Short Course at Valkyries
It is not that hard to measure a course reasonably accurately, say within 5 or 10 meters/mile. Even if it's not certified, you can: A) measure with a bike, B) use a GPS, C) go old school and use a measuring wheel.
Did they do that at the Run for the Valkyries last weekend, which happens to be on the Flint Hills Series? NO!!! Instead of 8K (4.96 miles) the course was closer to 4.8 miles.
This race was managed by the Ski Club's Comp Group for a number of years, but since 2008 the local Opera Club has taken over. Why I don't know, other than no one else wants to do it.
They charge too much ($25/entry), they are disorganized and don't know what they're doing (we saw a course marshal twice attempt to misdirect the lead runners near the start and finish), and participation rates have dropped to 1/3 of the level of just a couple years ago.
I'll hold off on age graded rankings for this one until they get an accurately measured course.
Did they do that at the Run for the Valkyries last weekend, which happens to be on the Flint Hills Series? NO!!! Instead of 8K (4.96 miles) the course was closer to 4.8 miles.
This race was managed by the Ski Club's Comp Group for a number of years, but since 2008 the local Opera Club has taken over. Why I don't know, other than no one else wants to do it.
They charge too much ($25/entry), they are disorganized and don't know what they're doing (we saw a course marshal twice attempt to misdirect the lead runners near the start and finish), and participation rates have dropped to 1/3 of the level of just a couple years ago.
I'll hold off on age graded rankings for this one until they get an accurately measured course.
posted by Roger at
2:37 PM
3 Comments:
Since you like accuracy, 8k=4.97 miles :)
Right you are! And thankks for the correction. Better to carry 3 digits than two.
Nevertheless, that's an error of about 18 meters compared to what, 300, 350?
XC and trail races I don't care much, but would like to have at least a choice of road races with accurate distances.
I agree. It would be frustrating for a course to be off by that much. Our tuesday night races in the fall are always off, but it's expected and they tell you it's an estimate before hand. Road races should be accurate though.
Looking forward to the Equinox this fall. Been running more hills and trails this summer. Getting that mileage up too!
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home