Les Croupiers Running Club Forum

Hi all,

I have deleted the previous post as I had not clearly defined the voting process for any potential changes to Gwent League distances.
The Gwent League have an obligation under the equality act to canvass Clubs on the possibility of equalizing the race distances for women and men.

They intend to do this with 2 rounds of voting.

Each club has 2 votes to cast during each round of voting.

Round 1 is to pick a proposal from the list below to carry forward into round 2 of voting.

Round 2 is to choose whether to change race distances to the winner of round 1 of voting, or to stay with the current race distances (the "status quo")
Please read the below 4 proposals and reply below with your preference. Please only reply on either Facebook, this forum or the app, not more than 1!

1) The Scottish Method
Men and women run the same distances (in separate races) but at the start of
season races are shorter (around 5k) and gradually increase for both genders
through the season (to around 10k). This could help to increase participation as new
runners would feel more confident in tackling the shorter distances so it would be a
good bridge from parkrun. It also provides variety across the season, caters for all
athletes and helps to build fitness through the season.

2) Meeting in the Middle
Men and women race in separate races but for the same distance of around 8km
(this will vary slightly depending on courses and weather conditions). This option
would be easy to manage and allow for complete equality. Along with this, there
could be an added ‘Vets’ race at a shorter distance if needed.

3) One Long and One Short Race
Men and women race together and can choose between the shorter course (around
6km) and the longer course (around 10km). This option provides great opportunities
for athletes training for different distances and could really help to increase
participation. It also makes it easier for junior athletes to transition to the senior
races.

4) Equal Length of Time
Men and women run in separate races over distances designed to give the middle
finisher in each race a time of approximately 38 minutes. Initially, distances of
around 9km for men and 7.7km for women are suggested, subsequently adjusted in
the light of experience and the nature of the course. This option provides an equal
racing experience for men and women in a sport often subject to foul weather.
Where distances are quoted, course organisers would of course have a margin (+/- 10%) to
arrange for convenient loops.