Club Championship Race Rules

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At the recent club championship race (St Albans half marathon) we had a unprecedented occurrence arise.  

Carla Fisher finished as first female Harrier in a clock time of 1 hour 43:00 with Marianne Williamson second female in a time of 1 hour 43:25, which under normal circumstances would be a straight forward award of the championship to Carla, however  Marianne had actually run the race faster than Carla as the race was chip timed from start to finish.  Marianne’s chip time was 1:41:25 and Carla’s was 1:42:54.  Marianne had taken longer to cross the start line than Carla and therefore never got close enough to overtake.

A question was raised about club championship rules on the Forum , and a check of committee meeting minutes from January 2009 confirmed that it had been agreed that chip timing from start to finish should be used if available, therefore whoever finishes with the  quicker chip time will be deemed to be the winner. This was agreed at the time by the then committee.

This started the debate on whether club championships are races or time trials, when chip timing (from start to finish only) is involved.

Many people have been vocal on this issue and as a committee we feel the January 2009 decision should be looked at again.

As there is currently a Committee decision on Chip timing race positions, for this year, the rest of the Championship races are going to be based upon the quickest race time, i.e. chip time.  However the Committee has agreed to re look at this matter for 2011 and will be arranging a combined meeting of Committee and Coaches, in the Autumn to discuss and agree the best way forward.  .

This letter therefore is to remind you that the next two championship races (Doug Anderson 5k and the Harriers 10k) will be fully chip timed and  both these race results will be based on the fastest chip time, and not where you finish.

If you feel strongly about this issue and would like your views to be considered at the Joint meeting, please speak or email your Coach or the Secretary.  Please keep an eye on the Committee minutes so you are aware of the date of the combined meeting.