The basics of running explained.

Rather than the planned 6-mile loop (which the athletes were essentially running six times), there will now be an 8-mile loop which they will run three times. This change "will decrease the number of turns and reduce the overall elevation gain on the course." Apparently the changes were made in part because the field (mostly the women's) is much larger than expected. *LRC Archive: LetsRun.com Previews The 2020 US Olympic Marathon Trials Course — Where Cross Country Meets The Marathon