" 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. 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. America Race Walking Athletes Anaerobic fitness, that is, the body's capability at responding when there isn't enough oxygen for the muscle, is necessary to charge up hills and past competitors on the finish line. A common saying for runners is that the sport is 90% mental. "