Track & Field Running Events

There are 213 nation members of the International Association of Athletics Federations, the governing body for track and field, as of 2010. Athletes from the United States are able to compare their performances with international athletes, since running events are measured in meters in the United States. The only imperial measure event that is frequently held is the mile.

Track Configuration

Outdoor tracks almost always are 400 meters per lap, which equals 437 yards. This distance became standard when the imperial measurement system was used because a quarter-mile is 440 yards. Since indoor tracks must be designed to fit into arenas, they vary in size but usually are about 200 meters per lap. To help runners navigate the turns, the track may be banked, meaning the outside edge is several feet higher than the inside edge. If the track is too small to accommodate sprint races, meet officials may disassemble a corner of the track to create a straight area for sprinters.

Rules

U.S. track and field meets are conducted according to USA Track and Field rules or National Federation of State High School Associations rules. Standard race distances are set. Each state may have additional rules and not all states conduct the same events in high school competition. For youth meets and masters meets, races sometimes are held at different distances than the standard.

Sprints

Sprints are the races over shorter distances that involve the greatest speed. Distances range from 50 meters to 400 meters. Outdoor events include the 100-, 200- and 400-meters dashes. Indoor meets feature shorter races, such as 60 meters and 55 meters. Racers begin in a crouched position in starting blocks. At the sound of the starter's gun, they drive out of the blocks and run as fast as possible through the finish line.

Middle Distance

Middle distance runners need a blend of sprinting power and distance endurance. Races range from 400 meters to one mile. Younger athletes treat the 400 meters as an endurance race, while world-class athletes can sprint the distance. Each runner must stay in his own lane through the first corner on the track, then cut to the inside lane. If all runners start on the same line, they can cut into the first lane as they start running. Runners typically aim to run these races at an even pace. The mile is commonly run indoors, while a shorter "metric mile" (1,500 meters) is run outdoors.

Long Distance

Long distance races require tactics and endurance. Distances used are 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters and 10 kilometers on an outdoor track. In the Olympic Games, the 26.2-mile marathon finishes on the track. The runners start from the same curved line, which allows outside lane runners to cover an equal distance as inside runners to the first corner of the track. Runners pace themselves at the beginning of the race. The first half of the race often is run with the runners bunched into a pack. As the race winds down, the lead runners speed up the pace. When the lead runner crosses the finish line to start the last lap, a bell is rung so everyone knows the race has one lap to go.

Relays

Relay teams consist of four members, who must transfer a baton, typically a 12-inch metal tube, during the race. Each member has an assigned area to receive and hand off the baton. Most relays are sprint relays in which each member runs the same distance. They are identified by the distance each member will run: four by 100 or 4 x 100, for example. Medley relays consist of a mix of distances; for example, the NCAA (college competition) distance medley relay consists of the 1,200 meters, 400 meters, 800 meters and 1,600 meters. Some track meets are composed primarily of relay events.

Hurdles and Steeplechase

The common hurdle race distances are 50 meters to 400 meters. Hurdles are placed on the track at specified distances and heights. Each runner has her own set of hurdles, which can be knocked down as she goes over them without penalty if unintentional. A runner intentionally knocking down a hurdle will be disqualified. Runners begin in starting blocks and clear hurdles with the front leg extended and the trail leg bent to the side. There are four 42-inch hurdles in the men's 50-meter race and 10 30-inch hurdles in the women's 400-meter race.

The steeplechase is a distance event of 3,000 meters and is run outdoors only. Steeplechase uses barriers 12 feet long that weigh at least 175 pounds. They are 36 inches high for men and 30 inches high for women. Runners may hurdle the barriers or step on the 5-inch-square crossbar atop the barrier. Placement of the barriers varies slightly depending on the track. On every lap, one barrier is in front of a pit of water. The runners try to jump so they spend less time in the water, but usually can't jump completely over the water.