Course Measurement Guidelines

GUIDELINES FOR RACE PROMOTERS / ORGANISERS AND ADVISORY FOR RUNNERS

As pioneers in promoting distance running events in India, Procam International remains committed to safeguarding the integrity, fairness, and credibility of the sport. Events such as the Tata Mumbai Marathon, TCS World 10K Bengaluru, Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon, and Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata have set benchmarks for excellence in race organisation.

With the objective of ensuring that qualifying timing certificates submitted for Procam races are authentic, accurate, and achieved under properly regulated race conditions, Procam has defined the following guidelines for race promoters/organisers across India and as an advisory for runners.

These guidelines aim to:

• Prevent fraudulent practices and timing manipulation.
• Protect genuine runners from disappointment due to non-compliant events.
• Standardise race organisation practices across India.
• Support smaller races through structured guidance and transition time

Race organisers are given time until 31st March 2027 to fully comply with these requirements. From this date onward, timing certificates will only be considered if the event strictly adheres to the stated guidelines.

GUIDELINES FOR RACE PROMOTERS / ORGANISERS AND ADVISORY FOR RUNNERS

(For Timing Certificates to be Considered Under Procam Confirmation Criteria – Timed Categories)

If any guideline is not followed, or if substantial issues/complaints arise regarding timing accuracy, course distance, operational conduct, technical management, or runner verification, Procam International reserves the right to reject timing certificates from such events. Procam’s decision in this regard shall be final and binding.

1. Event Date Requirement

The running event must have been conducted 18 months preceding race day of Procam race (as per predefined qualifying windows of respective Procam events).

2. No Claim as Official Qualifier

The event must not state — verbally, in writing, or by implication — that it is an “official qualifier” for any Procam event, including but not limited to:

• TCS World 10K Bengaluru
• Tata Mumbai Marathon
• Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon
• Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata

This restriction applies across all communication platforms including:

• Website
• Social media
• Marketing material
• Press releases
• Email communication
• Certificates

Any misleading representation may lead to disqualification of timing certificates from that event.

3. Course Measurement Standards

To ensure distance accuracy, fairness, and integrity of qualifying  performance, the following standards are mandatory:

3.1 Measurement Authority

The course must be measured by:

• An AIMS / World Athletics accredited measurer (Grade A or Grade B)
• Using the calibrated bicycle method (Jones Counter or equivalent)
• Course measurement must strictly follow the standards prescribed in the AIMS / World Athletics publication “The Measurement of Road Race Courses.” The latest version of the document may be accessed via the official AIMS website. (https://aims-worldrunning.org/course-measurement.html)

Only courses measured and certified under these standards will be considered valid.

3.2 Race Day Course Compliance 

a) Deviation & Re-Certification Clause 
If any deviation from the originally certified course is identified — whether intentional or accidental — the modified course must be re-measured and re-certified by the accredited course measurer.

Failure to obtain such re-certification shall result in:

• Timing certificates from that edition of the event are not considered for Procam races.

b) Short Course Clause and not accepting timing for Procam events 
If the course is found to be short for any reason whatsoever — including but not limited to:

• Incorrect course layout
• Altered turning points
• Barricading errors
• Operational mismanagement
• Measurement discrepancies

Then:

• No timing certificate from any race category of that specific edition of the event will be considered for Procam races.

Procam International’s determination in such matters shall be final and binding.

3.3 Public Disclosure

An AIMS / World Athletics International Course Measurement Certificate must be:

• Uploaded on the official event website
• Publicly accessible at all times

The certificate must include:

• Race name and distance
• Certificate number
• Name and grade of the accredited measurer
• Measurement date and validity period

If the event does not have an official website or digital presence, the course measurement certificate must be emailed to:

info@procam.in and registration@procam.in

Failure to provide verifiable course measurement certificate may result in rejection of timing certificates. 

4. Timing System Requirements

Accurate and tamper-proof timing is mandatory.

4.1 RFID Timing (Compulsory)

• All runners must be timed using RFID technology.
• Timing tags must be securely affixed to the bib prior to distribution.
• Loose timing chips must not be handed directly to runners.

4.2 Minimum Split Timing Mats

In addition to timing mats at the Start and Finish gates, the following minimum split mats must be installed:

• Full Marathon (42.195 km) – Minimum 3 split-point mats
• 25 km – Minimum 2 split-point mats
• Half Marathon (21.097 km) – Minimum 2 split-point mats
• 10 km & 5 km – Minimum 1 split-point mat

4.3 Results Timeline

• Provisional results must be published within 12 hours of the official race close time.
• Final results and downloadable timing certificates must be made available online.
• Split timings from the minimum required mats must be clearly visible.

