AIMS was firmly established in May 1982 with its first Congress in London. Prior to that date and over a period of two years, informal meetings had been held amongst some of the world's leading marathon race directors with a view to setting up such an association. Meetings were held in New York, Honolulu and other venues prior to the formal meeting in London.

Initially the thought behind the establishment of AIMS was to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas that would help to improve each attending director's race, however, once it was decided to write Articles of Association it was found necessary to go beyond just the exchange of ideas and to set some basic rules to govern the association and membership.

As stated in Article Two of the Association:

The objectives of the Association shall be to:-

a)Foster and promote road running throughout the world.
b)Work with the International Association of Athletic Federations on all matters relating to international road races, and c) Exchange information, knowledge and expertise among the members of the Association.

From those beginnings over twenty one years ago, AIMS has made remarkable progress.

At the 5th World Congress in 1989 in Melbourne, Australia, membership was extended beyond just marathons to all road races.

AIMS has firmly established itself as the major force behind the development and progress of road running throughout the world. From an initial membership of 28 in 1982, it has grown to 260 members in over 85 countries with most of the world's premier marathons and many of the major road races of other distances, as members.

We would always like to express our gratitude to the fact that there are organisations and institutions that support and co-operate with AIMS when we are making efforts and continuing to foster and develop the sound progress of running.

AIMS has firmly established its course measurement methods standard and the IAAF has recognised this and adopted the AIMS system as its standard too.

AIMS and its sponsor Citizen now recognises the world's fastest ever times on the road.

Further co-operation between the IAAF and AIMS is being established on the questions of doping control and holding of course measurement seminars in various parts of the world. The joint publication of "Distance Running" magazine that goes out to some 400,000 runners worldwide. AIMS continues to be fortunate in the excellent relationship it has with its sponsors. AIMS’ Presenting Sponsor is ChampionChip B.V. a company that has led innovation in chip timing for road running. ASICS Corporation has now been a major sponsor of AIMS for some years and they have worked together in a most harmonious and productive way establishing initiatives such as the 'AIMS/ASICS Athletes of the Year Awards'. We enjoyed sponsorship for a number of years, from Lufthansa Airlines who carried the book "Distance Running" free to many AIMS events around the world. AIMS other sponsors, Citizen Watch Company, Konica-Minolta, Rohm Co.Ltd, Marathon Photos.com and 1000km Promotions have all been very generous too, and there involvement has greatly assisted the development of sport throughout the world.

AIMS will continue to make efforts to go forward with the objective to promote running, the great sport of the world, in keeping closer relationships with the supporters mentioned above and by storing and providing information, expertise and developing techniques of race operation. 

or Further Information on AIMS please contact:
AIMS Web site: www.aims-worldrunning.org / http://aims-worldrunning.org/calendar.html

For general enquiries: Hugh Jones –General Secretary.Tel: 00 44-207-928-6200;Fax: 00 44-207-928-2700; [email protected]
For Media Enquiries: Peter McLean-Public Relations.
Tel:00 44-141-357-2516; [email protected]