Middle-distance running

Middle-distance running events are track races longer than sprints, up to 3000metres. The
standard middle distances are the 800metres, 150metres and mile run, although the 3000
metres may also be classified as a middle-distance event.[1] The 1500 m came about as a result of
running 3+3⁄4 laps of a 400 m outdoor track or 7+1⁄2 laps of a 200 m indoor track,[2] which were
commonplace in continental Europe in the 20th century.[3]

Events
800metres
The 800 m consists of two laps around a standard 400 m track and has always been an Olympic
event. It was included in the first women's track programme in 1928 but was suspended until 1960.
David Rudisha (Kenya) is the current record holder: 1:40.91, London, 9 August 2012. Jarmila
Kratochvílová (Czechoslovakia) set the current women's record: 1:53.28, Munich, 26 July 1983.[6]

1500metres
Main article: 1500metres
Also known as the metric mile, this is a premier middle-distance race, covering three and three-
quarters laps around a standard Olympic-sized track. In recent years, races over this distance have
become more of a prolonged sprint, with each lap averaging 55 seconds for the world record
performance by Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco: 3:26.00 on 14 July 1998 at Rome (two 1:50 min
800 m performances back to back).[6] Thus, speed is necessary, and it seems that the more aerobic
conditioning, the better. Genzebe Dibaba from Ethiopia holds the women's world record: 3:50.07 set
in Monaco on 17 July 2015.[6]
This is a difficult distance at which to compete mentally, in addition to being one of the more tactical
middle-distance track events. The distance is often witness to some of the most tactical, physical
races in the sport, as many championship races are won in the final few metres.

800metres start

The athletes must use a standing start. For the 800m and over, athletes line up side by side along a
curved start line marked on the track. The athletes in this situation can cross to the inside lane as soon
as it is safe to do so.

1500 meters Start

Starting point (outdoors)

The 1500 meters starts at the end of the near turn, 300 meters away from the finish line.
The barrel is the curved start line located at the start of the one-turn stagger mark. It only spans across
the lanes in the outermost half of the track, and is used solely by the lowest-ranked competitors in the
case of a barrel start.

800m race and 1500m race Athletes

An 800m race comprises eight runners, each in his or her own lane for the staggered start; in the 1500m
and steeplechase, which have up to 12 athletes, a group start is used.

The athletes begin both the races without the starting blocks. In the 800 m final, the 8 runners run in
the assigned lanes throughout the first curve (lap) and then break for the inside lane after the end of the
first curve.