2011

MARA Grand Prix Scoring System & Rules

Mid-America Running Association

1) Anyone who runs in any MARA Grand Prix race at any point in the season and who places in the top 5 in their age group is automatically a part of the circuit. Standings are updated and published in Masterpieces magazine and on the MARA website (www.mararunning.org ) as the season progresses.

2) Active MARA membership must be in place by Nov 1 to receive final recognition and awards at Chili Run – no exceptions. (membership forms are available online at www.mararunning.com and at local specialty running stores).

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

4) Scoring is 5 deep in each 5 year age group except as noted in item 5.

i) 10 points for 1^st place

ii) 8 points for 2^nd place

iii) 6 points for 3^rd place

iv) 4 points for 4^th place

v) 2 points for 5^th place

5) Trolley Run and KC Marathon will be single points, 10 deep (10, 9, 8, 7…)

6) Your 10 best race scores will count, with 100 points the maximum score possible, encouraging quality racing over quantity of races.

7) Circuit races range from 3K meters to half marathon. Road races are run on USATF certified courses.

8) Gun time, when available, will be used to determine place finish and award grand prix points.

9) In any race with more than one distance (such as both a 5K and 10K) there will be only one designated MARA GP race.

10) When moving into a new age group during the GP season, points can be scored in both age groups. The age group where the most points are scored is the age group where all points will count at year’s end.

11) In case of a tie, the winner will be determined by: 1) head-to-head competition; 2) the 11^th best race; 3) MARA membership. If a tie is not broken by these tiebreakers, the tie remains.

12) To qualify for year end recognition and awards you must score points in at least 3 MARA GP races.

13) Each Mara GP race will contribute 7 free entries. Each 2^nd place finisher will receive one free race. The remaining free entries will be divided evenly among 1^st place age group finishers.

14) The Top Five point finishers in each age group will also receive awards additional to that listed above. Thanks to MARA, our Sponsors and Grand Prix Circuit Races who contributed over $27,000.00 in prizes over the last four seasons. These are distributed at the Chili Run each year in December. Everyone is invited to participate in the circuit and attend the Chili Run festivities.