We run a monthly handicap race. You get points for each time you run, and over the year the person with the most points wins the handicap prize. The points system takes account of the number of people running, so if there are 15 people running (say) the first person back gets 15 points, the second 14 and so on. The system favours steady improvement and regular participation, so that the person who improves most over the course of the year wins the prize, regardless of how fast he or she is (provided he or she runs regularly).

The race begins with a staggered start, with each of us going off at a time (our handicap time) given by the time-keeper to reflect our speed last month – slowest first, fastest last. If the timings all worked perfectly and nobody changed their performance from last month to this, we would all cross the finishing line together.

The clock starts at the time-keepers call and sends of the runners according to their start time – the first people off (the slowest) might be only a few seconds after the start of timing, while the last person to start (last month’s fastest person) might have to wait another ten minutes.

As people finish, the time-keeper records their total elapsed time from her fixed start point to the point they crossed the finish line. You might get a number as you cross the line, we are going to try it! After the race, each person’s handicap time is subtracted from their total time to give the time it actually took them to run the distance.

The actual race times are sorted into descending order (longest first) to give the starting sequence for the next month. An amount is added to all the times to bring the forecast total elapse time for this months slowest runner (who will be the first to start next month) to 30 minutes, the standard time for the course.

When you do the handicap for the first time, we have to guess what handicap time to give you – but it sorts itself out from your second month.

The time keeper needs to know who is racing, and so you need to register on the night with the time-keeper to take part– the earlier you register, the easier it is for the time-keeper. If you think you are going to rush in at the last minute, let someone else know so that he or she can register you instead.

We are having some difficulties with running the handicap series.

• Knowing exactly who is running on the night; this is dealt with if you register early.
• Getting people to start at the right time; this is dealt with if we each take note of our own handicap times, start our watches when the whistle blows, and put ourselves near the start line at the right time.
• Matching the finishing times to people. This is a problem simply because of the numbers of people running, complicated by the fact that the time-keepers don’t know everyone’s name. The way we are going to deal with this is to have numbered cards at the finishing line, with the number 1 on top, number 2 below that and so on; as you cross the line you will be given a card with your position number on it. When all the runners have finished, you can then take your number to the time-keeper and give her your name and the card. She will have your time against your finishing position, and with the card you can tell her your name to put against that position.

1 Register – see above.

2 Start your stop watch (if you have one) when the time-keeper’s whistle goes at the start line and stop it when you cross the finish line. You will then know exactly when to start the race – when your stop watch shows your handicap time. This is a backup basically which helps fill any any gaps

3 Your start time is available on the Club’s web site in the handicap results, and on the night in a list put up on the wall in the Club House. If you make a note of your handicap time (the interval from the start of timing to when you are to begin running), you can position yourself at the start at the right time. This will make it easier for the time-keeper, and also lets you know how long you’ve got, from the time the whistle is blown to the start, in which to warm up, stretch, chat, change your mind or whatever.

4 Note the name of the person who finishes immediately behind you and in front.

5 Get to know the names of as many people running as you can. This is good for the club, and makes the noting of names much easier.

6 Volunteer to be a time-keeper. Time-keepers get points as well, equal to half the number of people running on the night you do it. For this reason you are only allowed to do it once a year.

7 Try not to interupt the timekeeper while people are being sent off at the start. Cries of "that’s not fair he’s quicker than me", or "have I got time for a quick jog, do you think?" are no longer funny now there may be 30 runners to send off in a 10 minute period.