Association of International Marathons and Distance Races
The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, also known as AIMS, is an association of the organisers of long-distance road running races. It was founded in 1982 at a meeting in London of marathon race directors. Its membership was extended in 1986 to include all road races. In June 2016, over 400 race organisations were members. Objectives. According to its Articles of Association, AIMS's objectives are: Course measurement and world records. AIMS works together with World Athletics to ensure that its road races are measured accurately. All AIMS races must  be measured by an accredited AIMS/IAAF course measurer. In addition, in order for a road race world record to be ratified by IAAF, it must satisfy certain conditions. Among these are that: The second condition is intended to ensure that a course is not designed in such a way that a tail wind may improve times unduly, but does not apply for the purpose of establishing Olympic and World Championship qualifying times. All races which have obtained World Athletics Label Road Races have been subject to AIMS/WA course measurement standards. Other activities. The magazine “Distance Running” is published  four times a year and distributed free to runners at events organised by AIMS members. Since 2013 the organisation has hosted a gala dinner each year at which the Best Marathon Runner award is given to honour the year’s most outstanding distance athletes. There is also a Green Award and a Social Award.