How Far Did You Run?

NYRR archive photo of Ted Corbitt

Simple enough question.  Most runners today take it for granted that if they run a race advertised as a Mile, 5K, 5-mile, or a marathon that is the distance they will run, but it hasn't always been that way.  50 years ago this month, a soft spoken, but "broad shouldered" New Yorker named Ted Corbitt began the quest to certify the distance in road racing.

I use the term "broad shouldered" metaphorically in that Corbitt carried the course measurement quest on his shoulders and, with the assistance of like minded individuals, carried the necessary paperwork and legislation through the various running organizations to make accurate course measurement a requirement instead of only a possibility.

Ted's son Gary wrote the following tribute to his dad:  "In August 1964 Ted Corbitt authored and published the 29 page monograph “Measuring Road Running Courses.” The movement to certify the accuracy of road race courses across the United States was started.

Ted Corbitt stated the following: 'I rate my involvement in course certification the most important thing I’ve done in athletics and that includes being on an Olympic team and setting a few American records. I want to thank Aldo Scandurra for giving me a chance to survive. And I want to thank John Sterner, Robert Letson and John Jewell of England.'

Road Race Management editor and publisher Phil Stewart said the following: 'Besides being an African American Olympic marathoner in 1952, a time when marathon running was far from integrated, Ted Corbitt was the quiet, tireless founder of the measurement and course certification system which allows millions of runners today to know that the courses they run -- be it the Boston Marathon or their local Turkey Trot 5K -- have been accurately measured. This is his remarkable and enduring legacy.'

Learn more running history at:

www.tedcorbitt.com