Track and field events

Track and field events:

Running events conducted on a track 

(generally 400 metres, except indoors:

sprints are events up to and including the 400 metres events commonly contested are:

60 metres (indoors only)

100 metres

200 metres

400 metres

middle distance events are events longer than sprints and up to 3000 metres. Events commonly contested are: 

800 metres

1000 metres

1500 metres

one mile

3000 metres

3000 metres steeplechase

long distance events are events over 3000 metres.

Events commonly contested are:

5000 metres

10,000 metres

hurdles events require the runner to run over evenly spaced barriers during the race.

Events commonly contested are:

60 metres hurdles (indoors only)

100 metres hurdles (women)

110 metres hurdles (men)

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:

4 100 metres relay

4 400 metres relay

Some events, such as medley relays, are rarely run except at large relay carnivals.

Typical medley relays include.

Sprint medley relay (SMR): the four legs 

are 400 metres, two 200 metre legs, 800 metres;

or alternately 200 metres,

two 100 metre legs, 400 metres

Distance medley relay (DMR): the four legs are 1200 metres, 400 metres,

800 metres, 1600 metres

Road races are events conducted on open roads, sometimes finishing on a track.

Events commonly contested are;

10km

20km

half marathon (21.0975km)

marathon (42.195km) the marathons the only common road-racing distance run in major

international athletics championships,

such as the Olympics.

race walking may be contested on either the track

or on open roads. Events commonly contested are:

10km

20km

50km

field events 

throwing events

discus throw 

hammer throw

javelin throw

shot put