Awards

Towards the end of each year we invite members to nominate fellow runners for an award. 

The results are announced at our awards ceremony / Christmas party.

• Runner of the Year x2
• Run Leader of the Year
• Couch-to-5k Inspiration Award
• Sarah McSharry Most Improved Runner
• Stuart Cross Award for Outstanding Contribution

Squirrels Standards

Standards are a way of recognising individuals achievements in running or walking over a 12 month period. Squirrels standards are awarded annually and are open to all Squirrels members. In the Squirrels Running Group, we have 2 types of standard - timed events and distance. For each running standard there are 7 levels ranging from Rhodium (highest) to Onyx. For the walking standard there are 5 levels ranging from Gold (highest) to Onyx.

• The Standards Year will cover 12 months, 1st August - 31st July. The month of August will be used to collate the results prior to the Standards Award Ceremony in September.
• For a Timed Event standard members must run a minimum of 4 timed events over different distances during the 12 month period.
• For a Distance standard members must run or walk a given number of miles during the 12 month standard period.

Timed Events

A Timed Event standard is obtained by running a recognised event at a set distance, currently between 1 mile (shortest) and Marathon. The standard level achieved will depend on the official time and the age/sex of the member on the date of the event.

• The distances offered are 1 mile, 5 km, 5 mile, 6 mile, 10km, 7 mile, 8 mile, 10 mile, half marathon, 20 mile and marathon. To obtain a Squirrels Timed Event standard, official times for 4 different distances, run between 1st August and 31st July, must be submitted, using the official on-line form.
• The standard awarded at the end of the year will be for the lowest of the 4 times submitted. For example if 3 Gold Standard times and 1 Silver Standard time are achieved, then a Silver Standard will be awarded.
• The Squirrels Mile segment must be run on a designated route where a Squirrels Strava Segment exists. These segments will initially be introduced and run on club nights from early spring. Thereafter members can attempt them on their own to improve times. These runs must be recorded on Strava. More information about these segments and how best to record them can be viewed on the mile segments page.
• 5 km runs can be any official parkrun time. Other distances (except 1 mile) must be from official chip timings. Certain runs are not acceptable including Race for Life (not accurately measured) and some that are predominantly downhill (e.g. Tissington Half Marathon).

Distance - Running

This alternative type of Standard ignores the time or pace you run at and instead allows you to focus on distance. We will offer the same 8 standards, each of which will require a minimum running distance to be covered over the 12 month Squirrels Standards Year. All runs must be uploaded to Strava. Any run can be included whether outdoor or on a treadmill.

Distance standards will start at 450 miles for Onyx and increase in 150 mile intervals up to Gold and then increase in 200 mile intervals up to Rhodium. The distances per standard will be the same for all ages and genders.

Annual Distances to be covered by male or female members are:

• Rhodium 1650 miles
• Platinum 1450 miles
• Diamond 1250 miles
• Gold 1050 miles
• Silver 900 miles
• Bronze 750 miles
• Copper 600 miles
• Onyx 450 miles

Distance - Walking

This standard recognises members who are unable to run for whatever reason but are able to walk or hike. We will offer 5 standard levels, ranging from Gold to Onyx, each of which will require a minimum walking distances to be covered over the 12 month Squirrels Standards Year. All walks must be uploaded to Strava. Any type of walking activity, including hiking or treadmill walking can be included.

Annual distances to be covered by male or female members are:

• Gold 700 miles
  
• Silver 600 miles
• Bronze 500 miles
• Copper 400 miles
• Onyx 300 miles

County Standards

Entirely separate to Squirrels, the Leicestershire Road Running League also awards local runners who have achieved set Standards. More information is on the LRRL website.

The rules for achieving the county standards differs slightly from Squirrels Standards:

• you must meet 5 different times (rather than 4 as with Squirrels)
• the qualification period is a calendar year, e.g. the entirety of 2024 (rather than August - July as with Squirrels)
• the names of the Standards differ, but the times are largely the same (e.g. Squirrels Rhodium matches to County Gold)
• the 1 mile distance is not included and only Braunstone, Leicester Victoria, Abbey Park and Watermead parkrun are valid for the 5k distance
• there are only Timed Standards, no Distance Standards

A league representative asks for submissions for recognition to be made in January, typically via the Leicester Runners Facebook group.