My employer owns a large wind tunnel. I'm going to measure a mile course inside the tunnel and have it certified. Then we'll sell the opportunity to set an American age-group record to the highest bidders.

What do you think of my scheme?

I think it's a great idea! The geometry isn't clear to me. Must be a hell of a long wind tunnel.

I've thought it would be fun to make a 100 meter long vacuum tube, evacuate it, fill with oxygen at about 3 psi, and hold 100 m sprints. Should see some pretty good times! No wind aid, either! I'm sure it would be illegal, but exactly what rule would be broken I'm not sure.

An acclimatization period would be needed, to keep the contestants from getting decompression sickness from the pressure change.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pete Riegel,

Well, here is one American who might be interested in your 1-mile wind tunnel course.

He has now completed 15 of his targeted 20 one mile races in 20 weeks in 20 different cities, all under 5 minutes at 45 years old.

Check out his website at OneMileRunner

He might want to extend to 21 weeks and run in your wind tunnel.

No, it's not long. It's a loop. A loop with a tailwind the entire way around. The fact that it's a loop is what makes the plan work. Because the finish will be very close to the start, it's legal.

Can one run more than one loop without getting chopped to pieces by the fan?

Does each corner of the setup have straightening vanes? How do we get around them?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pete Riegel,

Can one run more than one loop without getting chopped to pieces by the fan?

You would need to pick up the pace a bit through that section. Setting American records is not for the faint of heart.

Does each corner of the setup have straightening vanes? How do we get around them?

I don't remember, but probably. But you have to consider the scale of this thing. There are some cars parked next to it in the picture. I think a person could fit between the vanes.

I'll work out all these details after I get everybody's money.

For an event of such importance I am sure your employer would be happy to remove the straightening vanes and build a bypass around the fan to permit the runners to proceed unimpeded.

Costs could easily be covered by the entry fees.