Middle Distance Running

The most common middle-distance events are:

• 800 m and 1,500 m

Many athletes run in both events. Tactics play a part in these races, and often won or lost in the last few meters.

Athlete Profile

Middle distance athletes need physical and mental staying power. The distance are too long for sprinting, speed is required for the finish. Tactics are also important.

Main Events

In the 800m, runners complete 2 laps around the a standart 400 m track. They start from the staggered positions along the track and have to stay in their staring lane untill the end of the first curve. The 800m requires speed and endurance so competitors plan their race and use carefully considered and practised tactics. The 1,500m event consists of three and three quarter laps around the standard outdoor track.

Steeplechase

Usually 3,000m, the steeplechase includes 35 jumps, seven of which are water jumps. Normally, 4 barriers are sited around the track, with the water jump, at the top of the second turn, either to the inside of lane one or to the outside of the outermost lane. Barriers, which do not fall over if hit, are sited 78m apart. Runners start jumping them after the first half lap.

The Water Pit

The pit's bottom slopes up to the level of the running track. It is often covered in matting to reduce stress on landing