Certificates showing insufficient splits or missing split data will not be accepted.

5. Runner Verification & Anti-Cheat Mechanisms

To maintain race integrity, organisers must implement robust verification and anti-cheat measures.

5.1 Runner Identity Verification

Adequate mechanisms must be in place to confirm that:

• The individual who registered is the same individual who ran the race.

Examples include:

• Bib-photo matching
• ID verification at bib collection
• Controlled bib distribution process

5.2 Anti-Cheat Infrastructure

The event must ensure:

• Functional timing mats at required split points
• Operational cameras at key junctions (with footage available for verification if required)
• On-ground officials stationed at crucial course points

If a substantial number of finishers show missing split data or irregular timing patterns, Procam reserves the right to not accept certificates from that event.

6. Operational Integrity on Race Day

Even if all pre-event guidelines are met, race-day execution must ensure full operational integrity.

If any operational issues occur on race day — including but not limited to:

• Shorter course distance
• Incorrect route deviation
• Missing or malfunctioning timing mats
• Unauthorised course alterations
• Technical failures impacting timing accuracy

and such issues are formally highlighted, verified, and proven to have materially impacted timing results, Procam International, will not accept timing certificates from that event for qualification purposes, even if the organiser has otherwise complied with the defined guidelines.

We encourage each race to appoint a designated team member as an Observer, who will be responsible for ensuring adherence to race measurement standards and guidelines, on Race Day .

Procam’s decision in such cases shall be final .

7. Acceptable Event Categories

Eligible qualifying performances must be from:

• On-ground 5 km
• 10 km
• Half Marathon
• 25 km
• Full Marathon
• Timed relay events where an individual covers at least 5 km

The following are not accepted:

• Virtual events
• Trail runs
• Uncertified races

Timing certificates must reflect net (chip) time from the certified course.

Important Clarification

Acceptance of a timing certificate is subject to the defined confirmation criteria of the respective Procam event.

For avoidance of doubt:

• A 5 km timing certificate will not be considered for qualification into race categories beyond those specified under the relevant Procam event’s confirmation criteria (for example, it cannot be used to qualify for a Half Marathon, 25 km, or Marathon category unless explicitly permitted).
• A 10 km timing certificate will not be accepted for qualification into a Full Marathon category unless specifically allowed under that event’s confirmation policy.

Each Procam event may prescribe distinct qualifying distance requirements. Organisers and runners are advised to refer to the official confirmation criteria of the respective event before relying on a timing certificate for qualification purposes.

Transition Period & Support (Until 31 March 2027)

Procam recognises that these guidelines may significantly impact smaller races that currently do not follow such structured standards. To support the ecosystem:

• A transition period is provided until 31st March 2027.
• From 1 April 2027 onward, only fully compliant events will be considered.

Procam Webinar Series for Race Promoters

To ensure clarity, Procam will conduct structured online webinars:

• Webinars will provide detailed explanations, implementation guidance, and Q&A opportunities.
• Recorded sessions will be uploaded on Procam’s official YouTube channel for future reference.

For queries or submissions, organisers may contact: 
info@procam.in & registration@procam.in

Important Advisory for Runners

Runners intending to use timing certificates from other races to qualify for Procam events are strongly advised to:

• Confirm with the respective event organisers whether these guidelines are being followed.
• Verify that course measurement, timing systems, and split requirements meet the stated standards.

Procam International will not be held responsible if a race fails to adhere to the defined guidelines, resulting in rejection of timing certificates.

By adhering to these standards, race organisers contribute to:

• Fair competition
• Transparent qualification processes
• Protection of genuine runners
• Strengthening the credibility of road running in India

Together, we can elevate the standards of distance running across the country and ensure that every qualifying performance is earned with integrity.

COURSE MEASUREMENT CERIFICATES - TATA MUMBAI MARATHON

Access the World Athletics International Measurement Certificates in cooperation with Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) for the Tata Mumbai Marathon. The below documents verify that the race courses have been measured and certified in accordance with globally recognised standards, ensuring accuracy and eligibility for official timings and records.

Marathon Elite Route Measurement Certificate

Marathon Route Measurement Certificate

Half Marathon Route Measurement Certificate

Open 10K Route Measurement Certificate