What is the Clydesdale Category?

The Clydesdale division is a racing category designed to level the playing field for heavier male athletes. It is named after the Clydesdale horse, a breed known for its massive size and strength.

Running is a sport where being lighter is generally an advantage (better power-to-weight ratio). Heavier runners expend significantly more energy to cover the same distance at the same speed.

Weight Standards

There is no universal standard, but common cutoffs are:

• USA Triathlon: 220 lbs (100 kg) and over.
• Many Road Races: 200 lbs (90 kg) and over.

Why It Exists

It encourages participation and fair competition. A 230-lb linebacker-build runner might be an incredible athlete but would struggle to compete against a 130-lb marathoner in speed. The Clydesdale division allows these runners to compete against peers with similar physiology.

Controversy

Some runners dislike the term (comparing humans to horses), and some argue that weight shouldn't be a category when height isn't regulated. However, it remains a popular and supportive community within the sport.

Big runners do more work. We're moving more mass over the same miles.