About the handicap starting system

A number of sports feature handicap systems enabling competitors of varying ability to compete on an equal footing. In horse racing, slower horses carry less weight and in golf a less able golfer will have a bigger stroke advantage.

Traditionally in footracing, a slower runner is given an advantage by starting in front of a faster runner. Each runner's start, or handicap, is assigned by the handicapper of the meeting. A runner's handicap is usually dependent on their past performances and aswell as the handicapper's assessment of the runner's ability. Past performances include placings and starts in handicap events and recorded times in scratch races (both professional and amateur). Where a runner reports no past performances they usually receive a "novice's" mark.

The photo below of the start of the 2002 New Year Sprint final shows a wide spread of starts, although the camera angle makes it difficult to assess the relative positions. Veteran J. Beattie in lane 1 (lane 1 is nearest the camera) is the front marker with a 26m start, Karen Steede in lane 7 is second front marker with a 21.5m start with Sharon Wilson in lane 5 just behind on 20.5m. Starting at the back is C. Telford (in black) on 6.75m in lane 3 with R. Linnet to his right slightly forward at 7.25m and C. Sowerby on Telford's left on 9.5m.

A runner allocated a 0m start runs off "scratch". There was no scratch runner in the 2002 New Year Sprint - the backmarker in the event was D. Ladejo on 3m - the "virtual scratch" mark.