Endurance Handbook

SECTION 5

Handicapping by Staggered Start Times - for races over 1000m The expected performance of the weakest competitor is used as a datum to determine the scratch position and the competitors are lined up in file behind this member in order of their ability. The timekeeper starts the watch as the first runner starts and all the following runners are set off in turn at the time estimated for them to catch the leader by the end of the race. The same watch can be used to record finishing times and actual times are calculated by subtracting the handicap start time. For example, consider a number of young athletes taking part in a race over a distance of 1500 metres. WEB COPY ©EVEQUE Name Shari Adam Anne Estimated Performance Handicap in seconds

HANDICAPPING

5 min 35 sec 5 min 27 sec 5 min 21 sec 5 min 15 sec 5 min 08 sec 5 min 02 sec 4 min 55 sec

0 secs 8 secs 14 secs 20 secs 27 secs 33 secs 40 secs

Charlotte

Ben

Sadik

James

As the programme progresses through the season the coach will develop a sound idea as to the correct handicap for each athlete and may be pleasantly surprised by the improvement made by all the group members. A 3 2 1 course can be used for this programme.

For further details please visit www.runinengland.org.uk/321.

WEB COPY ©EVEQUE

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