I'll be running a race this weekend at a meet that's really picky about the type of spikes they allow on the track. Only 3/16" or shorter pyramids are allowed, and they do spike checks.
I usually run in 1/4" pyramids, so what should I expect? Slower times? Less traction? Or will there not be any noticeable difference?
No difference. Honestly considering the difference between flats and spikes isn't even that significant on the track, 1/16 of an inch is not going to make a difference.
1/16”
by IAAF regulations, spikes are manufactured in millimeters, not fractions of an inch.
5mm and 7mm will perform differently if the track is the knobbly kind where a shorter spike might land in a hole and not reach the bottom. And if you'll be running a fast distance. It won't make a bit of difference at 3000m or above.