Course Certification is a process by which a course is measured according to international standards and the measurement data is reviewed by a recognized certifier. Once the data is verified and accepted, a certificate with a course ID number is sent to the measurer, who then forwards a copy to the race director. Run Canada  recommends that a course be certified but it is not a prerequisite to obtaining sanctioning, which deals primarily with insurance and safety, not accuracy.  <more>

Certified Marathon Courses: The Boston Marathon requires qualifying times that are obtained a certified course. The national course registrar sends the list of certified courses to the BAA which then accepts applicants based on the information it receives. 

Certified Marathon Courses in Canada
Updated November 24, 2006

 

Guidance for race directors seeking AIMS/IAAF measurement of courses.