a factor to equate with the standard. For example:

James Bolton’s fastest time for 10K in 2016 was 33:03 which is 3.305 mins per kilometer
Dave Cantwell’s fastest time was 36:18 which is 3.630 mins per kilometer
Jess Webb’s fastest time was 36:20 which is 3.633 mins per kilometer

Using James Bolton’s handicap as 100% Dave’s handicap will be 91.0% and Jess’ 91.0%

In all future races these handicaps will be used to determine performance against standard. If James runs 33:30 minutes in his next 10K, Dave runs 37:00 and Jess runs 38:00 the adjusted times will be as follows:

James 33:30 x 100% = 33:30 secs
Dave 37:00 x 91.0% = 33:40
Jess 38:00 x 91:0% = 34:35

James is, therefore, fastest on handicap and will receive more points than either Dave or Jess

How the points are calculated

For each Club Championship race 25 points are awarded for the fastest handicapped time, decreasing to 1 point for the 25th. fastest.

If there are only 5 Woodstock runners in the race, then the fastest will receive 25 points and the slowest 21 points.

If there are 30 members in the race then those who finish from 26th to 30th will receive no points.

Results from the best 12 of the 17 races will be used to determine the competition winners. This allows for holidays & injuries and rewards the regular participant.

The Club Championship Races

These will be the same 15 races as in the Oxfordshire Grand Prix competition plus two other races – Otmoor Challenge Half Marathon & Banbury 5

Banbury 15 miles – March 19th
White Horse Half Marathon – April 9th
Charlton Mota-Vation – April 27th
County Road Relays – April 30th
Cottisford 5K – May 10th
Otmoor Challenge Half Marathon (M/T)- June 3rd
Banbury 5 – June 6th
Thame 10K – June 25th
Didcot 5-Miles – July 2nd
Hornton 6-Miles – July 15th
Hooky 6-Miles – August 6th
Headington 5-Miles – August 27th
Witney 10 Miles – September 17th
Woodstock 12 Miles – September 23th
Hanney 5 Miles – October 1st
Abingdon Marathon – October 22nd
Eynsham 10K – November 26th

System Shortcomings

One weakness of this system is that it is based on results from 2016 and if anyone has dramatically improved since the previous time was registered, then the handicap will appear generous. Likewise, if someone’s fitness has deteriorated, perhaps due to injury, then they would have no realistic chance in the competition.

A review of the handicaps will, therefore, be carried out in August after race 12 to adjust any glaring anomalies. No new entries to the competition will be allowed after race 10.

Prizes

Inscribed trophies will be awarded to the competition winner, runner-up and third place after the last race in November.

Good Luck

Everyone has a chance to win – so go for it! The Club’s officials and committee members reserve the right to vary these rules from time to time and their decision is final in any dispute.

(MS)

For further information on any aspect of Woodstock Harriers contact Mike Shipway.