Members
Welcome to Ballina Athletics Club
We are so glad you're here. Here is everything you need to know before your first Sunday at Shelly Beach.
Before you arrive
Joining and registration
To keep things simple, we have moved to online payments and registration. Please complete your membership form before your first run so we can have your bib numbers ready.
Register by Friday 6pm to receive your numbers for that Sunday. If you register after Friday 6pm, your numbers will be ready the following Sunday.
Suggested start times for your first run
These are starting points for a time trial. Your real handicap is set after your first run.
On race day
Your bib number
Arrive at Shelly Beach by 8:30am to collect your bib from the registration area. Your bib is your ID for the entire season.
- Wear it on the front of your shirt at all times during the race.
- If our volunteers cannot see your number when you cross the finish line, we cannot record your time — no exceptions.
- Lost your bib? Come and find a volunteer and we will sort you out immediately.
After you finish
The scribe process
When you cross the finish line a volunteer will hand you a Finish Number. This is what you take to the Scribe Desk.
Take your Finish Number to the Scribe Desk
Follow the signs for your line. Do this before you head off for a swim or a coffee.
The scribe records your details
They will note your bib number, your distance, and your start time — the time the timekeeper called when you left the line.
Answer the trick question
The scribe will ask: "Was this your correct handicap time?" On your first day, your answer is no — today was a time trial.
That's it. Stay for the lucky draw
Two $20 cash prizes are drawn every week. You must be present to claim. It only takes a few minutes.
From week two onwards
Understanding your handicap
From your second week, visit the Handicap Board before the race starts. Find your distance and look for your name alphabetically. The time next to your name is exactly when you leave the starting line.
- Handicaps change every week based on how you ran. Check it fresh each Sunday.
- Points are awarded based on how closely you ran to your handicap.
- Points accumulate toward monthly and end-of-season prizes.
Read the full handicap explainer if you want to understand how the numbers are calculated.
Ready for Sunday?
Register online before your first run. We will have your bib ready to collect at 8:30am at Shelly Beach.
Register by Friday 6pm to run with your numbers that Sunday.