Hi folks-
The local Air Force base (Goodfellow AFB) contacted me regarding their 1/4 mile (440 yard) track. It seems that the AF is starting to put more emphasis on fitness, and they want to be sure that their track is “accurate”. Since the results of annual PT tests do figure into promotions, they would like some type of certification certificate related to their track length. I would like your feedback on the following items to make sure I approach this issue properly.
1. The track in question does not have a curb (inside lane line only). That means that the best way to measure will be to use the L-W method as described at http://www.runscore.com/course.../Articles/Taping.pdf.
2. Temperature correction for the steel tape and allowable variance between measurements should be the same as noted in normal course measurement procedures (i.e., .08% max measurement difference, 68 degree F temp baseline for tape length, and 10 lbs. of pulling force on the tape).
3. The track should be “certified” for a single lap only, stating that the 1-lap distance is at least 1,320 feet.
4. For a 1.5 mile PT test, it would be appropriate to provide a data sheet that shows the actual start/finish points to equal exactly 1.5 miles on this specific track (i.e., if the measurements show that the track is marginally shorter or longer than exactly 1,320 feet).
Thanks in advance for your comments …
Bill Cullins