🎩 The Draw Is Done – Let the Knockout Begin!
- Michael Aisbitt
- May 29
- 2 min read
After weeks of sign-ups, spreadsheet wizardry, and a last-minute surge to the magic number 32, the SBH Parkrun Knockout Competition is officially underway!
The Round 1 draw took place in classic Harriers style – in the Miners Peg, post-club run, with pint glasses in hand (someone even managed to sneak in a second 🍻) and the usual mix of fun, focus, and just a bit of chaos.
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⚖️ A Truly Hands-On Draw
The draw was expertly handled by our very own "Graham and Andy", who pulled names themselves from the now-iconic pirate hat (generously brought in by Karolina, and stylishly worn throughout the night by Anna).
Anna also took on writing duties – which, given the upside-down name slips and moody pub lighting, proved an entertaining challenge. But despite some occasional squinting and scribbles, Round 1 pairings are now locked in!
## 🏃♀️ Close Calls and Fun Matchups
Some pairings are set to be nail-biters, with a few runners’ benchmark times just seconds apart. But remember – this isn’t about who’s fastest, it’s about who performs closest to their benchmark.
Here’s how match results are decided:
* If both runners are slower than their benchmark, the one closest to it wins.
* If one is slower and one is faster, the one who beats their benchmark wins.
* If both go faster, the win goes to the biggest improvement on benchmark.
It’s all about consistency, effort, and strategy – not just speed!
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## 📅 What Happens Now?
You have until Saturday 29th June to complete your Round 1 match. Here's what to do:
1. Get in touch with your opponent – ideally agree to run the same parkrun course on the same day.
2. Run any Saturday between now and 29th June – your best effort in that time is what counts.
3. Post your result (including your time and your benchmark) in the SBH Parkrun WhatsApp group.
Five Saturdays gives everyone flexibility – so whether you're racing, holidaying, or just hoping for a cooler morning, there's time to make it happen!
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## ⏳ Looking Ahead
And when Round 2 comes around? Well, we're hoping Jane might lend us her remarkable time-traveller’s hat to add a bit of extra ceremony to the next draw. 🕰️🧢
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Best of luck to all our runners. May your pacing be precise, your weather favourable, and your glory well-earned! 🏆
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