Peg'u'lar'ity (Definition)
A compound noun formed from the words Pe(destrian) (re)gularity. Originally invented by Ray Crowther in 2004 to describe a competitive section over roads and pathways, where walkers or runners are required to maintain an average speed - set by themselves - over a predefined route.
Pegularity® is a UK registered trade mark number 2387713.
What is a Pegularity Event?
A Pegularity event is a competition where individuals, either walking or running, attempt to maintain an average speed, set by themselves, over predefined routes. Since events will often cover a modest distance (typically totalling less than 5 miles) over undemanding terrain, the necessary skill comes from mentally judging time, speed and distance rather than physical ability or stamina. Penalties are incurred (usually 1 mark/sec) for arriving early or late at a Pegularity finish.
The compelling attraction to a Pegularity is that all people of all age groups and pedestrian abilities can compete against each other on an equal footing(!): A grandfather could amble at 2 mph, a father could walk briskly at 4 mph and the son could jog at 8 mph.
Devices to measure speed or distance, such as a pedometer or personal GPS, may not be used on a Pegularity; a simple timepiece for recording elapsed time is permitted.
Depending upon the nature of the routes, sometimes the competitors may be required to visit Route Checks to verify that they have followed the correct course. These could be manned, or unmanned and require information to be recorded. Such information may be easily visible or require some searching, thereby adding an element of treasure hunting.
A Pegularity is NOT a running or walking race. There is no merit on a Pegularity in being the fastest or first to the finish.
A Pegularity is NOT Orienteering. Some basic map reading may be required on a Pegularity but the terrain will be easier and again fastest is not necessarily best.
A Pegularity is NOT a Regularity in the motor rallying sense. On a rally regularity, all competitors have to (in their cars) maintain the same average speed set by the organisers. On a Pegularity, a competitor sets his/her own average speed. This can be set according to a person's own abilities or comfort.
Practising for a Pegularity
The key to being successful on a Pegularity is the ability to judge speed and distance. Typical speed for a casual walker might be 2 miles per hour; an average walker 3 mph; a brisk walker 4 mph and runner perhaps up to 12 mph. These rough figures won't be accurate enough for competitors who want to do well. Here's one way of homing in on your own average speed.
Measure out a convenient distance of at least 100 metres on a smooth road or pavement. You'll need some kind of measuring device to be accurate. A measuring/trundle wheel is ideal and you can get these for as little as £10 on eBay. Pavements are sometimes easier, particularly if they are made of regular sized paving slabs. Measure one of them and multiply by the number of slabs for your target distance.
A bicycle with an accurate odometer is a good choice, but your car odometer probably won't be precise enough.
Walk or run comfortably and normally on your measured route, count your steps and note the time taken. Do this several times to get an average. You can now calculate your average speed and step length.
You may want to judge other variants of your Pegularity speeds. You might have a "brisk" speed where you walk/run a little faster than normal and a "casual" speed for slower than normal. Particularly useful would be to assess your speed on different surfaces like loose footpaths or grassland where your speed will be less than smooth tarmac or pavement.
Knowing your step length can be useful in locating Route Checks when you receive instructions like "What's the number on the hydrant sign 200 yards after the white gate".
If you don't have time to practise, the Pegularity organiser will usually lay out a course at the start venue where you will be able to calibrate your average speed before you start an event.
The website devoted to Pegularities is here.
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ray_crowther
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