Yesterday I made contact with the RD by phone. She had mislaid my email of a month ago. I re-sent it and gave her a price for the job.
I’ve since researched the event and I think there’s a strong probability that the measurement won’t happen. Last year’s event had only 51 individual runners and 130 total, counting the relay people (event has 3.1, 10, and 13 mile legs). I don’t think the event can afford my fee. But we will see. I hope I’ll get the job, as the ride looks pleasant. Of course, if it happens in December or January the pleasure may be diluted by the cold weather.
The event is the Earth Day Marathon, starting in Mt Vernon, Ohio.
The web page for the event is: http://athletics.kenyon.edu/PreBuilt/EDC.pdf
The route as plotted on America’s Running Routes is found at: http://www.usatf.org/routes/view.asp?rID=122678
If it happens I expect to travel to Mt Vernon to meet the RD.
Then I will have her locate the exact start line.
Then I’ll drive to Gambier and lay out the cal course.
Then (time permitting) I’ll measure from Mile 8.5 to the start, and back again, laying out splits on the return ride.
Next day I’ll ride 8.5 to the TA and back again, and with luck there will be room on the bike path to fit the course. I’ll lay out the splits on the return ride if the course fits. If I run out of room I’ll need a third day to add a block or two in Gambier to get added distance.
All in all I’m guessing that three days will do the job.
I believe many of Jim’s suggestions may be overkill, as some of them are the responsibility of the RD and not the measurer. Also, the course has already been run once, and its route is known. One suggestion is essential, and that is to agree beforehand where adjustments can be made if distance needs to be added. Nothing is more frustrating than to have indecision at this point.
Google Earth isn’t much help in the area, as the photos aren’t high-definition.
A second rider on an out-back course is just excess baggage, as it will save me no riding.
One thing I regret is that if they want the course measured they cannot obtain a Jones Counter to do it themselves. Even I do not own one – I am using my chain-drive counter these days. There is always the electronic option, but I don’t think they will be up to it.
If anyone out there is interested in doing the job for nothing, let me know and I will put you in touch with the RD, and no hard feelings.