2026 Youth Grand Prix Rules

There is no automatic roll over on the Youth Grand Prix sign up from the 2024 seasons. You must sign up again with the 2025 link. YOU MUST SIGN UP FOR THE Youth Grand Prix BEFORE THE FIRST RACE YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE SCORED.

Example IF you want to be scored in the Resolution 5k & 1 Mile 2025, then your child needs to be signed up for Youth Grand Prix for 2025. Signing up for the race in 2024 does not place your child in the Youth Grand Prix for 2025. December 31st ends the previous year membership for New Energy AND Youth Grand Prix.

Eligibility Requirements:

A runner must be a Tidewater Striders Member in good standing at the time of Youth Grand Prix sign up and at the conclusion of the year. If participants' membership lapse, they will not be scored for any races during that time period and will be removed from the YGP until membership is renewed.

A runner must be the age 16 or under on July 1st of that YGP season. A runner must complete a minimum five (5) events in the YGP schedule. (You do not need to score points in five (5) races, but just complete five (5) races.)

To clarify, if you want to participate in the 5k and 1-mile YGP you must run a minimum of 5 (5k or 1-mile races). Example you could run all 5ks, all 1 mile or a combo of both as long as complete the minimum races.

You must complete the Youth Grand Prix event in the time allotted for the event in order to earn points. For example, if it is a 5k and the course limit is 1 hour you finish that event in 1 hour.

Participation in the New Energy Youth group is a requirement for YGP.

Events:

All Tidewater Striders Youth Grand Prix races will be 5k and one-mile events for the YGP. The schedule will be posted online under Grand Prix 2024 Schedule.

YGP Age Groups:

Male: 6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-16

Female: 6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 and 15-16

Your YGP age group is determined by your age on July 1st. (Examples below)1. If a runners birthday is 4/15/2009, which makes their age 15 on 7/1/2024, then their YGP age group is 15-16 for all events in 2024 YGP series. 2. If a runners birthday is 8/15/2009, which makes their age 14 on 7/1/2024, then their YGP age group is 13-14 for all events in 2024 YGP series.

Awards and Points:

End of year awards will be presented at the annual awards banquet or at a YGP Awards Party to the top three finishers in each age group based on total points accumulated. Points are awarded for placing first through fifth (10, 8, 6, 4, 2) in your Youth Grand Prix age group. All finishers not in the top 5 will score 1 point. If runner runs both the 5k and 1Mile at an event Only one distance will be scored for the race. If you participate in the Grand Prix too you can only receive the Youth Grand Prix or the Grand Prix Award in a Year. Volunteering (1) time is a requirement. Volunteer service must be provided at a Tidewater Striders Event prior to the end of the YGP season. (Volunteering at the last race of the YGP season will count, i.e. helping at the Turkey Trot water stops). Races only count from date of YGP sign up and forward. No back dating of points from prior events will occur, unless an omission or miscalculation of an eligible runner.

Updated YGP Standings will be posted within one week or as soon as possible after the completion of each YGP event. YGP Standings will be posted using your July 1st age group.

Note: The Youth Grand Prix committee reserves the right to substitute races in the event of a cancellation.