A free-to-enter annual competition, first introduced in 2013 & open to all club members, the RRR Cup builds on our support for & regular participation at Oldham parkrun - which takes place in Alexandra Park at 9am every Saturday morning. 53 RRRs have entered the competition in 2026.  

The format is very simple; participating RRR members race against each other according to a random draw, culminating in a Cup Final later in the year, with all matches taking place at Oldham parkrun on a mutually agreed date.

The winner of each tie is decided on a handicap based on recent 5K/parkrun times plus other factors considered relevant - such as race performance data from Power of 10, relative finishing positions/times in club races & how much racing/training participants have been doing - all with the aim of making the winning margin as small as possible!

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As in 2025, each round this year will take place over a particular time period (e.g. the First Round will cover the four Saturdays in February) & each runner's best time at Oldham parkrun will count in the competition. So you still only have to run once within the given date range - but not necessarily on the same day as your opponent - & you can, if you wish, run more frequently to try to set a faster time. You still have the option to run 'head-to-head' against your opponent as a one-off race on the same day, if you both agree/prefer to do so, but it is no longer a requirement.

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This approach will apply to all rounds of the RRR Cup up to the Quarter-Final stage. We will still have 'head-to-head' races for the Semi-Finals, Third-Place Run-Off and the RRR Cup Final.

There is no requirement to run in club colours, although you'll look much better if you do! If you & your opponent are running on the same day, you should introduce yourself before the start - a firm, friendly handshake is recommended, although hugging is permitted if both parties agree. Any use of 'mind games' is optional...

PLEASE NOTE that you must have your parkrun barcode with you on the day of your match. No barcode means your time won't appear in the official results & won't count towards the competition!