Welcome to Ballina Athletic Club! 🏃🌊

We are so happy to have you join our community! To make your first morning at Shelley Beach as smooth as possible, here is a quick guide on how everything works.

📝 Joining & Registration

To keep things simple, we have shifted to online payments and registration.

* Please ensure you have completed your digital membership form before your first run.

🎽 Your Participant Bib

  • Arrival: Please arrive at the beach by 8:30 am to pick up your bib at the registration area.

  • Visibility: Your bib is your ID for the entire season. It must be worn on the front of your shirt.

  • The Rule: If our volunteers can’t see your number when you cross the finish line, we can’t award a time that week—no exceptions!

⏱️ Suggested Start Times (First Run Only)

For your very first run, we use these suggested start times to get you moving:

  • 1K: 15 mins

  • 3K: 10 mins

  • 6K: 5 mins

🏁 At the Finish Line

When you cross the finish line, a volunteer will hand you a Finish Number. This marks your position and helps us record your time accurately.

The Scribe Process:

  1. Take your Finish Number straight to the Scribe Desk (follow the signs for your line).
  2. The Scribe will record your bib number, your distance, and your Start Time (the time the timekeeper called out when you left the line).
  3. The Trick Question: The Scribe will ask: “Was this your correct handicap time?” 4. Your Answer: On your first day, your answer is “NO, today was a time trial.”

📊 Understanding Handicaps & Points

  • Check the Board: From your second week onwards, visit the Handicap Stand before the race. Look for your distance and find your name alphabetically.

  • Your Start Time: The time shown next to your name is your Handicap Time—this is exactly when you leave the starting line.

  • Keep Checking: Handicaps change often! Make sure to check every week so you don’t miss out on points by leaving at the wrong time.

  • Point Scoring: Points are awarded weekly based on performance and go toward monthly and end-of-season prizes.

  • Read more about our Point System here

🎁 Lucky Dip Draws

Don’t rush off! Your finish number goes into a draw for one of two $20 prizes every single week. You must be present at the draw to claim your prize.

🏆 Trophies & Presentations

We love celebrating our members! We hold trophy and cash presentations at the end of each month and at our season finale.

❤️ Enjoy the Run!

Above all, remember to have fun. Whether you are aiming for a personal best or just enjoying the camaraderie, we are glad you’re here.

Got questions? Just look for our volunteers or experienced members—we’re here to help you have a fantastic experience!