WHAT IS HANDICAPPED RUNNING?
In handicap running, competitors start at different positions on the track dependant upon their ability. The backmarker is generally the more naturally gifted athlete and starts from behind everyone else. The handicaps are designed to even up the competition just like horse racing so that the running is more fascinating and unpredictable and gives everyone a chance. Athletes such as Steve Brimacombe, Brad Jamieson, Mark Ormrod, Nova Peris and Tamsyn Lewis have overcome large handicap starts to win in South Australian Athletic League events and used the sport to enhance their way to represent Australia.

WHAT HANDICAP DO I GET WHEN I FIRST START?
First year runners with no record of performances start off the novice marks which are somewhere in the middle of the field. After a few starts at various meetings, the handicapper may adjust the marks to ensure the runner is more competitive. Runners who are running with the League for the first time but have a record of performances behind them are handicapped according to their ability.

WHERE AND WHEN ARE SA ATHLETIC LEAGUE RUNNING COMPETITIONS HELD?
There are 15 athletic carnivals scheduled for season 2008/2009. The first meeting will be held at Hallett Cove Oval in October 2008 and the season continues throughout the summer, with meetings once a week or once a fortnight. The Bay Sheffield Carnival will be held on the 27th and 28th of December.

WHAT DISTANCES ARE RUN DURING A SA ATHLETIC LEAGUE COMPETITION?
Each meeting comprises a selection of Sprint races (70m, 100m, 120m, 200m, 300m and 400m) and Middle Distance races (550m, 800m, 1000m, 1600m and 3200m).

WHAT CATEGORIES OF RACES ARE AVAILABLE?
Open events allow anyone to compete regardless of age or gender. At most meetings there are also separate events for Women, Over 35 Athletes, Over 45 Athletes, Under 17 Athletes, Under 20 Athletes and Novices (those runners who have not won a race over a distance category).

WHO CAN I TRAIN WITH?
The SA Athletic League has many registered and experienced coaches who are willing to help athletes improve their technique, fitness and speed. Just contact the League Office during business hours for a list of coaches registered with the SA Athletic League.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF COMPETING?
The winner of each event receives a sash and prizemoney is presented to the winner and placegetters. Well known racecallers Terry McAuliffe, Ray Fewings and Tim Edwards provide runners and spectators with a commentary of each race. You also get to meet and mix with other successful athletes and coaches, whilst also competing in front of many spectators. At selected events, bookmakers are involved, which allows the crowd to become directly involved in the action.

WHAT AGE DO I HAVE TO BE TO COMPETE?
For most events you need to be 14 years old or older.

WHAT DOES IT COST TO COMPETE?
A registration fee is payable at the beginning of each season. You are also required to pay an entry fee for each race you want to compete in (this must be paid at least a month before the competition date).

CAN I COMPETE INTERSTATE?
Yes. The League participates in the National Registration System, which permits athletes who compete with the SA Athletic League to run at other meetings around Australia without being required to pay an additional registration fee. This includes the famous Gifts at Stawell (Victoria), Maryborough (Victoria) and Burnie (Tasmania). Similarly, athletes that are registered with other Leagues around the country can enter SA Athletic League events - over 150 interstate athletes compete in South Australia at events such as the Mt Gambier Gift Carnival, the Bay Sheffield Carnival, the Camden Classic Carnival and the Nippys Loxton Gift Carnival.

WHY SHOULD I RUN WITH THE SA ATHLETIC LEAGUE?
Athletes compete with the SA Athletic League for many reasons. Top class runners find it challenging, as they have to chase the frontmarkers, whilst others use the athletics to supplement their other sporting pursuits or incomes. For example, many current footballers and umpires keep fit during the summer months by competing with the SA Athletic League. Whatever the reason, the SA Athletic League provides everyone who competes with the opportunity to improve his or her level of fitness and win cash!

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
Email the Executive Officer or phone (08) 8443 6177.

SA Athletic League Constitution

SA Athletic League Rules of Competition

List of net times and novice marks for SA Athletic League events in Season 2009/10