Junior Handicap

The junior handicap race is held on the last Thursday of the month from April to August, with an additional one on the night of the Club 10 km championship, usually in mid-August.
Dates for 2009 are as follows:

The race is run on the same general principles as the main handicap, that is runners are allotted a start time depending on their previous performances, with the slower runners starting first. First time runners are given a handicap according to their age (see below).

Course

This is just over 2 km on the grass area in front of the Hawker Centre. It consists of 4 laps of the perimeter of the grass area, which will be marked out. After the end of the fourth lap the runners will cross the finish line and go down the finish funnel in the order in which they crossed the line.

New or inexperienced runners, if they find 2 km a bit far, can run one lap - they will be given a time, but their results will not count towards any individual or team scores.

First Timers

First time runners are given a start time depending on their age.
Under 4 start at 0 minutes and run just one lap (500 metres)
Age 4-5 also start at 0 mins.
Age 6-8 start at 5 mins.
Age 9-11 start at 8 mins.
Age 12-14 start at 10 mins.
Age 15-17 start at 12 mins.

Start times

In April and August, Registration is from 7 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

In May, June and July, Registration is from 7:30 pm for a 8:00 pm start.

Scoring

Points are awarded as follows:

In any one season, the first time a competitor runs and completes the course, they score 4 points.

On each successive run, provided they complete the course, they will score a further 4 points, and can score additional points:
    For First place, 10 points, 2nd place, 9 points, down to 10th place, 1 point.
    For a Year's Best time (YB) or better, 5 points; within 14 secs of YB, 4 points;
       within 30 secs, 3 points; 45 secs, 2 points; and 1 minute, 1 point.
These points are accumulated over the 6 races for the overall trophy.

For team scores, the top 5 scorers (calculated as above) in each team will have their points added: the highest aggregate score wins.

Results

Results will be posted on our Results pages as soon as possible after each race. They will also be published in the Stragmag. Individual results will be available on the night; team results will be on the website and in Stragmag.

Prizes

First timers receive a medal for completing the course.
In each race medals are awarded to the first boy and first girl (regardless of their overall place), and further medals are awarded to the 2nd and 3rd overall places (whether boys or girls).
The overall trophy and shields for first, second and third places and the team trophy will be presented on the last Thursday of either September or October. We will announce the actual date as widely as possible.

Rules for participation

In order to take part in the junior handicap, entrants must have a consent and medical form signed by a parent or legal guardian. Entrants should be members of an athletic club. Runners can join the Stragglers (Junior membership £2) when they enter their first race. Junior Handicap T-shirts may be bought or ordered for £4.
Adult members of participating clubs must be present to supervise their club's children. If entrants are not members of a club, their parent or other responsible adult should accompany them. Stragglers cannot accept responsibility for children other than members of the Stragglers, either for personal accident or loss of or damage to property

Marshalling

We require a minimum of 8 marshalls, preferably 10, to assist with the junior handicap and ensure its smooth and safe running. Help from participating clubs would be gratefully received.

Contacts

Further information may be obtained from:
Merran Sell 01372 470 809 e-mail msell60@btinternet.com
Simon Brazil 020 8943 5407 e-mail simonbrazil@lycos.com
Sue Waters 020 8541 0316

Sponsorship

The junior handicap is sponsored by:

Pinnacle Plumbing Call 07787 546377
The Cabbage Patch
Charrington Bowl
26.2 Road Running Club
Menzies Chartered Accountants. (also our main handicap sponsors)

The Stragglers are very grateful for all this support.