Racers were jockeying for position, planning their strategy for the last four races of the season, and plotting their course to make a run for the championship. The tensions were high as competitors eyed their rivals wondering just who was going to bring it today. Sounds like NASCAR? Nope, the Southern Arizona Roadrunners Grand Prix. So started the final push of the Grand Prix season, with the final four races taking place over six weeks this Fall. Begun in 2005 by the Southern Arizona Roadrunners, the Grand Prix is designed to help create and foster competition among local runners. Races by their very nature are meant to be won by the swiftest and the fastest among us, with the rest of the pack following blindly behind, hoping for a PR or a qualifying time. Right? Wrong. The Grand Prix’s ultimate goal is to give a greater number of people recognition for their efforts throughout the year. By competing in 10 of the 11 sanctioned SAR Grand Prix races, participants score points to compete for prizes awarded in 10-year age groups, with sub-divisions for Masters (40+) and overall champions.
But look more closely, what it has really done is stir the competitive fire, not just for the fastest in town, but for a number of people in all age groups. In 2006, there were 15 participants in the Women 60-69 category. Today there are 23. The toughest age group to win could very well be the Men’s 40-50 category with nearly 40 participants and 10 or more top level runners.
With the Grand Prix thrown in, people are now racing at all levels, in every race. Sure it’s exciting to watch those fast runners post fast times, but the real energy takes place a few minutes behind. I’m reminded of running the Sabino Canyon Run last April. I nestled in behind the top 50 – 54 women runners following them up through the canyon. I hope to stay with them at least through three miles because these ladies are good. It became apparent to me from the beginning that they were RACING. Surges to break pace, drafting off shoulders and a few well placed elbows were indication enough to me to stay a few steps back and watch it unfold.
So goes each age group and division. Competitors know that they’ll need to show up or face the fear that a heated rival may take coveted points off the board. In fact, some of our runners are good enough to compete in several levels – one runner is eligible for overall winner, men’s 40 – 50 and Master’s division. SAR has even enacted a Grand Prix Czar to settle suits and claims. If anything, the Grand Prix has added excitement to many local runner’s training regimen throughout the year and it all comes down to having that incentive to take the 1st step out the door on a cold morning. Me, I’m waiting for a few runners to ‘age-out’ of my group and take a run at it next year.
Winners of the Grand Prix receive great prizes from The Running Shop and other local vendors. The most coveted of all may just be the Grand Prix jersey given to all winners. Not to be worn by anyone else, these singlets indicate champions and put a bullseye squarely on their back. Bring it.
*As a side note, I have been remiss in updating my blog as often as I have wished. Perhaps this is OK with you, but I promise to provide insight into the past few months in these very pages.
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