Why is it called the Baked Bean League?
This is in memory of Ian Pettitt. Ian was 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’s loss is felt every day by his family, friends, colleagues and the many people across the world that Ian met through sport. This League represents what Ian believed – that sport is for everyone.
Before we get into the guide, big thanks are due to Dave Adam, who brought this challenge to the Club, and to Ash Roberts-Moyle, who came along at exactly the right time to produce the online forms.
Why do we need it?
Run leagues might often be based on a number of things, like overall placing in an event, finish time, etc., and are usually framed around quickest time and/or highest finish places.
This League is designed to give all members something to aim for, across 3 distances and ages between 20 and 104! The longest distance required is 10k because you can aim for 5k, 5 miles and 10k – if you hit the times for your age group, you can apply for an award.
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 to apply for an award by midnight on 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. If you are joining, please complete the registration form.
The only definite date is 30th June 2026 – you need to submit your application for an award by midnight on that date – if you don’t apply, you will not get an award.
If you finish your 3 distances way before the end of June, you can submit your claim whenever you are ready – no need to wait.
How does it work?
- There are 6 qualifying distances (5k, 5 miles, 10k, 10 miles, half marathon and full marathon).
- There are 2 sets of times, one each for male and female.
- There are 8 Levels (see below).
- In each Level, there are age groups in 5-year bands, starting at age 20 (so 20-24, 24-29, 30-34, and so on, until 100-104).
To be able to claim an award, you need to meet qualifying times from any 3 distances for your age category and male/female, set between 1st July and 30th June, each year, starting 1st July 2025.
How do I know what I’m aiming for?
You don’t NEED to choose a Level – we can do that for you when you apply for your award – but if you want to see what you can aim for:
- Take your age on 1st July this year
- Look at your age group in the 8 Levels (click here for male and click here for female):
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
3. At the end of June, fill out the Award Claim form with your eligible times, your age category and the award Level you want to apply for. You will need to provide screenshots or evidence of your times.
Can I change Levels through the year?
Yes, you can you up or down – you can change what times you are aiming for during the year, as your Level (ie Platinum or Pearl) is only worked out once you have submitted your claim and times. Remember to look to see if you have hit 3 times in the next Level up!
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.
All other distances must be completed in a timed and measured official event, so social runs, etc do not count.
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 each year. If you do two races of the same distance (say 10k) and the first one is quicker than the second, the quicker time will count towards your award.
There is an online form to complete to claim an award, and you will need to separately submit screen shots of your results, by email to run@dealtri.co.uk by midnight on 30 June 2026. The organisers will put out one reminder only and will not chase for applications. If you don’t submit proof of times, your award claim will not go forward.
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. Remember that EVERYBODY who hits 3 target times over 3 distances for their age group is eligible for an award – just remember to claim it!
There are no additional awards for runners who achieve 4, 5 or 6 of their age group/Level times.
When will awards be presented?
Sometime between 30th June and the Dinosaur 10k, at a social gathering, date/venue tbc. If the weather is due to be great, it might be a picnic on Walmer Green, family welcome.
How do I join?
We are asking people to register for the Baked Bean League by completing this online form. This is only to gauge the level of interest so we have a rough idea about how many awards we might need!
I’ve still got questions!
No problem – contact Sue on 07719 636339 or run@dealtri.co.uk