Hello,
I am looking to set up a course for a 48/24/12/6 hour running event in NJ. I would like the course to be eligible for any records that may be broken during that time.
I will be using the Sussex County Fairgrounds for my course. Are there any special restrictions I need to follow to have it be a USATF certified course eligible for records? Can it travel over pavement, dirt and grass?
The event will take place May 14-16, 2010.
Please let me know any special requirements I need to be aware of as I lay out the course for optimal performance.
Rick McNulty
Dear Rick,
I won’t attempt to instruct you on everything pertaining to a multi-hour event, as it’s a broad subject. Instead, I’ll post your inquiry and my answer on the Road Course Measurement Bulletin Board.
You mention records. If you hope for them it is likely best that the course be mostly on asphalt. I think that’s the overall fastest surface to run on. It’s easier to measure also, and has clear boundaries. The course can incorporate stretches of dirt and grass if you like. It may give you more freedom of layout. The only thing you will have to watch for is that the surface must have clearly defined boundaries. A stretch of grass or dirt without a clear and unchanging boundary can’t be certified. An example of this would be a cross-country course typically defined by cones that are not located precisely by the course map.
The loop length need not be an exact distance. Odd distances are common in these small loops.
To keep lap-counting easier, the bigger the loop the better.
You may wish to incorporate some enroute reference points along the loop to permit the competitors to catch the last little bit of distance before the time runs out.
This is all I have for now. Watch the Road Course Bulletin Board for more comments.
I’ll be happy to continue working with you on this if you wish.
Best regards, Pete Riegel
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