FTC Grand Prix

This is a series of races in the Gainesville area, either sponsored by the FTC or put on by the FTC for an organization that is sponsoring the race. The series starts each year with the first GP-designated race in the Fall (usually the Dog Days 5K run in September) and ends with The Melon Run the following July 4th. For the most current results, check out the Grand Prix Standings page.

2) Who is eligible for competition in the FTC Grand Prix Series?

The criteria for eligibility are decided by the FTC Board, which has limited eligibility to FTC members. At present, there is no minimum number of races to qualify for the season awards. In addition, a runner must serve as a volunteer for one FTC event each year in order to qualify.

3) What are the races in the FTC Grand Prix Series?

Which races are to be included in the Grand Prix series is determined each year from among the races put on by the FTC. The current Grand Prix races are listed below.

Male and female age groups with the following intervals:

age 9 & under age 10-14 age 15-19 age 20-24 age 25-29

age 30-34 age 35-39 age 40-44 age 45-49

age 50-54 age 55-59 age 60-64 age 65-69

age 70-74 age 75-79 age 80-84 age 85-89

5) How is my age group determined?

The age of a participant for the purposes of the Grand Prix season is determined by his/her age at the first race of the Grand Prix season.

6) How are points allocated for scoring?

Age group scoring is determined by placement in age group among FTC members:
First place = 10 points
Second place = 8 points
Third place = 6 points
Fourth place = 4 points
Fifth place = 2 points

Points are tallied for overall, masters, and age group categories. At the end of the season, runners with the highest scores in the overall and masters categories are taken out of the age group categories, and those with the next highest scores move up within the age group.

7) How is a particular race determined to be a Grand Prix race?

By vote of the Board, based upon recommendation of the Race Director.

8) Why do some races get double points?

By decision of the Board. The Micanopy Half-marathon distance is currently given double point status to encourage participation, and to keep the rankings from being skewed towards the 5K distance.

9) Grand Prix Race Charges:

There has been an additional $100 charge to race organizers for inclusion in the Grand Prix series.

10) Other considerations:

A recent decision of the Board requires that all Grand Prix races offer a no-T-shirt option.

At the end of the season (in August), there will be an awards banquet with awards for overall winners, masters, and age-group awards. The age-group awards go 3-deep.