What are they?
Handicap races are a good leveller across all abilities and great fun to boot. Runners are allocated a handicap based on recent performances and start at staggered intervals based on that handicap. The idea is that if everyone runs to their handicap, everyone will cross the line together which can lead to some exciting finishes! In practice there are those who make improvements and finish ahead of their handicap (and are affectionately referred to as bandits!) The winner is simply the first person across the line but there are also accolades to be earned by running close to, if not bang on your handicap.
What handicap races are there?
There are typically two inter-club handicap races each year:
- The Helpers’ Handicap
- Open to senior members who volunteered to help at the Maidenhead Easter 10
- Typically contested over a 10 (ish) mile circuit taking in some of the official Easter 10 course
- The Helpers’ Handicap trophies are awarded to the first man & first woman as part of the road running awards
- There is often a half-distance option for fun
- 5k Handicap
- Open to junior & senior members who ran in the Summer 5k Series
- Typically contested over the Maidenhead AC 5k course at Braywick
- Just for fun but some spot prizes may be available
- A nice social evening with food & drink to mark the end of the 5k series