WNRC Handicap Race Series 2025
What is it?
The Wednesday Night Running Club is a series of three races between September and November each year that will allow all runners to compete on a level playing field (more or less!). The races are 5km (3.1 miles) in the Seven Mile Beach area.
Time is used as a handicap – so the slower runners start first, and faster runners start later. The faster you are, the more time you have added to slow you down. The theory is that the amount of time that is added varies so that all runners should cross the finish line at exactly the same time… therefore, the runner who puts in the most effort is the one who wins!
Points are awarded depending upon your finish position, and a runner needs to compete in at least two of the three races to be eligible for the championship. There are prizes at stake for the fastest male and female and the overall winner! If you can only make one or two races, still come along as it is a fun event and good for learning your race craft.
When is it?
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- Race 1: Wednesday 01 October, 2025 @5:45pm
- Race 2: Wednesday 15 October, 2025 @5:45pm
- Race 3: Wednesday 05 November, 2025 @5:45pm
- Social & Awards: Wednesday 19 November, 2025 @7:00pm
Why should I do it?
- Well, first off, it should be fun… honest!
- As the club will be doing three races, it will be an opportunity to gauge progress over the period, as all races will be on the same course.
- It will allow you to perfect your pace – a critical skill in getting the best from your running!
- It will also hopefully encourage you to push yourself a little bit more as in theory everyone has an equal opportunity to win.
Many other running clubs operate similar events, which prove to be very successful.
What do I need to do?
If you have already taken part in the handicap race, then you don’t need to do anything! Just come along on race night!
If you have not taken part previously, you need to submit a recent race time by email or leave a message on Facebook. This will allow us to calculate your handicap time. If you don’t have a race time at all, then give us an honest estimate as to how fast and far you run—and we can make a guess!
The Route
Due to development on WBR, we are changing the route to Safehaven Drive. It will be an out-and-back circuit, starting from the car park next to Esterly Tibbetts Highway and turning around near the Holiday Inn, as indicated on the map below.
The roads will not be closed during the races and the route will not be marshalled. Runners are responsible for their own safety during the run and need to be aware of traffic. Wearing light-coloured clothing, reflective strips/lights and water are recommended.
