Prize money distribution for 2009 Anaconda Adventure Race at Waihi
The prize money on offer is fixed at $10,500 irrespective of how many athletes (male or female) do the race. However the exact breakdown of how much goes to each place getter is dependent on the number of individual female athletes that participate in the race - as the table and details below explain.
Background:
Historically, Rapid Ascent has always paid equal prize money to both males and females. Our intention was that with equal prize money, female participation might grow. However, over the first 3 years of the Anaconda National Series, the reverse has been shown to be true which is (i) a disappointment to us, and (ii) unfair to the male competitors.
The flipside of the argument is that it is not the fault of the elite female competitors that others don’t show up to race (a point we accept), and that they train as hard as the elite men (which we also accept). So what we have attempted to achieve is a compromise. While statistically speaking the scales still favour female competitors, the balance is redressed somewhat. Of course, if enough females enter, it is a moot point, given that the scales even out at 30+ female entries. (In 2007, the most extreme example of the apparent inequity was at Anaconda Forster where prize money (paid to the top 3) was sought by 7 females, and 48 males. This split (43% of female competitors receiving prize money, whereas only 6% of males) is part of the reason for the change.
The scales below show how prize money will be spilt between the sexes and between each place getter depending on the number of individual female starters we have:
Scale 1 (>= 30 female starters)
| Position |
Male |
Female |
| 1st |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
| 2nd |
$1,500 |
$1,500 |
| 3rd |
$750 |
$750 |
Scale 2 (20-29 female starters)
| Position |
Male |
Female |
| 1st |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
| 2nd |
$1,500 |
$1,000 |
| 3rd |
$750 |
$500 |
| 4th |
$500 |
- |
| 5th |
$250 |
- |
Scale 3 (10-19 female starters)
| Position |
Male |
Female |
| 1st |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
| 2nd |
$1,500 |
$800 |
| 3rd |
$750 |
$400 |
| 4th |
$550 |
|
| 5th |
$300 |
|
| 6th |
$200 |
|
Scale 4 (<= 9 female starters)
| Position |
Male |
Female |
| 1st |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
| 2nd |
$1,500 |
$500 |
| 3rd |
$1000 |
|
| 4tb |
$600 |
|
| 5th |
$400 |
|
| 6th |
$300 |
|
| 7th |
$200 |
|
| |
|
|
All individuals are eligible, irrespective of their age category (i.e. juniors, open, veteran and vintage are all eligible to win the cash). In the extremely unlikely event of having less than 30 males, the female scale will move up by the amount the male scale has moved down. E.g. if there were (say) 24 males (scale 2) and (say) 8 females (scale 4), then we would use Scale 3.
Fastest Splits
In addition to these cash prizes for individuals, if you manage to clock the fastest split (excluding the final run) you also score another $100 cash plus sponsors prizes !
| Fastest Swim Male |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest Swim Female |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest Kayaks Ocean Paddle Male |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest Kayaks Ocean Paddle Female |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest Run Male |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest Run Female |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest MTB Male |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
| Fastest MTB Female |
$100 cash + Sponsors Products |
Pairs are also eligible to win fastest split prizes with the exception of the paddling leg.
Random Prize Draws
In addition, some awesome random draws will be made on the day, with participants and spectators eligible. They'll also be a swag of goodies up for grabs for all participants.
Series Prizes
Series prizes are yet to be determined and will be notified as soon as possible