2024 ORS Race Series
Rules and Regulations
*CHANGES FOR 2024*
ADDED AGE GROUPS
GRANDMASTER CATEGORY DISCONTINUED
ORS Race Series No Dog Policy
2024 ORS RACE SERIES OFFICIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The Series’ mission is to provide incentives and opportunities for Jackson and surrounding communities to get fit and active.
The 2024 ORS Race Series presents 11 races, beginning in February and running through November. Participants in each race earn points toward the series, so there is added incentive for people to compete or participate. (***See the below description of rules on how this works)
Should I sign up for a running race or walking race…
If you sign up for a walking race, you must walk the entire race. Definition of Race walking: Race Walking is a progression of steps so taken that the walker makes contact with the ground so that no visible (to the human eye) loss of contact occurs. The advancing leg must be straightened (i.e. not bent at the knee) from the moment of first contact with the ground until the vertical upright position. ***Definition is taken from Racewalking Association guidelines.***
IF YOU PLAN ON RUNNING ANY PORTION OF THE RACE, REGISTER FOR THE RUN OPTION
RULES FOR WINNING OVERALL MASTER / AGE-GROUP AWARDS:
You must participate in 6 of the 11 races (any distance) to be eligible for Overall Series Points consideration for end-of-series prizing.
To better align with other races, and series within the community we have decided to discontinue the Grand Master category.
The Series will score Overall, Masters, and specific Age Group Categories (see below). The Masters are ages 40+. You may be eligible for only ONE award, but Male and Female Overall, and Masters, will be listed in their respective age group until the winners of the above categories are determined. At that time their names will be removed from their age group standings. The remaining runners in those age groups will all move up one spot in the standings. Points in the above categories are based on the fastest times.
Here are the ORS RACE SERIES AGE GROUPS:
Your age group is now determined by your age as of January 1, 2024. You will remain in the same age group for the duration of the series. Example: You are 44 on January 1, 2024, and in March you turn 45. Your points will be calculated in the 40-44 age group.
RUN AGE GROUPS:
0-12,13-14, 15-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69. 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89
WALK AGE GROUPS:
0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
*All ORS Race Series Races will carry the above listed age groups. It should be noted that levels and depth of prizing at each race has been given to the discretion of each individual races, race directors.
POINTS DISTRIBUTION IS AS FOLLOWS:
Points are awarded as follows:
1st: 10 points
2nd: 8 points
3rd: 6 points
4th: 4 points
5th: 2 points
The same point system is used in determining Overall and Masters. For example, think of Masters as being its own age group, including every runner 40 years old and older. If you are 47 years old and have accumulated say 40 pts in your age group, that has no bearing on where you will stand in Masters, as you will be running against 40 – 44 and 50+-year-olds.
In case of a tie at the end of the season, the following will be used: The runner who has the most head-to-head victories against a tied competitor will be awarded the prize. If there is still a tie, the winner of the last head-to-head meeting will be declared the winner.
At the completion of the season, 60 points will be added to each person that has qualified for end-of-series prizing (6 races). This will provide a clear delineation of eligible participants and winners amongst the final results.
ORS Race Series No Dog Policy
ORS Race Series has adopted a NO dog/animal policy for race participants, volunteers, and spectators. We are adopting this in an abundance of caution for the safety of all people attending and participating in our races.
Please be it known that we are dog lovers and many of our race directors have and train with animals of their own. Unfortunately, even good dogs, dogs that are leashed, muzzled can cause problems at our races. Dogs, can intimidate other visitors; and not everyone is comfortable around dogs. They can also be injured in fights with other animals or unintentionally hinder safe traveling/passing along the courses.
To prevent these problems and more, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT ANY ORS RACE SERIES RACE. Unfortunately, the behaviors of a few dog owners in the past have highlighted that allowing dogs at our events is a liability we cannot shoulder. Should your family or friends bring a dog to the event, you will be immediately disqualified from the event. It is your responsibility to ensure they know to leave poochie at home.
**NOTE: Service dogs are allowed; in accordance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, including titles II and III of the law. Those that wish to run/walk with a service animal, please communicate directly with the specific race director to provide supporting documentation, as well as have the animal in their appropriate service animal attire on race day. We will also ask that you start at the back of the group to allow the crowd to disperse, allowing an open road course for participants.