This sounds much more reasonable as a suggestion Trevor though I'm not sure how a series of 3 trial races on similar terrain would be more useful than the current one off format. Championship races are by nature a one off event (except the FRA champs- see my point?) ie- best man / woman on the day......shouldn't that apply to the context of a trial race with a small margin for common sense.
I would preposterous to use the FRA champ races as a basis for selection for these events.[/quote]

The reason for the similar terrain Rick is that the right person gets picked to suit the actual event. Jebby up, Holmsey down, Bailey quick etc. If its just a sloping path the 10k or 10mile runners may perform well.

A one off does not give even a small margin, by having everyone compete in at least 2 you get a truer picture of who is in or out of form.

Take our friend Morgan D at Tebay, cramped and had a shocker but has run very well all season.

I take your point about the Champs though as its valid.