What does it all mean
We receive numerous enquiries regarding the different types of events that we organise, and how the point score works etc. Hopefully it is all explained in the information below, if not, please just ask one of the committee members.
Scratch Events
All runners start at the GO SIGNAL. When there are many competitors, the event manager may start scratch runs with long runners first, follow by medium runners, and short runners with 1 minute gap between starting times. The timing mats, which you cross, record the time that you start and finish the event. If you neglect to cross the timing mat or forget to wear you shoe tag you will not receive a time for the event.
Handicap Events
Your "per km handicap pace" is decided as follows:
Points are awarded for each handicap event based on the position of your Handicap Percent.
1st place 100 points, 2nd 96 points, 3rd 93 points, 4th 91 points, 5th 90 points, reducing by 1 point for each position with a minimum of 2 points to be scored.
We have a Handicap point score tally on the portal where you can keep an eye on your standing. We award medals or trophies at presentation day for the final top 3 positions in each distance. Your best 4 point scores of the season will be counted.
The use of timing mats allows handicap events to commence in the same format as Scratch Events.
- No previous handicap: New Handicap = Race pace + 1%
- Race time equals handicap: New Handicap = Old Handicap
- Race time faster than handicap: New Handicap = Old Handicap less (80% of difference between Race time and Old Handicap)
- Race time slower than handicap: New Handicap = Old Handicap plus (10% of difference (to a max of 3 secs per km) between Race time and Old Handicap)
Points are awarded for each handicap event based on the position of your Handicap Percent.
1st place 100 points, 2nd 96 points, 3rd 93 points, 4th 91 points, 5th 90 points, reducing by 1 point for each position with a minimum of 2 points to be scored.
We have a Handicap point score tally on the portal where you can keep an eye on your standing. We award medals or trophies at presentation day for the final top 3 positions in each distance. Your best 4 point scores of the season will be counted.
The use of timing mats allows handicap events to commence in the same format as Scratch Events.
Graded Events
All runners are allocated into a Grade based on their performance over the last 5 runs. Check the portal for your grade.
A Grade is the fastest, going down to J Grade with our slower runners and walkers.
First time runners will start in J Grade, as we have no information to determine their proper grading.
Grades start in waves together so you are competing against those runners of a similar capability!
Points are awarded within each grade based on your finishing position (10 points for 1st, 9 points for 2nd, 8 points for 3rd etc.... down to 1 point for everyone else who finishes in the grade). Points are irrespective of distance run.
The best way to accumulate points is to run as many graded events as you can!
If you change grades throughout the season, your accumulated points will follow you into your new grade.
We have a Graded point score tally on the portal where you can keep an eye on your standing. We award medals or trophies at presentation day for the final top 3 positions in each grade.
A Grade is the fastest, going down to J Grade with our slower runners and walkers.
First time runners will start in J Grade, as we have no information to determine their proper grading.
Grades start in waves together so you are competing against those runners of a similar capability!
Points are awarded within each grade based on your finishing position (10 points for 1st, 9 points for 2nd, 8 points for 3rd etc.... down to 1 point for everyone else who finishes in the grade). Points are irrespective of distance run.
The best way to accumulate points is to run as many graded events as you can!
If you change grades throughout the season, your accumulated points will follow you into your new grade.
We have a Graded point score tally on the portal where you can keep an eye on your standing. We award medals or trophies at presentation day for the final top 3 positions in each grade.
Championship Events
In order to be the recipient of the Millington or Road Championship Trophies, you must be registered with NXC and completed 4 events in the current season.
Where do I run (or walk)?
RED sandwich board / turn around sign marks the SHORT course turn around point
BLUE sandwich board / turn around sign marks the MEDIUM course turn around point
YELLOW sandwich board / turn around sign marks the LONG course turn around point
At times other course markers such as ribbons, tape, cones or witches hats etc may be used
BLUE sandwich board / turn around sign marks the MEDIUM course turn around point
YELLOW sandwich board / turn around sign marks the LONG course turn around point
At times other course markers such as ribbons, tape, cones or witches hats etc may be used
What do I wear?
Those members who belong to an athletic club or running club are encouraged to wear their club uniform and nominate their club on their registration form. Each year an Interclub trophy will be keenly contested throughout the season and will be presented to the season’s most successful running club.
Alternatively, you can purchase Newcastle Cross Country merchandise throughout the year via the portal.
Alternatively, you can purchase Newcastle Cross Country merchandise throughout the year via the portal.
Shoe Tag
It is compulsory to wear your shoe tag during an event. Your shoe tag is the trigger for the timing system to know when you started and finished an event. No shoe tag means no time. If you choose not to wear shoes for the beach run, you will have to secure your shoe tag to your ankle.
Prizes and Presentation Day
A point score is maintained throughout the season culminating in an annual presentation day with trophies/prizes given to various age, distance, handicap and grade winners and placegetters. Trophies for open, veteran and junior “distance runner of the year” winners are also presented, along with the Alec Thomson achievement award.
NXC encourages all members and families to come along and enjoy the barbeque and presentation day and to acknowledge and encourage the deserving award and major trophy winners and placegetters.
(Prizes at some special events may be presented on the day)
NXC encourages all members and families to come along and enjoy the barbeque and presentation day and to acknowledge and encourage the deserving award and major trophy winners and placegetters.
(Prizes at some special events may be presented on the day)
