Handicap runs

The handicap run is held during the summer months (during daylight savings) each Tuesday evening at Tench Reserve, Penrith just before 6pm.

It is a 6.7km lap around the bridges spanning the Nepean river including the Victoria bridge and M4 freeway bridge measuring just under 7km.

The handicap allows runners of all abilities to compete. Every week each participant is timed and given a handicap time on which to start. Handicaps can change on a weekly basis depending on how participants peform the week before.

The run begins at 6pm for the walkers, with others leaving as per their handicap time. The goal is to have all Panthers complete the course at 6.55pm together (so you are really pushed to sprint for that finish line!) where fruit, water and Gatorade are provided. All runners must be members of Panthers Triathlon Club to be eligible to participate (due to insurance requirements).

The course starts opposite the exit to the Tench Reserve driveway exit. It finishes adjacent to the undercover stand at the end of the northern carpark of Tench Reserve.

Cost is $1 (50 cents for students). Results are posted in the results section following each weeks run.

Handicap run frequently asked questions:

Do I have to be a strong runner to participate?
No! Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome. Every week points are allocated to runners on the basis of how they are progressing against their own times. At the end of the season awards are presented for a variety of categories. It's a great run because you don't necessarily have to be the fastest to win an award ... it's all about maintaining consistency with your own times and slowly bringing them down!

How much is it to participate?
The run is $1.00 for adults and 50 cents for children and students. Children in prams are free (although adults riding on the backs of prams down hills is not advised as race points will not be given and this may tip the pram).

Are there any rules I need to know about?
Runners are reminded that they are required to use public roads and obey road rules and guidelines at all times. Runners are reminded that contact with cars, bike riders and big dogs are to be avoided (as it hurts!).

Runners are allowed to run, walk or crawl at any stage (although runners seen alighting from taxis on any part of the course will receive zero points for the race).

No handicap points are given for each competitor's first run of season (ie all runners will qualify for points from their second run).

A faster time than handicap calculated time will increase the handicap.

Three consecutive slower times will qualify for a reduced handicap.

Handicap points are issued to the first 50 runs (ie the first runner receives 50 points, the second runner receives 49 points, etc).

Fastest time points are given to the first five runners over the line in the male and female categories as described above.

Runners starting before their allocated handicap time will receive no points for the race.

What prizes are on offer?
Prizes will be given to first, second and third handicap point leaders at the end of the season for both male and female categories.

Prizes will be given to first, second and third fastest run time point leaders at the end of the season for both male and female categories.

Additional prizes will also be presented.

On the last run before Christmas and the last run night of the season, a barbeque will be held for all runners.