Course Modification

In 1985 I was sent paperwork for the Elby’s Distance Race (20 km) in Wheeling, West Virginia. When I checked the paperwork I saw that it was laid out about 100 meters too long. I told the measurer, who said that the organizers had very specific desires regarding the start and finish locations.

Figuring that it was at least 20 km, I certified it.

As I recall Bill Rodgers ran a record time there, and it was validated. It checked out well over 20 km, which did not surprise me.

This, of course, does not answer Laurent’s question. It does point out, however, that when the day is right and the runner fast, a bit of overdistance is not always a huge handicap.

Earlier this year I measured a 5k/10k pair of races. They wanted same start and the same finish for both races. I managed this by laying out the 5 km course three meters oversize. Three meters isn't much, but I doubt I'd have gone for 120.

A course that's 120 m over the stated distance is valid for record purposes, but does it truly fit the definition of "certified accurate"?

Laurent Lacroix
llacroix@mts.net

I don't think it does. I think it's better to certify at the laid-out distance. That said, what would have been the proper course to take on my 5003 meter 5k?