The Run Canada Committee

Course Measurement and
Certification Procedures Manual

Introduction

This online manual is adapted from the USATF online manual developed by Bob Baumel, who has generously allowed us to use and modify his material.

The rules and guidelines set forth in this booklet represent more than thirty years of experience in measuring road courses accurately. These procedures are now used by IAAF, AIMS and USATF as well as Athletics Canada. Previously, the object was simply to produce "accurate" courses. We still try to make courses as accurate as practical; however, to meet the needs of record keeping, we've added a new emphasis: Now we try to make extra sure that courses are not short. Specifically, we try to make sure that the shortest possible route (SPR) through the available roads is at least the stated race distance. This is intended to guarantee that every possible path a runner can take through the course is at least the stated distance. Although there are many ways to measure a course, experience has shown that the calibrated bicycle method is superior to all others because of the speed and accuracy with which it can be performed. Please note that automobile odometers, aerial survey maps, and electronic distance meters (EDM) are not suitable for measuring road courses for certification. An EDM may be used for measuring a "calibration course" (the course used for calibrating the bicycle), although steel tape is also entirely adequate for that purpose. Historically, several kinds of bicycle wheel revolution counters have been used in the calibrated bicycle method. Currently, the only counter used for this purpose is the Jones Counter, a remarkably simple and reliable mechanical device invented by Alan Jones in 1971. The latest version is called the Jones-Oerth Counter, including enhancements by Paul Oerth who also markets the counter. Current ordering information can be found on the RRTC website at http://www.hit.net/~bobbau/rrtc/publications.html. The basic method of measurement is to compare the number of revolutions of the bicycle wheel needed to cover the course with the number of revolutions needed to cover a standard calibration course. Once you understand the method, it is simple and direct, but there are many important details which need to be done correctly in order to have an acceptable measurement. In all probability, your course will not be checked. It is up to you to be sure it is right. Follow the instructions carefully and you will obtain a reliable measurement.

For a mark to be eligible for record consideration by Athletics Canada or one of its provincial branches, it must be achieved on a certified course. If an entry fee is charged for a road race, runners have a right to a properly measured course. Certification is an assurance to the runner that times will be based on a properly measured distance. If an open record is set on your course, it will be re-measured by an measurer who is recognized by the IAAF/AIMS (This is called a "Validation" re-measurement). For a mark to be accepted as an official record, the course length must be at least the stated distance. If your course is found to be short of its advertised length, the record will not be accepted and certification will be withdrawn.

This booklet is organized in "stand-alone" sections. Read the statement of requirements to obtain an overall picture of the procedures. Then study the particular section(s) you need for the task you have chosen to perform next, such as laying out a calibration course. Refer to the appendices as needed for clarification of points in the main text. If you are unsure of any aspect of the process, please contact a certifier before attempting the desired task. It will save both of you a lot of time.

Go to Next Section: Equipment Needed
Back to: Table of Contents

Updated: 02-03-2001