But the only reason why run races certify their courses is to get qualifying status more than anything.
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If you are living in a running world where the only race is the marathon, then your post makes sense. However, USATF certifies races of all distances and it is part of the process if you are going to operate under the USATF umbrella. There is no need to certify a 5k running race. It won't qualify you for anything. But the process guarantees that the race is an actual 5k.
Now, I'm not suggesting that the RDs try and force their venues to standard distances. I'm comfortable with the variations. I'd like to see my USAT fee be used for something like certifying a course so that the 6.8 mile run on the brochure is an actual 6.8 mile run. Certification would be an accountability piece on the RD to provide the product that they advertised.
Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/
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If you are living in a running world where the only race is the marathon, then your post makes sense. However, USATF certifies races of all distances and it is part of the process if you are going to operate under the USATF umbrella. There is no need to certify a 5k running race. It won't qualify you for anything. But the process guarantees that the race is an actual 5k.
Now, I'm not suggesting that the RDs try and force their venues to standard distances. I'm comfortable with the variations. I'd like to see my USAT fee be used for something like certifying a course so that the 6.8 mile run on the brochure is an actual 6.8 mile run. Certification would be an accountability piece on the RD to provide the product that they advertised.
Take a short break from ST and read my blog:
http://tri-banter.blogspot.com/