The rules of the Kent Summer Relay Series are set by representatives of each hosting club.
Our representative is Caroline Curtis, who can be contacted using relays@folkestonerunning.club.
These rules were last updated 10 May 2023.
Rules
Team size and makeup
Each male team will consist of 4 runners with the exception of the over 50 and over 60+ vet teams which will consist of 3 male runners
All ladies’ teams will consist of 3 runners
Mixed teams will be allowed to run but may not compete for the “A” or “B” team trophies – this means a mixed team must be a “C” team or lower
Runners must start the series running for the same club throughout the series.
Guest runners will no longer be considered owing to the logistic nature of the courses, parking and general facilities and the health and safety of the courses.
Age groups
A junior is defined as being a minimum of 11 years old and not exceeding 17 years of age on the day of the race concerned.
There will be no Junior teams. Juniors will be classed as seniors, and clubs who enter juniors will take full responsibility for their own juniors and not the host club.
A veteran is defined by their age on the day of the race concerned.
Male veteran categories are
- Vet 40
- Vet 50
- Vet 60+
Ladies veteran categories are:
- Vet 35
- Vet 45
- V55+.
A runner may compete “down an age group” but not “up an age group” For example: a V40 male can run in a senior team or a V40 team but not a V50 or V60 team.
Scoring
The first “A” and “B” team to cross the line is deemed the winner of that race barring objections for an infringement of the rules. Should a club’s “C” team succeed in beating the “A” and “B” team that “C” team will not be eligible to score. Only a club’s “A” and “B” team may be awarded scoring points
A runner may compete in only one scoring category on one evening. If a runner should compete in an “A” or “B” team they may, if it is necessary, make up the number for another team but only if they compete as a “C” team or lower.
Scoring will be done on the basis, of how many “A” and “B” teams are competing in that particular category. The maximum number of points available for “A” teams is equal to the number of “A” teams entered (and likewise for the “B” teams).
In the event of a tie, on points, the overall winner will be decided on the number of 1st places obtained. If there is still a tie then it will be decided on 2nd places and then on 3rd places and so on. In the unlikely event that teams should still be tied on points and places an honourable draw will be declared.
Courses and events
All relay distances shall be between 3.6 kilometres (2.25 miles) and 4.4 kilometres (2.75 miles). In the event of circumstances (safety or expediency) these distances may vary but every effort to stay within these constraints should be made
All relays should make provision for a safe start and take over point which may be a face to face handover or a rolling handover as dictated by course and safety considerations.
A changeover is denoted by the incoming runner handing over a ‘chip timed baton’ to the outgoing runner
There will be a fixed number of races in the relay series; ideally 5. Each year the races will be offered to all clubs who will volunteer to host certain legs. The venue for the final leg will be one where there are indoor facilities with power in order to facilitate the production of the final results for presentations.
Each club host is to make every effort to have a first aid presence at their event. This may be suitably qualified club members rather than a formal presence. Where possible a Defibrillator to be available.
Results
Results will be produced in a standardised format by Nice work. Results will be sent to each club coordinator for checking before general circulation.
Results from the final leg where possible will be produced on the final nights
Awards: “A” teams – 1st three in all categories
Awards “B” teams – winners only in all categories
Trophies will be provided for presentation on the final night. Costs to be advised by Nice Work and invoiced after.
Individual clubs may organise further copies of trophies for their members if required after the event.