I own a Laser Disto A5 which is one of those $450 measuring devices that is also used in track & field measurements. It is capable of measuring up to 200 meters with an accuracy of 50 millimeters (1.9 inches). That would not be accurate enough for calibration course. Even if the Laser Disto were accurate enough for a calibration course, measuring a calibration course with the device is not quite as easy as pointing and clicking.
In order to make a measurement, the unit sends out a laser beam that is reflected off the target and received by the Laser Disto. That works well when the target is a large or the object is nearby. It's a bit tougher to sight smaller targets like a target plate. To help, there is a built in telescope with a four arrows that point to the center. When you sight using the telescope, you can see the red laser beam on the distant targets. Although the beam is visible indoors, it is far more difficult to see in bright sunlight. There are red sunglasses available that may help. As you can imagine, measuring after the sun goes down is actually easier since you can see the red beam.
Another problem is holding the Laser Disto steady. The unit is approximately 6" x 2.5" x 1.5" and there is a tripod mount located approximately 0.5" from the end opposite the lens. Without a tripod, I usually prop the Laser Disto on a something soft like it's case, an eyeglass case, even a shoe. That also keeps the plastic body for getting scratched on the ground. The tripod mount is handy, but you will need a mini-tripod with a wide base (like the bogen-manfrotto model 482).
I included some photos of the Laser Disto.
Laser Disto on a tripod showing the bubble level.
Front of Laser Disto. Note the image at the upper left indicating the tripod was used.
Front end of Laser Disto. The round opening is the telescope.
Side view showing the telescope view finder.
Red dot on the wooden block is the laser pointer.
I would not recommend the Laser Disto as the sole device for measuring a calibration course. The Laser Disto would be better used to quickly measure the details for the start, finish and mile markers. Typically, I place the paint can on the leading edge of a marker. Then I hold the Laser Disto on the utility pole, fire hydrant, etc. and measure the distance to the paint can. It's a lot faster than tape and may help to keep you out of the traffic. -- Justin