RunnrsRUs wrote:
The purpose of the rule has to do with track measurement. It's present so that runners have a clear indication of what the inside line is and won't inadvertently cut the course short. Having the flags/cones not present for a portion of the course doesn't take away from the measurement of the course, unless someone steps on the line. Now considering that this is the Olympics and there are multiple camera locations with multiple angles of the entire race, if Ayana had cut the course at some point, someone would have protested and she would have been DQ'd by now. The fact that they don't require the "kerb" on the straightaways shows that it isn't some technical deficiency in the course, it's for the benefit of the runner.
The record will stand.
No Rail? No Record!
If The Kerb is obsolete because of cameras, why have it at all? The Kerb serves a bigger purpose than you think. It's not just there to mark the course, there are painted lines for that. You said it yourself, without The Kerb people would inadvertently cut the course short. Meaning The Kerb's presence is felt and respected by the runners at all times. The Kerb can creep into the athlete's subconsciousness and break them psychologically. The record hasn't been ratified yet because the IAAF knows this and also knows what this board is capable of. They do not want to open this Pandora's box of rule bending.