Race organisers have the option of giving priority to members who organise or help at BMCR events or undertake regional or national roles, or (where appropriate) based on past performance. This leaves a reduced number of places to be available on a first-come-first-served basis, and an increased likelihood that entrants will join a waiting list when they first apply to enter a race.  

The policy of opening entries at 5am has always attracted mixed support.  With an increased probability of being on a waiting list, the opening time for entries is moving to a more accessible time.  Entries will still open 8 weeks before the event, but at 5pm instead of 5am. This change will be effective from Thursday 16th March, so will apply to all events taking place from Thursday 11th May onwards.