Kazo Vision Logo
 


Introduction

Track events include sprint, middle distance, hurdle and steeplechase events. The 400m oval track forms the basis of a multi-sports arena and its dimensions are dependent on the requirements of other sports.
The competition area for track events includes:
  • oval track with at least four lanes and safety zones measuring no less than 1m on the inside and outside
  • straight with minimum of six lanes for sprints and hurdles
  • steeplechase track as for oval track with a permanent water jump

Outdoor events

Sprints are events up to 400 meters(including 400meters). Events commonly contested (as defined by events held in the Olympics or World Championships) are:
  • 100 metres
  • 200 metres
  • 300 metres (uncommon)
  • 400 metres
Middle Distance Events are events longer than sprints and up to 3000 metres. Events commonly contested are:
  • 600 metres (uncommon)
  • 800 metres
  • 1000 metres (uncommon, but World Record is kept)
  • 1500 metres
  • 1600 metres (uncommon—used in US High Schools)
  • One mile (not an Olympic event)
  • 2000 metres (uncommon, but a World Record is kept)
  • 3000 metres (not an Olympic event)
  • 3200 meters (uncommon—used in US High Schools)
  • 3000 metres steeplechase
Long Distance Events are events over 3000 metres. Events commonly contested are:
  • 5000 metres
  • 10000 metres
    • There are several, uncommon long distance events on the track in which World Records are kept. Those include: 15000 metres, 20000 metres, 25000 metres, 30000 metres, 100000 metres and the One Hour Run.
Hurdles events require the runner to run over evenly spaced barriers during the race. Events commonly contested are:
  • 100 metres hurdles (women)
  • 110 metres hurdles (men)
  • 300 metres hurdles (Youth, High School and Masters age groups)
  • 400 metres hurdles
Relay races are events in which four athletes participate as a team, passing a metal baton in between. Events commonly contested are:
  • 4 x 100 metres relay
  • 4 x 200 metres relay (high school & collegiate, a World Record is kept)
  • 4 x 400 metres relay
  • 4 x 800 metres relay (uncommon, but a World Record is kept)
  • 4x1500 meters relay {uncommon, but a World Record is kept)
Road Races are events conducted on open roads, sometimes finishing on a track. Events commonly contested are:
  • 10 km
  • 20 km
  • Half marathon (21.0975 km)
  • Marathon (42.195 km). The marathon is the only common road racing distance run in major international athletics championships, such as the Olympics.
Racewalking may be contested on either the track or on open roads. Elite road walks are conducted on closed loop courses (usually loops of 2,000 or 2,500 meters). Events commonly contested are:
  • 10 km
  • 20 km
  • 50 km

Indoor events

Due to space limitations, indoor races normally shorten the Sprint and Hurdle races depending on the available space. Because of the limited space, many races finish by leaving the arena, into a drag rope or stopping abruptly at a padded wall. Common distances are:
  • 50 metres
  • 50 metres
  • 60 metres
  • 60 metres hurdles

Rules

Download: IAAF_Rules.pdf