Why?
Race entry fees are quite high (very high in some cases) and runners should therefore expect that they are getting what they pay for. If you pay the entry fee for a 10k, you expect the course to be 10k, not more, not less.
Therefore, if you advertise your race for a specific distance, you should take steps to ensure that you can deliver what you advertise. Measuring the distance on-line, with a GPS device or, worst of all, in a car is not good enough.
Do you want to attract top-class athletes?
If your race turns out to be under or over-distance, any runner is unlikely to return to future events that you stage.
Runners are also more likely to be attracted to races that have a Certificate of Course Accuracy and when their promotional material carries the "Certified Accurate" logo.
Does if matter?
Yes!
If you are a runner you expect to get what you pay for.
Without a Certificate of Course Accuracy, and if your event is not licensed:
- runners' times will not qualify for inclusion in Power of 10 rankings;
- any records "set" will not be recognised;
- runners will be unable to use times achieved to meet qualification times for major events, such as the London Marathon.
Can I get a Scottish Athletics licence for an unmeasured course?
No!
If a race is advertised as of a specific distance it will not be licensed without a Certificate of Course Accuracy and AUKCM will only issue certificates for races that will be licensed. We work closely with Scottish Athletics to ensure, as far as possible, that these conditions are adhered to.