Final Selection Criteria for the "HARRA 500"

From Anna Helm (Member of HARRA Committee on Houston Marathon "HARRA 500" Qualifying Criteria):

Tonight (6-28-10) the HARRA Board voted to approve the plan to distribute guaranteed entries via the "HARRA 500". Expect an official announcement tomorrow from a HARRA email blast.

The criteria for choosing the "HARRA 500"..., are posted below and on the Houston Area Roadrunners Association Facebook page. We really appreciate the input of local runners and hope to continue to advocate for you. And... if you're a local runner who hasn't yet joined---it's time!! Check out "What is HARRA" and the Member benefits link to see all that HARRA can do for you and other runners.

CRITERIA:
Per request of the Chevron Houston Marathon (CHM), 450 slots will be distributed prior to the start of the lottery July 27th -August 12th. HARRA will post an application for these 450 spots on their website, HARRA.org, no later than July 6, 2010, and will accept applications until July 20th, 2010. If you have fewer than 5 Houston Marathon finishes, would like to run the 2011 CHM, and are a HARRA member, we encourage you to apply.

The committee developed a points system based on your suggestions, and will reward volunteerism, seniority, and participation.

HARRA members prior to June 13th, 2010, will be considered first, then members who joined afterward. The points system will be as follows:

*Volunteer during the 2009-2010 season for the CHM, AHM (Aramco Half marathon) or HARRA event-based on HARRA VVIP points system, max 24 pts. (automatic 24 for volunteering for 2010 CHM.AHM)

*HARRA member during the past 4 years- 5 points per year, max 20 pts.*CHM finishes, 2007-2010, 5 points per year, max 20 pts.

*Finishes in 2008-2009 Fall Series races, (USA 10-miler, Koala HHM, 25K, 30K) 4 points each, max 12 pts.

*Finishes in HARRA XC relay (2008-09) Bayou Bash relay 2009-2010, HARRA Spring Series races, 2009-2010, 2 points each, max 10 pts.

You need not have been a HARRA member when you completed these events. but those entries will be tabulated 2nd. In the event of a tie, the board will use total Houston Marathon Finishes (under 5, obviously) and timeliness of application submission.

The final 50 will be distributed in the same manner and in the same percentages as Runner of the Season Awards, calculated best 2 of 3 after the 25K. These runners will not have a previous HARRA 500 slot or lottery slot.

Please watch for further announcements and the beginning of the application process.

AH