MARA* Grand Prix Scoring System & Rules

*Mid-America Running Association

1) Anyone who runs in any MARA Grand Prix race and places in the top 5 in their age group is automatically a part of the circuit; no sign up is necessary. However, to be recognized in the final standings at year’s end, MARA membership will be required by December 1.

2) Points are based on performance in 5-year age groups from 20-24 through 80+.

3) Scoring is 5 deep in each 5 year age group: 10 points for 1st place

8 points for 2nd place

6 points for 3rd place

4 points for 4th place

2 points for 5th place

The most points you can receive in a race are 10 (except for Hospital Hill ½ Marathon and KC Marathon, see #6 & #7 below) and the least points are 2.

4) Circuit race distances will vary between the 5 km and ½ marathon, and all races will be held on USATF certified courses.

5) Your 10 best race scores will count, with 120 points the maximum score possible, encouraging quality racing over quantity of races.

6) Points will be awarded 10 deep in each age group only with the Hospital Hill Half Marathon. Scoring for HHH is: 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2.

7) Double Points will be awarded 5 deep in each age group only with the KC Marathon. Scoring for the KC Marathon is: 20, 16, 12, 8, 4.

8) In any race with more than one distance (such as both a 5 km and 10 km) there will be only one designated MARA GP race. A balance of both 5 km and 10 km races will be attempted.

9) When moving into a new age group during the GP season, points can be scored in both age groups. The age group they scored the most points in during the GP circuit is the age group they will be listed in at year’s end.

10) In case of a tie, the winner will be determined by; 1) the place difference in head-to-head competition, then by 2) their 11th best race. If a tie is not broken by these tiebreakers, the tie remains.

11) To qualify for an award you must score points in at least 3 MARA GP races.

12) Each MARA GP race will contribute 6 free entries, which will be divided among the GP winners.

13) Each age group winner at year’s end will be given at least 4 free entries for 4 GP races and commemorative award(s). These will be presented at the MARA Chili Run in December (details will be announced in Master Pieces and on the MARA website, www.mararunning.org).

14) Updates to the MARA GP standings and upcoming races will be printed in Master Pieces and posted on the MARA website, www.mararunning.org.

MARA GP Winners are listed in the November-January issue of Master Pieces and on the MARA website (www.mararunning.org). Please contact Steve Dailey at srdaley@kc.rr.com