Grand Prix XXXVI

2020 Scores
Gulf Winds Family,

 We are writing to inform you of several  updates. First of all, we have decided to officially cancel the 2020 Grand Prix competition. With the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic, we do not want to pressure any race director or potential participant to do anything they wouldn’t otherwise do if it wasn’t for the crisis. Any remaining races that are on the 2020 schedule can still be held if the race director chooses to hold that event. If it is held and one chooses to participate, then that person would simply not receive any Grand Prix points. Additionally, we are deliberately delaying a decision on what to do with the 2021 Grand Prix competition, and we are debating a few ideas. We will finalize a decision later this year. If and when we do open the application process, we’ll be sure to post it on the GWTC website.

We will not be giving Grand Prix awards for 2020. Additionally, we will not have some major awards such as the male and female runners of the year, male and female triathletes of the year, and race director of the year. The sample size was simply too small to consider those awards. However, we will, at the very least, consider several awards. We are accepting nominations for the community award, volunteer of the year, advancement of the sport award, and hall of fame. On top of that, we are allowing folks to create specialized awards for consideration. If you think somebody has accomplished a special feat, please let us know. Keep in mind that our wording is particular in that we are merely considering awards. Just because somebody is the only person in a unique category doesn’t meant that we’ll give that award if there isn’t an overwhelmingly strong case presented to us. Please be very thoughtful when making your argument. We also want for you all to inform us of your favorite trail in the Tallahassee area. We will have everyone vote on the top three nominations.

That being said, the upcoming awards ceremony for this year may not be at Goodwood or presented in its typical status. In the coming months, we will be determining the awards and the venue, which may potentially be online or in person. We also will be deliberating the best calendar date for this ceremony. We are also examining our annual holiday party and determining if it will be safe enough to be held and within the annual budget.

It has been one crazy year! Everybody is taking things one day and one situation at a time. Stay safe and run well!

 Best Regards,

GWTC Grand Prix Committee

Each year the Grand Prix Committee designates certain races as Grand Prix events. Any current GWTC member competing in a Grand Prix race is eligible to earn points.  To be eligible for final awards, members must enter and compete in at least three Grand Prix races. Correct date of birth must be known to the Grand Prix Committee. Membership must be current as of the date of the grand prix race — retroactive points will not be awarded.  Beginning in 2020, the new point system is as follows:

  • Open points – Awarded to Overall, Masters and Grandmasters only.  Points are awarded to GWTC members in order of finish (gun/official time) to the first 10 as follows: 11, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
  • Age group points – Awarded to first 9 finishers as follows:  11, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2
  • Age group points for 10th place and beyond:  1
  • Youth Grand Prix: Runners 14 & under at start of year earn points in designated events of 5K or shorter in age groups of 9 & under, 10-14 as follows:  11, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2; for tenth place and beyond, 1 point

The finish place of non-GWTC runners is not counted. Note: Your age at the beginning of the calendar year is your Grand Prix age all year. Grand Prix points are tentative pending membership and other verification. GWTC members must compete in and complete (but not necessarily score points in) at least three Grand Prix races to be eligible for year-end awards. GWTC members age 80 or over must compete in and complete at least two Grand Prix races to be eligible for awards.

2020 Grand Prix Schedule

January 11 Bowlegs 5K
January 25 The Trent 10K
February 15 Flash 6K
February 29 Buck Lake Trail Run 5K
March 7 Shamrock Scurry 5K
May 2 – Canceled Tails & Trails 10K – Canceled
June 13 – Canceled Great Potluck Bash 4 Mile – Canceled
August 1 – Canceled ECCC Sizzler 5K – Canceled
August 18 Breakfast on the Track Mile
September 26 Salute to Steve Prefontaine 5K
October 24 Palace Saloon 5K
November TBA Rex Cleveland Magic Mile
November 26 Turkey Trot 10K
December 19 Tannenbaum 6K
Race dates are tentative

2020 Youth Grand Prix Schedule

January 25 The Trent 1 Mile
February 29 Buck Lake Trail Run 5K or 1 Mile
April 25 – Canceled Nene Fest 5K or 1 Mile – Canceled
August 8 Breakfast on the Track Mile
August 15 Miller Landing Madness 3K
September 12 Run/Walk for Sickle Cell Anemia Tim Simpkins Mile
November TBA Rex Cleveland Magic Mile
Race dates are tentative

​If both a 5K and 1-Mile race are offered at a particular event, the child may choose to compete in either or both races, unless the schedule specifies a distance. However, if the child chooses to compete in both then he/she will be eligible to earn Grand Prix points for the 1-mile race only.