Master age group change

jinka

Anybody notice there are new world rules? Seems 035 is only a master for stadium/track races and o40 for non track. Although it seems to say it's at the discretion of each organising body. I wonder will the national road relays go back to O40 for men again. Anybody know the full story here?

BeepBeep67

I've heard (unconfirmed) rumors that the 0/35 category is being scrapped for men next year. I think it makes sense if it's true, I know when it was introduced most in my club were not in favour as most club level males are coming into their prime in their mid 30's, especially over longer races.

Condo131

IAAF Competition Rules
In force from 1st Nov 2009

Rule 141

Master Men and Women: Any athlete who has reached his/her 35th birthday for stadia events and his/her 40th birthday for out-of-stadia events.

This means that road and XC events should be M40+ AND F40+ from now on. I presume the AAI, Provinces and Co Boards will follow.

Personally, I don't mind seeing the 35 category going for team events - teams with M35s were absolutely crucifying all the other Masters teams, but I hate to see them going from the category/individual medal point.

I presume that Club races will follow whatever the AAI does. I don't think the M35 prize category was ever offered much in road races, but the F35 certainly has.

mrak

This is a great move on the team events - a lot of runners are still peaking in their late 30s. The national vets XC is the main event that will benefit - I even think the M55+ athletes should be given their own race apart from the M40 -M50 categories. It must detract from winning a gold medal when you are constantly getting passed by lesser athletes who just happen to be 20 years younger.

Not sure about the individual events though. I have one M35 road medal (the marathon last year) and it's the most valued posession in my limited silverware drawer. For the sake of a few extra medals I think it's worth having the category.

bazman

AAI have followed - no over 35 categories in road/cc events from 1/1/10

Clum

bazman wrote: »

AAI have followed - no over 35 categories in road/cc events from 1/1/10

This is great news! 6 more years as a senior. Just in time too...I feel so young...

TFBubendorfer

Clum wrote: »

This is great news! 6 more years as a senior. Just in time too...I feel so young...

mrak wrote:

I have one M35 road medal (the marathon last year) and it's the most valued posession in my limited silverware drawer. For the sake of a few extra medals I think it's worth having the category.

As I'm just about to enter the M40 category this does not affect me personally.

But like mrak I have one M35 road medal (Kerry 5k RR champs earlier this year), and since it's my only ever "proper medal" (as opposed to an "everyone gets a medal"-medal), from a purely selfish point of view I'm glad this did not come into effect last year.

Racing Flat

bazman wrote: »

AAI have followed - no over 35 categories in road/cc events from 1/1/10

I take it then there'll still be a o35 category on track?

Also, in some races they had 2 vets team races; 035-50 and 050 and older. I was under the impression this came about as a result of the new 035 category a few years ago - so will this 'change back'?

meathcountysec

Racing Flat wrote: »

Also, in some races they had 2 vets team races; 035-50 and 050 and older. I was under the impression this came about as a result of the new 035 category a few years ago - so will this 'change back'?

This was introduced following a motion at the last Congress, so would require a counter motion to reverse.

bazman

Racing Flat wrote: »

I take it then there'll still be a o35 category on track?

Yep, O35 on the track but only for 2010. From 1/1/2011 no O35 category in any races to my knowledge.

jinka

Condo131 wrote: »

IAAF Competition Rules
In force from 1st Nov 2009

Rule 141

Master Men and Women: Any athlete who has reached his/her 35th birthday for stadia events and his/her 40th birthday for out-of-stadia events.

This means that road and XC events should be M40+ AND F40+ from now on. I presume the AAI, Provinces and Co Boards will follow.

Personally, I don't mind seeing the 35 category going for team events - teams with M35s were absolutely crucifying all the other Masters teams, but I hate to see them going from the category/individual medal point.

I presume that Club races will follow whatever the AAI does. I don't think the M35 prize category was ever offered much in road races, but the F35 certainly has.

Well I think a 39year old is up against it having to race 25 year olds..!

Condo131

bazman wrote: »

Yep, O35 on the track but only for 2010. From 1/1/2011 no O35 category in any races to my knowledge.

afaik, there no proposals to discontinue the O35 category for stadia events. This includes the proposal passed at the Aug 2009 IAAF Congress

The WMA, as opposed to IAAF, are continuing with O35 events. Letter from Stan Perkins, WMA President.

Condo131

meathcountysec wrote: »

This was introduced following a motion at the last Congress, so would require a counter motion to reverse.

The motion ultimately came from my Club. I would be disappointed to see the higher age team category disappear - it has added a dimension to masters athletics and kept a lot of masters actively involved in the sport.

With the O35 category going, it's probably a logical step to bring the lower age up to 40. Question then is do you have a 40 to 50 category or 40 to 55? If you have 40 to 50, then I reckon that we should have 50 to 60, and a 60+ group. Otherwise, I'm happy with 55+.

(btw, I'm 56 now, so declaring my interest:D)

C'mon the Masters!!:D:D:D