A runner friend recently asked me if a certain marathon I certified in 2017 is BQ eligible. This particular marathon has a drop and sep of 1.09 and 2.94, respectively. I told him I wasn't positive, but I didn't think so. I went on the BAA site, and saw that the criteria include current certification and outdoor course, but no mention of record-eligible or drop & sep.
So I decided to go to one of the top authorities on this subject. Luckily, Justin Kuo answered my call. Justin confirmed that Boston has no drop/sep criterion. So, I was conflating record-eligible with BQ. Good to have the real deal info on this.
So, now, I am going to look into certifying a course in N.C. & Tennessee. When I visited the Clingman's Dome summit in N.C a while back, then drove from the summit into Gatlinburg, I noticed that the road went downhill at varying grades with no uphill and virtually no flat parts for nearly 21 miles. If I can work out the runner transportation to the Start for my point-to-point course to begin at the summit and end in Dollywood, I am certain it will be a huge draw for BQ seekers, especially for those who have yet to qualify for Boston.
Anyone want to help me measure this?
