If you don't know the course your meet is going to be run on, it's definitely important to scout it out.
Footing is a critical factor.
Examine the course for where the footing is best and worst so that you can determine whether you should run to the right, left or straight up the middle. Get a feel for whether the ground is rock hard, really soft or a complete mud bath so you can decide the length of spikes to use in your shoes. When scouting out the overall terrain, take note of where the hills are and how long and tough they are, and note where the course is flat. With this information in mind, think over your strengths and your competitors' weaknesses so you can come up with a tentative race plan. I like to pick a point or two on the course where I may want to make a move.