What is more important, an exactly measured course or just that everyone runs the same distance? There are those that feel you should spend a lot of time wheel measuring a course, because a GPS is not as accurate. For myself I would rather be running, I seldom even keep track.
I remember a time years ago when a running friend and myself set out to measure a course. We calibrated our Jones counter with an area the city had designated as a mile. Then we rode to the course and spent the rest of the day going over the course over and over again to get it right. At this time I was a newbie and my friend was a person that wanted to do things right. By time he was convinced it was right I was ready to be done.
What side of the issue do you come in on? Does the course have to exact or just the same for everyone?