how to gps measure your race course

If you own a vehicle and want to either confirm or check the distance of your solo race course, simply reset the odometer reading and take a drive. This is a great way to confirm your GPS data is accurate (it usually is, but we all know that technology can be glitchy at times).

Full Answer

How accurate is GPS in measuring the length of a race?

Also, a runner does not run a straight line as he passes other runners, swings over to water stations, etc. Consequently, GPS devices usually measure a course long. GPS is great for training but not for race course measurement. More on GPS accuracy is discussed in the following links:

How do you measure a race course?

The procedure, detailed in a 50+ page manual, can be read at the following link: ( link to usatf.org) The official measuring device for certified race courses is a carefully calibrated Jones Counter. The Jones Counter is a mechanical counter that attaches to the front wheel of a bicycle. ( ( link to jonescounter.com ).

How does my GPS know how far I have run?

Your GPS file is actually a bunch of ‘track points’ – like a breadcrumb trail. And software (either on the device itself, or your desktop) interpolates all that and determines how far you ran.

Why do GPS measurements take so long on USATF-certified courses?

As someone who generally winds up toward the front of most running races and religiously “runs the tangents”, I can confirm that GPS measurements are still likely to wind up long on USATF-certified courses simply due to the GPS margin of error.

How are race courses measured?

Calculate the length of the road race course. Calculate it by adding those constants and dividing by two. The next step is to calculate the total number of counts recorded in riding the shortest possible route between the start and finish along the prescribed race route.

How do I measure my running km?

Plan a Running Route with Google MapsSimply open the Google Maps App or website.With a click on the map (on the smartphone tap and hold briefly) a pin appears.On the computer, right-click on the point and select "Measure distance".More items...•

How can I track my running progress?

This approach is pretty simple if you follow these 3 steps:Step 1: Establish a base training route. ... Step 2: Over two weeks, run this route twice at a “hard” pace, noting your time at end of all the major sections.Step 3: Test yourself on the exact same route two times per month.

How do I choose my race pace?

The recommended pace for long runs is typically slower than your goal marathon race pace, especially for runs over 14 miles. For your long runs, use a range of 30 to 60 seconds per mile slower than your goal race pace- the longer the run, the slower the pace.

How do I map a running route on Google Maps?

Plan a route Click or tap points on the map to create a route. Drag points to move them, or drag segments to insert a new point. You can also undo or redo changes to your route. To remove a point, shift-click or drag it to the trash button that appears while dragging.

Can I track my run on Google Maps?

Map or draw a route using our google maps Pedometer to measure the distance of a run, walk or cycle. Find your location by clicking the arrow icon or by entering an address to begin. Alternatively zoom and drag the map using the map controls to pinpoint the start of your route.

Which app is best for tracking running?

Our Top PicksBest Overall: Runkeeper. ... Best Route Finding and Tracking: MapMyRun. ... Best for Beginners: C25K 5K Trainer. ... Best Community App: Strava. ... Best for Runners Who Want a Coach: Running by Daily Burn. ... Best for Motivation: Charity Miles. ... Best for Reaching Your Health Goals: MyFitnessPal. ... Best for Apple Watch: Nike+ Run Club.More items...•

How long should it take to run a 5K?

30 to 40 minutesMany runners complete a 5K in 30 to 40 minutes, and many runners are satisfied with their time if it's around this benchmark. The average walker finishes a 5K in 45 to 60 minutes.

How do track athletes get faster?

Sprint Fast and Often The primary message here is to, above all else, be consistent in a speed program and manage your volume according to your training and competition schedule. Sprinting more often—increasing speed sessions to twice a week from once a week, for example—can certainly help you get faster.

What is a good 10K pace?

Most runners who are reasonably fit and clock 15–30 miles per week can expect to finish a 10K race in 50–70 minutes. More advanced runners will usually finish in 43–50 minutes. Exceptionally fit runners can average a mile every 7 minutes, whereas more casual runners can expect to run a mile every 10–14 minutes.

