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Road Warrior Frequently Asked Questions Who Can Participate in the Program? How does it work? Every Ontario runner who signs up as a Road Warrior has their race history assembled and reviewed by RoadRaceResults.com. If that runner has run in one or more events in the previous year, they are assigned a ‘handicap’ rating (or 'HC' as is seen on some pages). The rating up to Aug. 16, 2009 was a number but as of Aug. 17th that rating was changed to a 5k time, which you'll find is close to but maybe not exactly your current 5k time. The ‘rating’ or handicap is based on runners' recent race times no matter what the distance. Algorithms have been worked out to convert all race distances to something the Road Warrior software can use. If you're not a Road Warrior you can register up to 7 days after any Road Warrior race to gain points from that race to put towards your year-end standings. SEX DIFFERENCE And so you know, there is a difference between the sexes (of about 22 minutes for the marathon distance and obviously much less for shorter distances down to the 5k) which means if a man and woman both have close to the same times in races, the woman will have a slightly better Road Warrior rating. The difference reflects the physical differences acknowledged by the sport scientists and the running community. ROAD WARRIOR CATEGORY AT RACES As mentioned, the Road Warrior category at races doesn't replace the current age group award structure in races, but is an additional one. Prizes to the top 3 Road Warrior category finishers will be mailed. REGISTER TO BE ELIGIBLE Even if a race is involved in a series (like the Timex Series, the Multisport Series, Somersault Series), registered Road Warriors can also earn points at every Road Warrior race and the points accumulate to the end of the year. NOTE: Everyone receives the minimum 2 points for attending a Road Warrior race but YOU ONLY QUALIFY FOR THE TOP POINTS IF REGISTERED AS A ROAD WARRIOR. The top 5 point getters at year's end will receive cool prizes and there will be draw prizes also, all supplied by the program and any sponsors. So sign up now if you're not yet a Road Warrior. This website has NEW INFORMATION from a year ago. So if you're not registered as a Road Warrior, you won't be in the standings nor be eligible for Road Warrior prizes at races or at year's end. We need everyone to register because it helps us differentiate one runner from others of the same name, same city, same age group who could be confused in race results because of race entry errors (theirs or the race's). NOT "AGE-GRADED" This system offers more accurate grading than ‘age grading’ offered at some races. It's a system developed by British fitness experts through massive testing and has proven accurate in its grading and popular in its acceptance. It doesn’t rely on sex, size, age or weight, strictly performance. One’s ‘rating’ is based on the average finishing times of an individual’s previous two to three races no matter what distance. If someone trains more it will show in their improved finishing time and gradually in their improved Road Warrior rating. The result of one race alone will not change one’s ‘handicap rating’, however. A rating will gradually improve from the average of three or more races. This way it reflects consistent improvement on a runner’s part and not a one-time bonanza.The program places both men and women on an even playing field for most events and as mentioned above, there's a slight difference accorded to women (liken it to Boston qualifying times differences for men and women).
Panel title goes here. A male co-worker and I have had this friendly rivalry happening ever since this handicap system came out. We’ll put up posters at each other’s desk the day after a race to taunt the other. We love it! ~ CG Who can participate in this program? Anyone involved in road running can participate in the Road Warrior program. Participation is voluntary for race directors, timing companies, running clubs and individual folks who want to be part of it.
I must admit I’d let my running drop off a lot in recent years. I got busy with kids and work. But since my introduction to the handicap system, I’ve found myself pushing myself a bit more to improve my rating. I’m currently a 70 but soon hope for a 69! ~JM How can I change my ‘handicap’ rating? No matter what ‘handicap’ or rating one is at, there is always the chance to improve (or reduce) it. You will be able to improve your rating by: How to Get the Edge People say, "How can I improve my odds of doing well in the Road Warrior category?" The answer is, train a bit differently. Once a week, 'fartlek' running, or picking up your pace in the middle of a run for little short spurts of 1-2 minutes each (do 5-10 of these with more done if in the middle of a run of 10-15k. Or, once a week, 'tempo' running where you do a 2k warm-up, then pick up your pace for a set period of time like 5-15min., then do about a 1-2k cool down. Or, once a week, 'interval' running where you go to a track or a set distance (a loop around a neighbourhood block) and after doing a 1-2k warm-up, try to run consistent times around that track or block for each interval.
There is no cost to be a “Road Warrior” but to see your results and rating you need to be registered. You don't have to be a Road Warrior to see the standings. |
Upcoming Road Warrior Races September 11th, 2010- Toronto  September 11th, 2010- Port Perry  September 12th, 2010- Wasaga Beach  September 19th, 2010- Nepean  Click here for a complete list of all Road Warrior Races. |
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