For 2020 the club is introducing a new set of target times for the Standard Times awards scheme, along with some other changes.
The basic principles of the awards remain the same, but scheme has been revised to meet the following goals:
- A more consistent set of targets across all ages, sexes and distances. The new times are derived from the widely recognised age grading system (as used by parkrun and world masters athletics). It is also age specific and not by category, meaning you get a new set of targets every year instead of every 5 years.
- To ensure the next standard is always within reach. There are new “plus” levels of award between the old levels (Merit+, Bronze+, Silver+ etc.) meaning the next standard should no longer seem so insurmountable.
Other things to note:
- The scheme will now be based on your age on the 1st of January of the year. So you will have the same targets for the whole year. (Unfortunately you won’t get the benefit of your birthday until the following year!)
- There are two new distances added — 9 mile and 15km — which gives more flexibility of finding races to enter. (It is still 5 distances for an award and 9 distances, including 10mi, half, 20mi and full marathon, for a distinction.)
So without further ado, to see your time targets for 2020 awards, look here:
Standard Times – New Edition (PDF)
(remember, your age on 1st January applies for the whole year)
These times are effective for your races in the whole of 2020 and will be used for the awards to be given out next year. All other rules such as race eligibility are unchanged.
For those new members unfamiliar with the scheme, you can read the full information about it here.
Thanks to Dave Masser for devising the new scheme. There are some interesting technical details as to how the times are all worked out and I am sure he be pleased will to explain more for those interested.
