For the 2026 season, we will continue with our Time Trial points system

The rules are explained below.

To find your current average time ahead of each event, click on the latest “Points and Updated Averages” entry in the table below.

Time trials are arranged every month. We also have Easter, Summer and Christmas handicaps. To qualify for the handicap, you must have run at least 2 of the 3* preceding time trials. Every qualifed member gets a start time, which is sent out before the race, based on your earlier times. Note that the handicap start time is calculated differently to average time used in the points system (explained below). To ensure the handicap is fair for everyone, inconsistent time trial times are excluded from the handicap start time calculation. First qualifying runner across the line wins the Handicap and all qualifying runners get a prize for participation. Even if you don’t run enough time trials to qualify you can still take part in the handicap. Those who don’t qualify have 2 minutes added to their start time so that it’s easier for us to seperate out the qualified and non-qualifed runners at the finish line. All handicap participants (qual and non-qual) get points credit which is explained below. If you qualify you also can earn up to to 10 bonus points in the handicap.

*Occasionally there are 4 preceding time trials before a handicap e.g. for Summer 2026 so you have an extra opportunity to qualify for these events! For the rare occasions where there are only 2 preceding time trials then the 3rd qualifying event will be the preceding Handicap race e.g. for the Easter 2026 handicap in early April, the qualifying events are (i) Christmas handicap, (ii) January Time Trial (iii) February Time Trial.

 Here are the rules for the time trial point system. For the calendar year: 

1. Every member who takes part gets 5 points per event (time trials or handicaps).
2. If you beat your average time, you will get 2 bonus points. Your average time will be taken from your last 3 previous events. This is recalculated each month. If your slowest time from the last 3 events is more than 15% slower than the fastest two times from the last 3 events, then only the fastest two times will be used in your average. This ensures that a ‘one-off’ slower paced effort will not be taken into account for the bonus points calculation (but you will still get 5 points for all efforts).
3. To receive an average time (and qualify for these bonus points), members must have completed at least 3 events in the preceding 12 months.
4. The first 10 qualified finishers at each handicap will get points. 10 for first, through 1 for tenth. You still get 5 points for taking part and 2 points if you beat your average time trial time. All previous rules still apply.
5. If you take part in 9 or more events in the year you get a further 5 points.
6. Preferably, no more than 2 recorder/ helpers will get 5 points at each event. We want people to take part, not to stand and you can get points for either taking part or helping but not both.
7. If people are injured, they are encouraged to walk. The walkers will set off early so please make sure to arrive at the requested time. You will still get your 5 points. The idea is to encourage you to meet people, to feel part of it and to keep your discipline, routine and mental wellbeing. Your walk time will not be included in your time trial average for handicap purposes. Everyone, including walkers, must complete the event on the specified night and at the event location.
8. At the end of the year, awards will be given in the form of a certificate (very much like the championship certificates) based on total points:
   1. 70 points or more will receive a gold award.
   2. 60 points or more will receive a silver
   3. 50 points or more will receive a bronze
9. The certificate will show your points total as an incentive to try and better your score the following year.
10. At the end of the year all those with a gold award will be put into a draw to pick out a winner. The same with silver and bronze. There will be a £100 voucher prize for each person picked out from the 3 categories.
11. The above points system is fair to young / old, male/ female, fast / slow. Everyone is equal. It’s just a challenge to yourself.