Here's an article that illustrates the problem of moving landmarks. It was published in British Columbia's, Whistler Question on June 21, 2012. You can read the complete article at this link:
http://www.whistlerquestion.co...ell-short-organizers
I also pasted the text of the article below. Enjoy. -- Justin
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Whistler Half Marathon route fell short
Measurements paid for by race officials given incorrectly
Events Eric MacKenzie
eric@whistlerquestion.com
Whistler Half Marathon officials have issued an apology to participants in this year’s race after learning that the course used for the second annual event on June 2 was more than a kilometre shorter than the traditional half-marathon distance.
In a letter sent to participants and circulated to media on Tuesday (June 19), race director Dave Clark explained that the device used by a third-party official sanctioned by B.C. Athletics was not properly calibrated when course measurements were taken, resulting in a route that was approximately 19.9 km instead of the planned 21.1 km.
"I personally apologize for this error and I appreciate the disappointment that some athletes may feel," Clark wrote in the letter to participants.
In a further email to The Question, Clark said race officials themselves were disappointed to learn the news but "felt it was very important to be open and honest about the results."
On race day, Clark heard from multiple athletes who said they thought the course was too short, which Clark said he found surprising due to the fact that the event "had invested in professional course certification sanctioned by B.C. Athletics."
Clark approached B.C. Athletics to investigate, and the sport authority determined that an incorrect measurement was taken.
As explained in the letter to participants, course measurements are taken by a device known as a Jones counter, which is mounted to a bicycle wheel and calibrated upon a number of factors. The Jones counter used to measure the Whistler route was in error due to an unnoticed change to a calibration course in Squamish used to set the device.
"Investigations have shown that a fire hydrant used as a reference point for calibration had been moved by approximately 17.5 m," B.C. Athletics officials were quoted as saying in the letter. The discrepancy then resulted in the 1.2-km shortfall when plotting out the Whistler course.
Clark said he’s hopeful that the shorter route doesn’t leave a bad taste in the mouths of people who thought they had conquered the half-marathon distance while running in what’s become a popular community-wide event.
"I am confident that the Whistler Half Marathon will continue to be a popular event with runners due to its amazing scenery, spectator support and our dedicated partners,"Clark said in the letter. "Our race management team remains focused on providing an amazing race weekend experience for everyone."
Clark said the 2011 route was not measured by a Jones counter, as most inaugural running events don’t do so due to the cost involved, but it’s possible that last year’s course also fell short of 21.1 km, though not by as much as this year’s. It’s likely that the course record set by winner David Palermo of Vancouver this year will now be noted as an incorrect distance, but Clark said race officials will have to work with B.C. Athletics to determine the appropriate course of action.
When asked if there will be any kind of compensation from B.C. Athletics or the third-party official for providing a false measurement that race officials paid to have completed, Clark said he wasn’t sure at the current time.
"The most important thing for us is to get this error rectified for future years," he said.
Next year’s race is scheduled for June 1, with registration opening on New Year’s Day.
© Copyright 2012, Whistler Question
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