n GPS We Trust:
Runner threatens law suit over course measurement disagreement. (True Story)
Picture yourself running your best half marathon ever, at least according to your GPS you are. You can hear the crowds welcoming now, and you are dreaming of a personal best at just under 1 hour and 44 minutes. But your time comes and goes images and still you are running towards the 13 mile mark. How could this be? Your GPS is state of the art and accurate to the nth degree. Your GPS just said you finished 13.1 miles. You paid almost $200 for this device, it has to be accurate! You grit your teeth and finish strong, but your personal best has long passed by. Where's the race director you ask? This course is SO LONG! ! ! I logged 13.3 miles on my GPS.
After a fashion, you lodge your complaint and go home, but later you think again. I paid my race fee it should be the correct distance, why should race directors get away with this. I am so sure my GPS is accurate! After getting an email message from the Race Director that the course is indeed sanctioned by the USATF and certified you are still not convinced. You blast the race director and threaten to sue for the race fee, you even call the race timer up and instruct him to correct your time to the ”real” time you ran for the 13.1 mile distance. (Real story)
Which is more accurate: A certified course that is wheel measured, or your GPS? Or in truth, how far do I really have to run before I can see the Beer tent?
Read and reach your own conclusion.
USATF Certified Courses €“ How accurate are they?