Course

The course is the official path of the race. It consists of the design, ground surface, and distance racers have to travel from start to finish. Every course is marked with signs and inspected for fairness, safety, and accuracy of timing.
Courses widely vary by event and sport. In a triathlon, there are three segments: swimming, biking, and running. For biking, the course may be a single loop or multiple laps around a track. Trail runs feature hills and elevation changes, whereas road runs emphasize smooth and quick routes. Having knowledge of the course in advance allows the athlete to prepare a strategy for pacing, what to consume, and tactics to employ, particularly on challenging or hilly routes. Course knowledge can determine whether someone finishes strong or struggles to complete the event.