Handicapped Running Events

In the nineteenth century and for much of the twentieth, this section would have been more correctly named “field & track” as running, high leap, putting the stone, hop skip and jump, hurdles and running long jump were all included in the early contests.

Pole vaulting was also introduced along the way – a Mr Jamiesen broke the British professional record in the Ambleside Pole Leaping Event of 1962.

Today only the track running events are contested but a handicapping system still prevails in keeping with the professional tradition. The prizes now consist of cash awards, however in the past many unusual items were given in the form of prizes. Here are a few, rather random, prizes awarded in 1892:

A marble clock (value £3). Seemingly £3 in 1892, in today’s values, converts to over a thousand pounds!

Case of razors,

Writing case

Tea pot

Toast rack

Dressing case.

Biscuit jar

Handicapped track races are held in the main arena for seniors and juniors (under 17) and England Athletic Rules Apply. Entries to: Mr D. Campbell (Handicapper), 4, Paxton Crescent, Lockgelly, Fife, KY5 9ET

The Handicapped Track Entry Form can be found on the drop down section of the forms section of the web site

As the events are handicapped males and females run against each other in both the senior and junior (U17) events. Heats may be run, depending on the number of entries.

Junior (U17)  Events:

90m handicap

200m handicap

400m handicap

800m handicap

Entries for the Junior events often come from the Junior Guides Races but we also get many entries from boys & girls who previously entered our Children’s Races. At first some are worried about making the transition to the large arena but don’t forget you get a larger handicap to offset this.

Senior Events:

90m Handicap

200m handicap

400m handicap

800m handicap

1600m handicap

Further details of the order and timings of all track events can be found in the programme.

Normally, visitors can enter on the day, both  juniors or seniors  but please check to see if there are any covid or other restrictions in place. Bring some gear and give it a go. Don’t forget these races are handicapped so everyone has a chance!

If you want to approach the track a little more seriously (there are great cash prizes) and guarantee yourself a place you can pre register.