Track events are running events on a track for specified distances.
These include (i) Sprints (100m, 200m, 400m), (ii) Middle Distance (800m, 1500m), (iii) Long Distance (3000m, 3000m, Steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m), (iv) Relays (4×100m, 4×400m), and (v) Hurdles (110/100m, 400m).
Starting position of various events in 400 meter track
Sprints
Sprinting is the name given to short distance running in which the runner tries to maintain maximum speed for the whole race. These include track events covering distances of 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, 4×100 meters relay, 4×400 meters relay, and hurdle races of 100 meters for women, 110 meters for men and 400 meters for both men and women. At the professional level, sprinters begin the race by assuming a crouching position on the starting blocks. Then they lean their body forward and gradually move into an upright position as the race progresses and momentum is gained. Athlete remain in the same lane on the running track throughout the sprinting distance. The man or woman who runs fastest and takes minimum time over 100m, wins the race. The winner is often named ‘the fastest man/woman in the competition’. Some sprint events start in lanes, to cover the same distance for each runner.
Sprint running
Middle distance
The middle distance races are of 800 meters and 1500 meters. Runners start the race from a standing start position in the lanes along a curved starting line or in staggered lanes. However the distance is same for each runner. After hearing the starter’s pistol, they head forward in the designated lane or move towards the innermost track to follow the shortest route to the finish. Athletes rely more on speed endurance and pacing than just pure speed. Middle-distance races require different skills and tactics to win the sprints competition. These races require that the athletes maintain a plateau pace, (i.e. the maintenance of speed at which the runner is running) that allows for a final spurt of speed, whereas sprint races need to be run at top speed for the entire length of the race.
Middle distance running
Long distance
There are four common long distance running events in track and field. These are 3000 meters, 5000 meters and 10,000 meters and 3000 meters steeplechase. Long distance track races have much in common with middle distance races. However, in these races, pacing, endurance, and race tactics play an important role in performance. In these events, runners need to balance their energy to win the race.
Long distance running
Relays
Relay races are the only track events in which a team of runners directly compete against other teams. Common relay races are the 4×100 meter and the 4×400 meter. The exchange of baton takes place within a specified area of the track called baton exchange zone. Teams may be disqualified if the team fails to complete the baton exchange within an area of 20 meters, the team is considered as disqualified. A team may also be disqualified if its runners have deliberately created hurdle for the other competitors. The 4×100 meter event is run strictly within the same lane on the track. It means that the team collectively runs one complete circuit of the track. Teams in a 4×400 meter event remain in their own lane until the runner of the second leg passes the first bend, at which point runners can leave their lanes and head towards the inner-most part of the circuit. For the second and third baton change-overs, team mates must align themselves in respect of their team position. The leading team takes the inner lanes while team mates of the slower teams must await the baton on outer lanes.
Relay race
Hurdles
Hurdles race
Dimensions of hurdle
In this race, hurdles are placed at fixed intervals along the track. The runners have to run over them on their way to finish the line. Typical hurdle races are the 100m and 400m for women and 110m and 400m for men. Timing, footwork, and techniques are key in winning the hurdle events. Athlete needs to run fast. The key factor to win in the hurdles race is to cross the hurdles without slowing down.
