Thread: Where should you run on the course?

I recently did a 10k on a twisty turn-y course (IBM Uptown Classic: 10K Course Map and Directions) and after the race I had two of my friends (with whom I did not run during the race) tell me that this certified course was long. One said that her GPS indicated it was 6.39 miles, the other had a number close to 6.5 miles.

I went on a local website and asked about the course and a reply I got from a forum member was 6.27.

Remember this is a certified course!

All I can think is that the differences in the length of the course must have to do with where on the course one is running (ie. outside corners, and zig zagging through people). I've heard that there is close to a 10% different between the inside and outside lanes on a 400m track.

So my question is, when running a race where on the route should you be: straight down the middle, zigzagging to take all the corners tight, somewhere else?