1. What is Parkrun Age Grading?

Parkrun Age Grading is a way to compare your running performance adjusted for age and gender. It allows runners of different ages and genders to compare their performance on a level playing field.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the age grading formula:

Where:

• \( Age\ Standard \) — The world record time for your age and gender (minutes)
• \( Time \) — Your actual running time (minutes)

Explanation: The equation compares your time against the world record time for your age and gender category, expressed as a percentage.

3. Importance of Age Grading

Details: Age grading allows you to track your running performance as you age and compare yourself with runners of different ages and genders. It's particularly useful for masters athletes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the age standard time (available from official tables) and your actual running time in minutes. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find age standard times?
A: Official age standard tables are available from World Athletics or your national athletics federation.

Q2: What is a good age grading percentage?
A: Over 60% is respectable, over 70% is good, over 80% is excellent, and over 90% is world-class.

Q3: Does this work for all distances?
A: The calculator works for any distance as long as you have the correct age standard time for that distance.

Q4: Why use age grading instead of raw times?
A: Age grading accounts for the natural decline in performance with age, allowing fair comparisons across age groups.

Q5: How often are age standards updated?
A: Typically every 5-10 years as world records improve and more data becomes available.