Why is it called the Baked Bean League?
This is in memory of Ian Pettitt, a founder member of Deal Tri, in 1986. He was an accomplished athlete and triathlete, and it’s fair to say that triathlon would not be what it is today in the UK without his dedication and generosity, giving his time and energy to building the sport and its individual disciplines. Ian was unfailing in encouraging people at every level and every age to do their best, from young children to pensioners, and novices all the way along to elite level. He was a huge fan of baked beans, eating them every day, and sometimes persuading people to put some in their suitcases for him, before trips away! Ian died in June 2024 and is deeply missed by his family, friends and the wider triathlon community.
This League represents what Ian believed and stood for – that sport is for everyone.
Why do we need it?
Run leagues might often be based on a number of things, most often overall placing in an event, finish time, etc., and are usually framed around quickest time and/or highest finish places.
This League gives runners of all ages a chance to aim for qualifying times for awards that are age graded – more of an explanation below.
What’s the thinking behind it?
It’s based on figures from the World Masters Athletics (formerly WAVA) who produced timing schedules. The calculation is carried out by taking world record performances for each age, gender, and distance (5k, 5 miles, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon, and full marathon) and using them as benchmarks.
Don’t be put off by this talk of world records! In short, this type of league gives runners across all age groups and speeds a fair chance at winning something, at 3 out of 6 potential distances.
When does the League start/finish?
This is a new annual League, starting on 1st July 2025, before the Deal Tri Dinosaur 10k – so you can get your first event in early! It is open to all current Club members.
You need to submit your times by 30th June 2026, so that the organisers can sort out the awards for a presentation at early/mid July 2026 – so you must be prompt at submitting your times.
Do I need to commit to it in July? Can I leave if I want?
You can join or leave at any time. The only definite date is that you need to submit your application for an award by midnight on 30th June 2026.
How does it work?
To qualify for an award, you need to meet qualifying times from any 3 distances (from 5k, 5 miles, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon, and full marathon) for your age category and male/female, set between 1st July and 30th June, each year, starting 1st July 2025, to get an award.
- Take your age on 1st July this year
- This step has 2 options:
- you can just carry on running as normal, ignore this League, and simply submit your times, over your 3 chosen distances, by 30th June 2026.
- Alternatively – look at your age group in the 8 Levels to see where you might want to be (click here for the sheets):
Platinum (85% WMA) – this will be quicker runners
Diamond (80% WMA)
Sapphire (75% WMA)
Ruby (70% WMA)
Emerald (65% WMA)
Amber (60% WMA)
Opal (55% WMA)
Pearl (50% WMA) – this will be less quick runners
Then go for your runs! Keep reading to see what to do when you have completed your chosen distances.
Can I change Levels through the year?
Yes – you can change what times you are aiming for during the year, as your Level (such as Platinum or Pearl) is only worked out at the end of June next year. Remember to look to see if you have hit 3 times in the next Level up (or down, if you haven’t quite hit the ones you were expecting or wanted).
What events count?
In a bid to make this open to more people, and different to other Clubs who use this league, you can use parkrun for your 5k time – but not Pegwell Bay as that course is slightly short. All parkrun results must show 5k minimum distance.
How do I get an award?
You will need to achieve the target times in 3 of the 6 distances between 1st July and 30th June. If you do two 10k races and the first one is quicker than the second, the quicker time will count towards your award. You need to complete this form to claim an award – it’s a push from you, not a pull from the Club.
EVERYONE who hits 3 qualifying times in their age group will get an award!
You don’t get anything extra for hitting 4 or more times.
How do I prove my times?
You will need to submit screenshots of your results to run@dealtri.co.uk – you can do this at the time of the event (possibly while you remember it!) or towards the end of the League year, but before 2359hrs on 30th June. The organisers will put out one reminder and won’t chase for missing results.
What if I don’t hit any or only some of my times?
Firstly, have a look at the tables and see if you have hit the times for the next Level down. If so, just show that Level in your application for an award.
If you still have met one, two or none of the times, those targets will be there for you next time round – keep running!
What might I win?
As there will hopefully be a lot of winners, there will be small but perfectly formed awards for everyone that hits 3 or more of their age banded times.
When will awards be presented?
Sometime between 30th June and the Dinosaur 10k, at a social gathering, date/venue tbc, family welcome.
How do I join?
We are asking people to register for the Baked Bean League by completing this form. This is only to gauge the level of interest so we have a rough idea about how many awards we might need!
How do I submit my results and apply for an award?
Complete this form by 2359hrs on 30th June 2026