Point System
Point System
Double Points
In an attempt to encourage the social and in person aspect of running, runners that participate in in-person races will receive double points. Runners that participate in virtual races will receive single points. The goal is to encourage in-person participation and social camaraderie and competition at the many wonderful races that are part of the Black Bag Race Series.
Please note: In-person race distance must be at least 1 mile (1.61K) to receive double points.
How does the point system work?
Each age group begins with 20 points for in-person participation and 10 points for virtual participation. 1st place in the age group for in-person participation will be awarded a minimum of 20 points, 2nd place will receive 18 points and so on. 1st place in the age group for virtual participation will be awarded a minimum of 10 points, 2nd place will receive 9 points and so on. If the race gives Overall and Masters level awards, these runners are placed back into the respective age group before points are awarded. If a race offers both in-person and virtual options, runners must choose to participate in-person or virtual but not both.
Can I receive more than 20 or 10 points for 1st place?
Yes. If an age group has more than 10 finishers, then 1st place in that age group will receive more points. Example: If age group 40-44 female has 17 in-person finishers, 1st place will receive 34 points in that age group. 2nd place will receive 32 points, 3rd place will receive 30 points and so on. Using the same example for vitual finishers, 1st place will receive 17 points in that age group, 2nd place will receive 16 points and 3rd place will receive 15 points and so on.
What happens if I change age groups in the middle of the year?
The age group in which you will compete all year is determined by the age you are when you run your FIRST Black Bag Race Series event. For BBRS points you will stay in that age group the entire year. Your points will be awarded as if you were still in the same age group. For example, if you run your first Black Bag event and you are 49 years old, you are placed in the 45-49 year old age group for points for the entire year. The next race you run after you have had a birthday and turned 50, you will be placed in the 50-54 age group for race day awards and any posted results associated with the race. For Black Bag points you will remain in the 45-49 age group. The point system is designed to be more competitive. You will compete for Black Bag Points against the same people in the same age group at every race all year long.
Why do you give more points to an age group with more than 10 finishers?
The more runners you finish in front of in your age group, the more you should be awarded. We also want to award points to all runners in a race, not just the top 10, top 15 or top 20 in an age group. We also hope this will encourage you to bring your friends to the races, of course it will be friends you can outrun.
When will the points be posted to the website?
We will strive to have the points posted within a week after the race. Delays may be due to not receiving results from race directors in a timely manner.
What will the series runner with the most points receive?
This year we will recognize the top male and top female with the most points. The male and female that receives the most points for the current race year will receive at least 2 prizes; 1) the Will Chamberlin Memorial Cup; 2) free entry into each race on the Black Bag Race Series. Some limitations will apply. You must pre-register for the race before the t-shirt cutoff date set by that race, a free registration is not available if you register on race day. You cannot sign up for ALL races on the series at the beginning of the year, only the ones you are planning on running. The prize is not transferable to another runner or family member. If you are the overall point person in the next race year, you will be able to compete for the Will Chamberlin Memorial Cup but you will not be allowed to win the free races for a second year in a row. The free races will then go to the 2nd overall point person.
What will age group winners receive at the end of the year?
The BBRS awards ceremony is held at the Santa Stroll 8K in Bishop. We announce all BBRS runners who have 2000 points or more.
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The first 10 runners in each age group ranked by points that have run a minimum of 5 races and 15 miles will receive a shirt or comperable apparel item.
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The first 5 runners in each age group ranked by points that have run a minimum of 5 races and 15 miles will receive a bag and a shirt.
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The first 3 runners in each age group ranked by points that have run a minimum of 5 races and 15 miles will receive a bag, shirt and another premium prize not yet determined.
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All runners that earn over 2000 points will receive all of the above along with a nice jacket with your name embroidered on the jacket.
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The Grand Prize – the top series runner, male and female, with the most points receives all the above items plus the Will Chamberlin Memorial Cup and free races for the next year unless you were the current year champion, then the free races goes to the 2nd overall point person.
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Finally, top 3 male and female runners who have run the most Black Bag Race Series Miles will receive a gift certificate sponsored by Fleet Feet Athens.
Why do you post how many miles I have run?
Fleet Feet Athens has generously partnered with the Black Bag Race Series and provides gift certificates to the Overall Winner and the 3 men and 3 women who run the miles.
Are points doubled or tripled with longer distances?
How do I know if a race is on the Black Bag Race Series?
If you see one or all these logos on a race flyer, you will know it is on the Black Bag Race Series.
BBRS logo, CG logo, CRS logo