5K Handicap

Start Date: 22 Feb 2018 19:30

End Date: 22 Feb 2018 21:30

Venue: The Hawker Centre

Put the date in your diary for the Club 5k Handicap on Thursday 22nd February. It's a great opportunity to take part in a different kind of event, a chance to run alongside club colleagues with whom you may not usually share a run, and to improve your 5k time. What's not to like?!

N.B. We've automated the time-keeping and will use your parkrun barcode. It's important that you register your barcode in advance, preferably by the end of November. Read how to do it here.

How are the handicaps decided?

As the course is over a measured 5 km, a runner's most recent parkrun time can be used to establish their handicap, using 40 minutes as a baseline, divided into 15-second increments.

For example, if the slowest runner on the day had a parkrun time of 36 mins 10 secs, they would start when the clock showed 3 mins 45 secs, and if the fastest runner had a parkrun time of 17 mins 25 secs, they would start when the clock showed 22 mins 30 secs.

If any participant has never taken part in a parkrun, an estimated time will be given, and the runner's time on the night will be used to establish their handicap for subsequent runs.

If you want to see what happened at the previous handicap, see the results here.

How do runners enter?

If you've registered your parkrun barcode in advance (see here) all you need to do is turn up and run. If you have encountered any problems with registering or have any questions, there will be a table in the Hawker Centre which will be manned from 19:00.

The clock will start at zero and the first runner to start will be the entrant with the slowest current 5k time (anyone over 40 minutes will start at "zero"). Each runner's name will be called out as their start time approaches - it is the responsibility of each runner to be on the start line ready to go at the time they were given at registration.

Runners will not wear race numbers.

What happens at the finish?

At the finish line, runners well be handed a token - just like at parkrun - and they will be directed to the "finisher" who will scan their parkrun barcode and finishing position.

N.B.

There will be NO marshals or signposts on the course during the Handicap - it is each runner's responsibility to know the course. For most people there will be somebody to follow! For the others, follow this link for a map of the course Stragglers 5k Handicap Route. Please remember to turn left off Duke's Avenue onto Dysart Avenue and go clockwise around the loop!

And finally...

...the handicap needs at least 3 people to staff it so, if you are available but not planning to run, solid offers of assistance, in advance, would be much appreciated!