Concept
Age grading
A comparison of a race result with a reference performance for the same age, sex, and distance.
What the percentage means
The percentage expresses the result relative to a top reference benchmark; it is a comparison tool, not a pass mark.
What the age-standard adjustment means
The adjustment compares the selected age-group 100% benchmark with the adult open 100% benchmark. It describes how the reference standards differ, not how a particular runner's time should be converted.
Why the adjustment can be small
When the selected age-group top benchmark is close to the adult open top benchmark, the adjustment is small regardless of the runner's entered result.
How to compare well
Accurately measured road races with broadly similar conditions are best suited to this method. Very slow or non-race efforts remain mathematically calculable but have limited practical interpretation.
Use age grading to follow relative performance over time while keeping course and conditions in mind.
Age grading does not describe average runners, prescribe training, guarantee fairness between every event, or redefine a personal best.