Northern Athletics – Road race measurement. Up-dated July 2008

• All Road Races held in the United Kingdom should have their distance measured by a uk:athletics accredited Course Measurer in accordance with IAAF procedures. A certificate of the stated distance will be issued by the Regional Course Measurement Co-ordinator, and this certificate should be displayed at the race venue.
• Once a course is certified as correct the Certificate of Course Accuracy will remain valid in subsequent years without re-measurement provided the organiser confirms that the course is unchanged.
• Permit Secretaries are authorised to deny applications for permits to any race that advertises a specific distance unless that race has been certified as accurate. The only exception to this rule are races which do not claim to be of a set distance.
• Records and Best Performance lists will only be compiled from certified course events.
• It is essential that National Championship races are measured by a grade 1 measurer.
• In the event of a National Record being set the course shall be remeasured by a different grade 1 Course Measurer. Any race found to be under the stated distance by retrospective measurement will have any performances set on it deleted from Records and Best Performance Lists.
• Along with the Certificate of Accuracy, a logo can be provided, see above, which may be incorporated in race literature to show that the event complies with best practice.
• Further information regarding race measurement and issue of Certificates of Accuracy may be obtained from the Northern Athletics course measurement Co-ordinator Alan Ritchie, 132 Scotby Road, Scotby, Carlisle, Cumbria CA4 8BJ. Tel 01228 513200

Accredited course measurers in the North of England are listed here and may be contacted by race organisers to arrange measurement of courses.

A list of all measured courses in the North of England is regularly updated by the Measurement Co-ordinator. This may be dowloaded as a .pdf file for viewing with Acrobat Reader

Why measure a course ?

To obtain a race permit all road races held in the U.K. must be accurately measured. All competitors are entitled to expect their result to be based upon accurately measured time and distance.

How is a course measured ?

By the long established procedure using a `Jones Counter’ fitted to a bicycle. The counter must be calibrated on the day of measurement and the route cycled along the runners optimum line. A cycle is the only type of vehicle which can achieve this, other methods have been tested and found to be unreliable.

When should a course be measured ?

Before applying for a race permit but after consultation with other parties involved,i.e. Police. The measurer requires as much notice as possible to organise a day for measurement, which should ideally be calm and dry to ensure accuracy.

Who will measure a course ?

Accredited course measurers covering the North of England are listed here. They are experienced and qualified to use the same technique established by I.A.A.F. and used world wide.

What is the cost ?

Course measurers are only entitled to claim their out-of-pocket expenses i.e. travelling, stationary etc.

Which races are certified accurate ?

Details of all measured races in the North of England are held by the Measurement Co-ordinator. They are Listed on pages 4 to 17 and regularly up-dated.

Where can measurers qualify ?

Anyone interested in becoming an accredited measurer should apply to the measurement Co-ordinator. When there are sufficient candidates, a training seminar day is arranged covering theoretical and practical work. Successful applicants will complete a test paper, carry out some measurement practice and if acceptable will attain grade 2 standard. With further experience the measurer can progress to grade 1 and then IAFF status.