Requirements for RRTC Course Maps
(Jan 16, 2020. This document supersedes previous map requirements.)

An RRTC course certificate consists of a course measurement and course map. The course map is used to show runners, race directors, race staff and others the exact course as it was measured and includes details on the start, finish, critical turns and restrictions.

A course map consists of a primary map page and an optional set of supplemental map pages. The primary map (required) is a single page. It’s used to show an overview of the entire course and includes the system generated USATF Certified Course map stamp. The supplemental map pages (optional) may be used to show additional course information. The supplemental map pages may contain multiple pages.

The primary map page may be a JPG, PNG or PDF file format and is limited to a maximum file size of 7 megabytes (7 MB.) The supplemental map pages are a PDF file and are also limited to a maximum file size of 7 megabytes (7 MB.)

The primary map and supplemental map pages should be printable on a standard 8.5” x 11” paper. They should have a file resolution of 300 dots per inch (300 dpi) or greater. Additional white space must be provided on the primary map to accommodate the USATF Certified Course map stamp.

Additional map requirements:

1. The full course map must appear on the primary map page. If additional pages are required it must be stated on the primary map page. (E.g. See additional pages for details.)

2. Digital or hand drawn maps must be neat and representative of the actual course streets and paths. Maps shall be created so they are clear when printed or reproduced.

3. The measurer’s name, contact email and/or phone number shall be listed on the primary map page.

4. A Compass rose or North designation is required for map drawings

5. A text description of the start, finish, turnarounds or any other critical points that define the course distance is required.

6. Drawings of the start, finish, and turnarounds must be shown with reference to permanent structures and, if space allows, should be displayed on the primary map page. If space is not available on the primary map page, details must be noted on the primary map page and must be shown in the supplemental map page(s).

7. All roads of the running route and those listed in the descriptions shall be shown and labeled on the map. Intersecting roads that are not part of the running route may be included but are not required to be shown unless they are referenced in the mile or kilometer split descriptions.

8. Sidewalks and paths must be labeled.

9. Non-paved surfaces shall be labeled with the surface type.

10. The course name on the primary map shall be the same as the course name on the certificate.

11. The course city and state for the start and finish must appear on the primary map page. The course start city and state is required if different from the finish.

12. The following statement must appear on the map unless otherwise noted: “This course was measured using the full width of the road and the Shortest Possible Route (SPR).”

13. Course Restrictions must be indicated on the primary map, e.g., one lane only or must stay on the shoulder or cross over in crosswalk. If there is not enough space on the primary map page. this information must be noted on the primary map page and detailed in the supplemental map page(s).

14. The map must include any special notes that impact how the course is set up, e.g., where cones and/or delineators must be placed. If there is not enough space on the primary map page this information must be noted on the primary map page and detailed in the supplemental map page(s).

15. Course Distance.

a. Distances are stated in kilometers unless the certified distance is in whole miles or is a very specific mile distance (e.g., 10 miles, 3.5 miles).

b. The certified distance must be shown on the primary map and must match the course distance on the certificate.

c. If the certified distance exceeds the advertised distance, the certified distance must be shown on the certificate and primary map.

16. A calibration course distance may be listed in either meters and/or feet. The calibration course distance must be listed on the primary map and must match the certified distance on the certificate.

17. To avoid ambiguity and for consistency, dates must be listed using the Mth d, yyyy or Month d, yyyy format, using an alpha month and 4-digit year, e.g., Mar 4, 2019, March 4, 2019.

18. A course entirely on a track shall include the following statement on the primary map. “This is not a certification of the track itself.”

The following are required unless an acceptable reason is given. Reviewers have the discretion to accept maps and data based on the information provided by the measurer.

19. Whenever possible, the start, finish, and turnarounds should be defined by at least two permanent mark locations. In the example below, the red arrow shows the runners path.

A single location may be used if the mark is at an exact distinct permanent location. (E.g. monument, building foundation.)

20. All intersections that are turns on the course should be detailed in full, e.g., four way, three way or T intersection. The map only needs to show that a street continues past the turn. The example below the red arrow illustrates the runners path through a four way intersection.

21. The running direction should be shown on the map unless the course was designed to be run in either direction and includes mile or kilometer marks for both running directions.

22. Mile or kilometer mark descriptions should be included on the primary map page or supporting map pages. GPS coordinates may be listed as a secondary location. GPS coordinates should not be used as the only description unless permanent marks cannot be found. Mile or kilometer mark descriptions should be included on the primary map page. If there is insufficient space on the primary map page they should be added to the supporting map page(s).

23. Adjusted courses should list the relevant previous certificate number on the primary map page. This is in addition to the new certificate number that will appear when the certifier adds the USATF Certified Course map stamp.

Recommendations

24. A text description of the course route is optional, if the route is clearly defined by the map. On complex maps or maps covering large areas, the course route text description is recommended.

25. Digitally drawn maps are preferred.

26. Accurately measured splits should be shown on the primary map or supporting map pages in order to help the running community.

27. The following naming convention is suggested in order to avoid identical course names for events with multiple courses:

● Add the year of the race to the course name to distinguish between active courses with the same name. E.g., The Big Marathon - 2020, The Big Marathon - 2019

● Add the name of the option to a course name with multiple start, finish or intermediate route options. E.g., The Big Marathon Main St Start, The Big Marathon Flood Route

● Add the race distance to the race name for multiple races with the same event name. E.g., The Big Marathon, The Big Half Marathon, and The Big 5K.

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