When runners cross the finish line of a marathon, the last thing on their minds is whether the course was exactly 42.195 kilometers. Yet, the meticulous measurement of these routes ensures that every step they take is part of an internationally recognized and certified distance.
Meet Kim Vivian, a 60-year-old Australian and certified course measurer for the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and World Athletics. Over the last 12 years, Vivian has measured over 50 marathon courses worldwide, including the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM), ensuring that each course meets the highest standards for accuracy.
The Science of Measuring a Marathon Course
Unlike recreational athletes who rely on GPS devices, Vivian’s work is far more precise. GPS watches, while advanced, are accurate only to within 1%. Course measurers like Vivian work with a margin of error of just 0.1%, ensuring that the course is exact and certified for elite competitions like the Boston or New York Marathon.
How a Course is Measured
- Preliminary Planning: Using tools like Google Maps, Vivian lays out a preliminary route to get a general sense of the course.
- Calibration Phase: Once on site, he sets up a 300-meter calibration course. Using a specially equipped bicycle with a counter, he rides this stretch four times to calculate the number of wheel revolutions per kilometer.
- Measuring the Course: The race route is measured in segments. Vivian rides along the course in shorter sections, logging data meticulously.
- Ensuring Accuracy: The focus is on the “shortest possible route” a runner could take, often referred to as the “tangents” of a course. This ensures the course meets the exact standard of 42.195 kilometers, even if individual runners might log a slightly longer distance due to crowds or deviations.
- Final Adjustments: After completing the measurements, Vivian calculates the total distance, adjusting the course layout as needed to meet certification standards.
The Life of a Course Measurer
Vivian’s work is not just about numbers; it’s physically demanding and requires him to cycle 50-60 kilometers a day. Beyond Singapore, his assignments have taken him to cities like Karachi, Pakistan, where he had to navigate unique challenges, including security escorts for his safety.
This global journey is part of what Vivian treasures most about his job. From meeting diverse communities to helping cities host their first certified marathons, every course he measures becomes a milestone in his career.
Ensuring Global Recognition for Runners
One of the most significant aspects of Vivian’s work is its impact on runners. Courses he measures are entered into an international database, making them eligible for qualification in prestigious races.
Santoz Kumar, General Manager of The Ironman Group Singapore, lauded Vivian’s contributions to SCSM, stating:
“It upholds our commitment to accuracy and credibility, ensuring our World Athletics Gold Label Race meets the highest standards.”
Festivities Surrounding the Singapore Marathon
While precise course measurement is vital, the SCSM is much more than a race. The weekend-long event includes activities for all ages, such as the Kids Dash, where over 5,500 children participated in 2024.
Highlights of the Kids Dash:
- Race Categories: A 600-meter dash for children aged six and under, and a 900-meter race for kids aged seven to 12.
- Family Activities: A Kids Village featuring human foosball, game booths, bouncy castles, and treats like popcorn and cotton candy.
- Special Perks: Free admission to the Singapore Flyer and Time Capsule for children with a race bib, as part of a promotional collaboration.
Inspiring Moments from SCSM
The SCSM has also been a stage for inspiring achievements. In 2023, para-athlete Dr. Zac Leow set a Guinness World Record for the fastest male para-athlete marathoner in his classification, finishing in 4 hours, 51 minutes, and 59 seconds. Dr. Leow celebrated the victory on his daughter’s birthday, making it a heartfelt moment for the family.
Marathon Weekend Continues
The excitement doesn’t end with the Kids Dash. The weekend lineup includes the 5km and 10km races, followed by the Half Marathon (21.1km) and the Full Marathon (42.195km). As runners lace up for their races, they can do so with the confidence that their achievements are measured to the most exacting international standards.
