" Running mates are often chosen to balance the ticket. That is to create more widespread appeal for a ticket by expanding it appeal across geographic or ideological lines . This was especially true in presidential elections before the American Civil War when northern candidates were often paired with southern candidates and visa-versa. Electoral votes also play a part in modern presidential running mate selection. Vice-Presidential candidates are often from populous states with a large number of electoral votes that may be swayed by having a favorite son on the ticket. Road running or road racing is the sport of running on a measured course over an established road (as opposed to track and cross country running). Such a race is called a road race. America Race Walking Athletes Road racing offers competitors a variety of challenges to overcome such as hills, sharp bends, varied pavement, inclement weather, and a large group to compete against- or with. Aerobic fitness, or the ability of the body to utilize oxygen, is important to have to complete the long distances. "