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Locating splits in the dark.

Just wondering how you folks deal with this problem. I measured a local 8K and marked all the splits and gave the race director the course map with references to fixed permanent locations.
The course was such that most splits were in reference to a light pole or hydrant that was 100 feet away as there was nothing else distinguishable nearby and in the pitch dark it was difficult to locate them. The obvious thing I could have done was to use white which I was out of at the time.
I was not worried about using bright green as the course director assured me he would go on site to locate all of the splits before the race. This proved to be untrue despite his best intentions.
Luckily I decided that though I couldn't actually run the race that I would get up at 4AM to run the course 4X for a 20 mile training run. (yes I added the extra 204 yds+ ) Smiler
It was a good thing I was there--you just couldn't make out the splits in the dark easily and I found myself taking the mile markers from the truck and like a 25 Lb baton running with them to their split locations as I passed the pickup with cones setting up the course.
I always try to be sensitive to communities to not over paint making an eyesore yet bold enough to be sighted easily by using spray paint that eventually washes away after a couple weeks and keeping the nail/washers as the obvious marks to repaint next year.
Do you folks ever use paint with glass that leaves a more permanent mark? Is white paint the only thing that would have helped here (besides a pre-ride of the course by the race director) or is there a better solution? I know some folks take pics w/digital cameras too to give to the RD--realize it was 5 AM and this guy was just skimming the map trying to find the splits day of (even loaned him my GPS..).
--Matt Sonneborn
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