The 2024 Point system
The 2024 Point system
Slightly convoluted, we know. But it may make sense someday…
How it works
What is the point system?
This is a system to find the “best” Northwoods team member. “Best” does not mean fastest… it means best. And since best is a subjective term, the point system was designed to objectify “bestness” in our own incoherent terms.
okay… so how does that work?
Northwoods members earn points throughout the year by completing (or competing in) various things. Below is a chart of all the possible ways one can earn points. The member(s) with the most points wins. To break potential ties, the member with the best head-to-head match up wins. If no head-to-head match up exists, or there is a tie in the head-to-head match ups, then the tie is broken by a virtual, sanctioned (by Northwoods) Strava race at the end of the season.
Cool, so what do we win?
You mean besides bragging rights? For the 2024 team, the prize for the member with the most points at the end of the year is a free team membership for 2025. The top 5 point getters will also receive race entry/travel reimbursements (broken down as $500 for 1st, $400 for 2nd, $300 for 3rd, $200 for 4th, $200 for 5th). The final day to earn points will be December 29th, 2024, with the winners announced the followed day.
I’m confused, but also… intrigued?
Yeah, that happens. The point system will live on the private Northwoods Discord channel and updated regularly. There will be links to see the current standings throughout the year.
So, How do i submit points?
Point submittal is entirely self reported, so the onus is on you. Click the button at the top of this page to submit your points with an explanation of why you earned a point. Point requests must be submitted within 20 days of earning them, or else the points are forfeited.
How to earn points
Most forms of point earning are capped per year. Thus if it says [max of 3 pts] it means you can earn up to 3 pts through this method each year (unless those points were earned at a Multiplier Race).
1pt for any race in a Northwoods singlet [max of 10 pts]
1 pt for a new PR in a Northwoods singlet [no max]
Conditional: if a road race, must be on a USATF/WA certified course and pass the “straight face” and “I can sleep at night” tests (aka, the Millennium Mile or similar type races do not count towards PRs). Must also be a bettering of a previous mark to count (running a new distance for the first time does not count towards PR points).
Conditional: if a trail race, must be bettering a previous course PR from the same course.
Conditional: if a track race, must be a normally recognized distance (aka, no PRs count in the 1852m race).
1 pt for winning your age group in a Northwoods singlet [max 3 pts]
1 pt for volunteering at a local running event [max 3 pts]
1 pt for being a member of a Northwoods Team scored event [max 3 pts]
Conditional: you don’t have to be a scoring member, just a listed team member for the event (USATF licenses must be affiliated with Northwoods to count)
2 pts for any marathon or ultra run in a Northwoods singlet [max 10 pts]
Conditional: only 2 pts are awarded– you don’t get the 1pt for “any race run” plus 2pts additional for a marathon/ultra.
2 pts per new recruit. Refer someone to the team? Win! [max 4 pts]
2 pts for finishing on the podium (top 3) in a Northwoods singlet [max 6 pts]
3 pts for winning a race in a Northwoods singlet [max 9 pts]
3 pts for being a member of a winning Northwoods Team scored event [max 6 pts]
Conditional: you don’t have to be a scoring member, just a listed team member for the event (USATF licenses must be affiliated with Northwoods to count)
The Multiplier Races:
Earn any available points at any of the races listed below and multiply your points earned by 2, while simultaneously not having any of the earned points count towards your points cap.
Any World Marathon Major
Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, NYC
Any USATF US Road Championships
Any USATF New England Grand Prix event
Any USATF New England XC Grand Prix event
listed here: https://newengland.usatf.org/sports/cross-country
Beach to Beacon 10k
Stratham 5k (all for Chris Ritchie)
Falmouth Road Race
does not count towards PR bonus
Mt. Washington Road Race
Mayor’s Cup
Tracksmith Twilight Track series
listed here: https://www.tracksmith.com/pages/twilight-5000
UTMB World Series Final (100M, 100k, 50k)
Western States 100
Leadville Trail 100
USATF Trail Championships