2025/26 PTC Handicap Run sponsored by Blue Mountains Running Co. & Pace Athletic
The Handicap Run takes place on Tuesday evenings for the period of Daylight Saving. The 2025/2026 Season will commence on Tuesday 7th October 2025 and will run until the end of Daylight Savings in March 2026, with a break between Christmas & New Year.
All participants need to be aware that this is a ‘Run at your own Risk’ event and are required to sign a waiver to this effect prior to their first run. The Handicap Run is FREE, and it is not necessary to be a PTC Member to participate.
The course is approximately 6.4kms and follows the footpath on both sides of the Nepean River, commencing adjacent to the Eastbank dining precinct & concluding at the registration desk near the lower carpark in Tench Reserve.
Each Tuesday our club volunteers will be at a picnic table adjacent to the lower carpark in Tench Reserve, near the stairs, from 5.45pm for registration. On your first run we ask that you arrive as close as possible to this time to complete the waiver and be briefed on the course and conditions by the volunteer.
Start times for subsequent weeks will be determined by your run time each week. It is intended that all runners finish as close to 6.55pm as possible.
This is an honesty-based, self-timed run so you will need a smart watch or your phone to record your actual run time. When you reach the finish you will be given a numbered peg based on your finish position. Give this peg and your run time to the volunteer recording times. Handicap points are allocated according to your finish position (50 points for 1st, 49 points for 2nd etc). The faster you cover the course, the later you will start the following week. Should you have three consecutive slower runs you will qualify for an earlier start time.
The season usually concludes on the final Tuesday in March with a social, untimed run, sausage sizzle and presentation.
Prizes are awarded for the three highest Handicap points totals and also for the fastest times during the season by a male & female runner who have completed a minimum of three runs.
Runners are reminded that they are running on public roads and must obey all road rules & be mindful of other road users.
Thanks to our sponsors Blue Mountains Running Co. & Pace Athletic members have access to offers and discounts, including 10% off in-store and online with the code panthers_26.
Handicap Run FAQs:
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. It’s a great run because you don’t necessarily have to be the fastest, it’s all about maintaining consistency with your own times and slowly bringing them down.
How much is it to participate?
It is FREE to participate, and it is not necessary to be a PTC Member to participate,
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.
