Age Grading: how it works

Age grading uses tables of "age factors" and "age standards" to put all runners, 
regardless of age and sex on a level playing field. In particular, they allow 
runners' performances, no matter what their age, to be corrected to what they 
would have been achieving in their prime years, and permit valid comparisons to 
be made between people of different ages.

The tables also provide each individual with a percentage value for an event, 
allowing them to judge their performance against the standard for their age both 
now, and keep track of their progress over time.

The current tables (2006) were compiled by the World Association of Veteran Athletes 
(WAVA), the world governing body for masters (veterans) track and field, long 
distance running and race walking. The process involved analysis of masses of 
actual performance data. Curves were plotted, one for each event, "fitting" all 
known performances, including, for example, Lynford Cristie's 9.87sec 100m, at 
age 33, and Priscilla Welsh's 2.26.31 marathon at age 42.


Example results:

A man of 45 runs 100m in 11.59. The 100m factor for men of 45 is .9220. Now, multiply 
11.59 by .9220, which gives 10.69 as his age-graded time.
The 100m world record is 9.79. The world record 9.79 * 100 / the age grade time
of 10.69 gives you 91.62% as his age-graded performance.

Relative Standard Indicator:

       >100% = World record level
       > 90% = World class
       > 80% = National class 
       > 70% = Regional class
       >  0% = An Athlete

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