How Many Events Are in Track and Field?
There are 44 events that make up track and field. They are generally split into two categories: events that require running a certain distance and events in which athletes must surmount obstacles.
For instance, in the steeplechase, runners must run 7 1/2 laps and clear barriers that are nearly 3 feet high. They also must jump over a bar in the pole vault.
Distance Runs
Long-distance events require a different set of skills than sprinting. They rely more on endurance and proper pacing than pure speed. Long distance events also require that runners refuel during their race to prevent fatigue and maintain a high rate of oxygen consumption.
Middle-distance races like the 1500 meter and mile run are tactical affairs where athletes often begin in staggered lanes to make their first laps a little easier. The top contenders aren’t afraid to break out of their assigned lane in the early phases, but they also have the patience to hold back until they have a clear shot at the barriers.
The 3000 meter steeplechase is another incredibly challenging event that requires athletes to negotiate 28 fixed hurdles and seven water hurdles while completing laps around the track. In this event, athletes can run up to the inside barrier almost as soon as the start gun fires, but many choose to jump over the hurdles with one foot, avoiding the risk of getting tangled with others on their way down.
Relay Races
Relay races are some of the most exciting track events to watch. They involve four athletes running different distances, each of them passing a baton to their teammates. Runners must be careful not to drop the baton or it can cost them their place in the race.
The most common relay races are the 4 x 100 m and 4 x 400 m. Both men and women compete in these events, which feature some of the fastest sprinters on the planet.
Each runner must hand the baton to their teammate within a designated exchange zone. This zone is typically marked by triangles on the track. Runners often use a blind handoff, in which they start running once they reach the acceleration zone and then open their hands behind them after a few strides. They then wait for an auditory cue, like “stick!” repeated several times, from their teammate to indicate they should put out their hand.
Sprints
Sprints are short running races that require explosive bursts of speed over relatively short distances. Athletes start these events by lowering their bodies into starting blocks before the starter’s gun is fired, signaling the race is about to begin. The 100 meters is the shortest sprint event. It is a very technical race, and perfecting the start is crucial.
Middle-distance and long-distance races require a balance of speed and endurance. These events are typically contested over 10 to 12 laps of the track, so runners need exceptional cardiovascular endurance.
Middle-distance races are contested over shorter distances, usually 800 and 1500 meters. Athletes who specialize in these events need to focus on developing endurance while ensuring they have enough speed to maintain their competitive edge.
Jumps
Athletes compete in jumping events like the long jump, triple jump and high jump. They aim to cover the most horizontal distance or clear the highest vertical height in each event. Teaching the proper technique for these events is critical, as they involve much more than just jumping.
For example, athletes in the triple jump sprint down a runway toward a take-off board and then perform three combined jumping efforts. The first one, called the hop, takes off from one foot and lands on the opposite (for example, a right-footed hopper will land on his left foot after the hop). The next two efforts, known as the step and jump, combine to form the overall distance jumped.
The longest jump wins the competition. The top eight or nine athletes get three attempts. If they miss, they can pass to the next height. Athletes with the best marks advance to the finals. There are also other specialized jumping events, such as the pole vault.