Enhancing Road Race Standards: AIMS Workshop in Bangalore

AIMS, in collaboration with World Athletics, is conducting a specialized workshop in Bangalore to enhance road race measurement standards across India. This five-day event, featuring 14 selected participants, aims to improve technical expertise in accurately measuring race distances, which is crucial for the integrity of the sport. Led by renowned marathon expert Hugh Jones, the workshop emphasizes the importance of adhering to international standards and safety protocols. With only three certified measurers currently in India, this initiative is a significant step towards building a skilled workforce that can elevate the credibility of road races nationwide. Discover how this workshop is set to transform the landscape of distance running in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 25, 2026, 13:27 IST

Introduction to the Workshop

The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), in partnership with World Athletics, is hosting a five-day Course Measurement Workshop in Bangalore from April 20 to 24. This event aims to bolster technical skills in road race measurement throughout India. The workshop is exclusive, featuring 14 selected participants from various regions who will receive intensive training on internationally recognized standards for road race measurements, reflecting the sport's rapid growth in India.

Participants' Background

The attendees collectively represent nearly 90 races, engaging around half a million participants from diverse locations, including Ladakh in the north, Kochi in the south, Ahmedabad in the west, and Tawang in the east.

Importance of Accurate Course Measurement

Accurate course measurement is vital in distance running, ensuring that race distances are precise and meet international standards. This accuracy is crucial for validating race results, athlete performances, and qualifications for global events. When new world records are established or existing ones are broken, they will be recognized and validated by AIMS and World Athletics.

Workshop Curriculum and Goals

The curriculum encompasses both theoretical and practical elements of course measurement, including principles, standards, bicycle calibration, on-site measurement, data analysis, and reporting. Participants will be trained according to World Athletics protocols, with certification based on attendance, assessment performance, and submission of valid measurement reports. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of trained and accredited course measurers in India, thereby improving the quality and credibility of road races nationwide.

Expert Insights on Indian Road Racing

The workshop is led by Hugh Jones, a renowned figure in the running community, who won the 1982 London Marathon and has served as a course measurer for prestigious events, including the London Olympics and the Mumbai Marathon. He emphasizes that accurate course measurement is essential for maintaining the integrity of the sport. As road running gains popularity globally, it is crucial for Indian races to adhere to consistent international standards to attract international participants.

Rajesh Vetcha, a board member of AIMS-India, initiated this workshop, highlighting that India hosts nearly 1,100 timed races, making course measurement a fundamental aspect of race credibility. With only three certified course measurers currently in the country, this workshop represents a significant advancement in developing a skilled workforce that can enhance the integrity and global recognition of Indian races.

Focus on Global Standards and Safety

Workshops like this are essential for training skilled measurers and ensuring that athletes can compete on trustworthy courses. Given the rapid expansion of distance running and marathon culture in India, such initiatives are vital for aligning local races with global best practices.

The workshop will also prioritize safety protocols, including mandatory helmet use during practical exercises and hands-on training with specialized equipment like calibrated bicycles and Jones Counters.

AIMS and World Athletics' Commitment

This initiative underscores AIMS and World Athletics' dedication to sharing technical expertise and supporting the growth of distance running in India. AIMS, headquartered in Greece, is the leading organization in distance running globally, with 470 member races across 123 countries. In collaboration with World Athletics, the international governing body for athletics, AIMS recognizes the immense potential for distance running to flourish in India as both a competitive sport and a foundational fitness activity. AIMS-India is the largest member of AIMS worldwide, with 28 members.

Acknowledgments

This workshop received support from the Karnataka Athletic Association, Karnataka Tourism, Procam, Decathlon, and 42kms, an apparel brand.