Club Championships – An Explanation
Two of the strengths of our club, are communication and competition amongst ourselves.
You are reading this on the club website and this is one of the ways that we can communicate with you – there are many other methods that I am sure you are aware of!
We all want to be able to run quicker – or at least (for the less young members) limit the rate of slowing down!
We feel that this can be achieved by the promotion of active competition amongst club members.
Over the years since the club was formed, we have developed a series of club championships, which can give us this competition.
I wish to take this opportunity to outline each of these championships and other awards that are available to all club members.
First of all, a few words about how the championships work and how the scoring systems operate.
Age Groups
For men there are sections for Open competition and for Veterans.
In addition, there will be awards in each 10-year age group (i.e. Over 40, Over 50, Over 60, Over 70 etc.).
For women there is an Open section and sections for Veterans in 10-year bands (Over 35, Over 45, Over 55 Over 65 etc.).
Scoring Points
Races
In each section there is a starting number of points. This has been derived to give a representation of the number of competitors in that section. Since 2008, we have found that the following have been suitable:
| Section | Points |
|---|---|
| Open Men | 100 |
| Veteran Men Over 40 | 70 |
| Veteran Men Over 50 | 50 |
| Veteran Men Over 60 | 30 |
| Veteran Men Over 70 | 10 |
| Section | Points |
|---|---|
| Open Women | 100 |
| Veteran Women Over 35 | 70 |
| Veteran Women Over 45 | 50 |
| Veteran Women Over 55 | 30 |
| Veteran Women Over 65 | 10 |
Veteran Women Over 75 10
The first Les Croupiers Runner in a championship race will score this number of points, the second runner one less, and so on.
Athletes will score points in each age category that they are eligible.
e.g. a 51-year-old man will score points in the Open section, the Vet 40 section and as a Vet 50.
In the cases of Men Over 80 and Women over 75 the number of counting races and required races will be reduced by one.
Ranking Lists when part of a Championship
In these cases the position of the club athlete in the ranking list determines the points scored.
It may very well be that the number of athletes exceeds the starting number of points.
In this case the scoring will apply as above but the minimum number of points awarded will be zero.
Awards
In each championship, there is a list of races selected to give opportunities to take part throughout the year.
There may also be one or more ranking lists included as well.
Race Selection
The selected races tend to have a history of being well organised and well supported. They may also be Welsh Championships or be held in pleasant surroundings!
There will also be a specified number of performances to count towards the championship score. This will also indicate the minimum number of races to be completed in order to win an award.
An example:
If there are 6 performances to count, the 6 highest scores for an athlete will be used to consider them for an award.
However the athlete must have at least 5 performances for an award to be made.
If there 5 scores to count you must complete 4.
In the event of a tie for any award in any section, there will be no tie-break.
Both/all athletes will receive the same award.
An athlete can only win an award in one section so where an athlete is in a position to win awards in more than one category, the following criteria are used to make the award:
- Highest position
- Youngest age-group
For example, someone who is first senior woman and first Over 35 is awarded first senior woman.
Someone who is second senior woman and first over 35 is awarded first Over 35.
The Championships
In all races in any of the championships we expect you to be:
- Properly entered in the race as a member of Les Croupiers
- Wearing Club colours
Short Course Road Championship
This championship consists of local races up to 4 miles.
They also tend to be mid-week races during the summer months.
One or more ranking lists may also be considered.
Please see the Short Course section on the Championships page for full details of the current and impending championship.
Long Course Road Championship
This consists of races from 10k upwards and may also include one or more ranking lists.
The selected races may be Welsh Championships and may also be further afield.
Please see the Long Course section on the Championships page for full details of the current and impending championship. Please be aware that there is an error in the calculation of the total scores in the Long Course Championship. This only affects athletes who run more than the required number of races. A manual check and correction will be made before making awards calculations.
Cross-Country Championship
This consists of the 5 Gwent League cross-country races (held in October, November, December, February and March) and the appropriate national championship:
and the Welsh Championship which is open to all club members
From these 6 races, the best 5 will count.
Please see the Cross Country section on the Championships page for full details of the current and impending championship.
Gwent League Ever Present Awards
To each athlete that completes all Gwent League races during a season (October to March) the club will make an award to thank them for their commitment.
Off-Road Championship
This is a relatively new championship – it was started in 2007.
As the name indicates, this consists of races that are off-road and often moderately hilly!
The distances range from 4 miles to half-marathon although some of the published distances are nominal!
There may also be a ranking list.
Please see the Off-Road section on the Championships page for full details of the current an impending championship.