Age grading standards are a set of goal times to challenge the individual athlete, no matter what their age. There are six standards, TUNGSTEN, BRONZE, SILVER, GOLD, DIAMOND and PLATINUM. These in turn are set for 11 race distances: 1 mile, 5 km, 5 miles, 10 km, 7 miles, 10 miles, 20 km, half marathon, 15 miles, 20 miles and full marathon.
The idea is that each athlete will look at the standards for their particular age group and gender. Then work out which standard they wish to aim for. They then have to complete three of the goal times within that age bracket.
If the athlete finds they improve greatly within a short time for their age, they would then set their sights higher at the next level, for this to continue being a challenge.
It is the responsibility of the athlete to submit their own times by the end of the year.
The times given must be equalled or bettered to meet the age grading standard. The times can be set at official races or parkruns; however, you can also submit other runs undertaken at times of your choosing.
We ask that you keep evidence of the time and distance. This can be on your GPS watch or another system such as a mobile phone app.
You can submit as many times, for as many distances, as you like over the year. A faster time will overwrite a previous slower one.