Is mile pace faster than 5K pace?

1-mile pace/effort: The pace or intensity level you can hold for a 1-mile race. If you've never raced 1-mile, this pace is about 30 seconds per mile faster than your 5K pace.

How much slower is 10K pace than 5K?

10K. The 10K (6.2 miles) is a tough distance. Even though it's twice as long as the 5K, the 10K is only run about 15 to 20 seconds per mile slower than 5K race pace.

How accurate is GPS?

Today’s GPS is so accurate that it can locate your position to within 4.9 meters (16 feet), though modern phones with advanced electronics and using additional signals and post-processing can further increase GPS precision.

What is GPS used for?

GPS is also used for anything that you might need location services for, such as land surveying, search-and-rescue missions, tracking shipments and wildlife. (link is external) , even doing censuses of people.

What is GPS receiver?

The GPS receiver in your mobile device compares the time signals it receives from the satellites with its internal clock.

How many satellites are needed to see the Earth?

The satellites circle the globe twice a day, and their orbits are organized in such a way that you can see at least four from nearly every point on Earth at any one time. You need at least four satellites to get a fix on your position, though more is better.

How do satellites beam signals?

The short answer. Multiple satellites beam signals at the speed of light toward Earth, and your device receives the signals at slightly different times , based on how far away each satellite is from your location.

What is the first job you do when planning a race?

One of the first and most important jobs you'll do when planning a race is to design a race course . This will not only be useful to your participants, but also their guests and anyone who plans to come out and spectate on race day.

What is a mapmyrun?

MapMyRun. MapMyRun is, of course, only one of a number of options, if you decide to use a personal route mapping tool from the many fitness apps out there. Like Mapometer you'll only have basic functionality to work with, but maybe that's goof enough for what you need.

Is Mapometer a good tool?

Mapometer is a pretty decent tool for race mapping, handicapped by the lack of map markers, which are only available on a paid subscription service. If you're ok with all that, then this could be good choice for you, as the tool is really friendly to work with.

Is GPSies a free race mapping tool?

If you are a feature geek and want a free race mapping tool that can keep your users busy with tons of info about your race, presented in a friendly and sharable format, GPSies is the tool for you. There's really not much to fault GPSies.

How to calculate the length of a road race?

To calculate the length of the road race course, you must first calculate the Constant for the Day. This is the average of the working constant and finish constant. Calculate it by adding those constants and dividing by two. The next step is to calculate the total number of counts recorded in riding the shortest possible route between the start and finish along the prescribed race route. This figure is then divided by the constant for the day. The result obtained is the length of the road race course.

Why is it important to define the road race course?

Defining the course is the most important step in measuring a road race course because the measurement is irrelevant if participants in the event follow a different route.

How does a Jones counter work?

A Jones Counter is mounted at the hub of the bicycle’s front wheel. It is important to understand that this device does not measure distance directly. It measures the revolutions and part- revolutions of the bicycle (front) wheel. Current models of the Jones Counter have a gearing through which they register 260/11 counts (23.6363) for each revolution of the wheel. Because the circumference of bicycle wheels normally used in measurement is about 2.1m, this means that each count represents approximately 9cm on the ground.

What is the SPR in road racing?

The road race course is defined by the shortest possible route (SPR) that a runner could take without being disqualified. Any particular runner is most unlikely to follow the shortest possible route, just as a track runner cannot always hold the inside kerb for the length of the race, but must move out in order to overtake other runners.

Where does measurement start?

Measurement begins at either starting point or finishing line, depending on which one is fixed by the organiser. It is important to ride the shortest possible route (see below), ensuring that all runners will run at least the declared race distance.

What is the working constant on a bicycle?

The aim in calibrating the bicycle before doing the road race course measurement is to calculate the number of counts registered on the Jones counter for every kilometre ridden on the bike. This figure is called the working constant.