Track events: types, classification and characteristics

A summary of the 13 most important types of track events in the context of athletics.

Athletics is a more complex sport than one might think, and the track events that make up and the track events of which it is composed, all of them very varied, are true demonstrations of the great physical and mental capacity of the athletes. of the athletes.

Let's take a closer look at what exactly these types of tests are, as well as see what abilities are required to be able to pass them and how many types there are.

What are track tests?

Track events are different activities that are part of athletics. This sport is one of the oldest and most practiced throughout history, being conformed by different competitions in which jumps, throws of various objects and, of course, races are performed. at various distances.

Track events are so called because they are usually held on a track, normally an oval-shaped circuit, made up of two parallel straights joined at the ends by two curves. The size of the track varies according to the type of competitions to be held.

As an ancient human activity, athletics has changed over the years. the number of events in which experienced athletes have competed throughout history. What all these tests have in common is that the athlete must have a great capacity for self-improvement, obtained after an arduous effort that is rewarded in the form of high performance and endurance.

Athletes' abilities

In order to pass the track events it is necessary to possess well-developed abilities, both physical and mental. The athlete must possess impeccable coordination. and, in order to achieve his athletic goals, he must undergo hard training. Athletics is not just about running faster than the other contenders. It requires a great deal of preparation and willpower to achieve the goals you set for yourself.

In fact, something that may seem as simple and banal as a warm-up is key to success in competition, as well as promoting physical integrity and the health of joints, muscles and bones. In addition, competition has the potential to be so complex that the style with which it begins the style in which you start the race can cause you to lose valuable seconds or make you more tired. or cause you to tire more quickly.

Not only can these physical activities be physically taxing. Athletes are subjected to a heavy mental load, given that both before and during the competition they must react to stimuli and make the relevant decisions to ensure that they achieve a good result.

The most important types of track events

Here are the most important types of track tests. we will see the main track events most known and seen in competitions at the international level.

Foot races

Foot races are athletic competitions whose objective is to determine who is the competitor who succeeds in to cover a distance walking or running in the shortest possible time.. Within the foot races can be distinguished among the following six:

1. sprint race

In these competitions between 100 and 400 meters in the shortest possible time, depending on the distance in the shortest possible time, depending on the distance agreed upon in the competition itself. Normally, the distance run is done in a straight line, on level ground and without obstacles, especially if it is a relatively small distance such as 100 meters.

For longer distances it is more common to use the entire track, passing through the curves of the circuit.

2. Long-distance and middle-distance races

Middle-distance races have to be run between 800 and 3,000 meters, while long-distance races are over 3 kilometers. In this type of race endurance plays a much more important role than speed..

3. Road races

Unlike the previous ones, which take place within the traditional athletics circuit, road races are characterized by the fact that they take place outside the stadium. are characterized by the fact that they take place outside the stadium, in places such as highways or roads.. The most characteristic example of this are marathons.

4. Cross-country races

This type of competition is basically a long-distance race, but it takes place in various but it takes place in different spaces, usually in the field itself..

5. Hurdle race

This is a race in which there are obstacles along the way. It is inspired by equestrianIn this race, the horse has to jump over fences, but in this case it is the participants themselves who have to jump over them.

6. Relay race

Groups of four competitors usually participate.They must cover a distance in the shortest time possible, each one of them covering part of the distance.

Each participant must pass to the next a wooden stick, called a baton, which is the object with which the race must be run.

Race walking

Race walking has its origins in Great Britain. It consists of walking a distance of between 20 and 50 kilometers. Participants should walk as fast as they can, and always have one foot in contact with the ground. always keeping one foot in contact with the ground..

Jumps

There are many jumping competitions, depending on whether or not there is an object to jump over and also the height to be jumped over.

1. Pole vault

It is a very old competition, dating back to goes back to Classical Greecealthough it has undergone modifications over time. It consists of passing over a cross bar without making it fall, using a pole as an aid to perform the jump.

2. Long jump

The long jump consists of jumping from as close as possible to a 'starting plate', after having made a run to gain momentum..

3. High jump

Similar to the pole vault, only without the pole. It consists of jumping over a horizontal bar without knocking it over.

4. Triple jump

As its name suggests, consists of performing three jumps after taking impulse from the starting plate.. The winner is the one who has managed to move the most meters.

Throws

Throwing basically consists of throwing several objects as far as possible. These can be a heavy ball, a javelin, a discus or even a hammer, which is a ball tied to a rope.which is a ball tied to a rope.

Combined events

In the combined events, athletes must face several track events in a row.

Generally, these events are ten and are called decathlon, although there are other varieties with fewer events, such as heptathlon and triathlon.

Bibliographical references:

• Campos, J; Gallach, J. (2004). The techniques of athletics. Practical teaching manual. Barcelona, Spain. Editorial Paidotribo.
• Hornillos, I. (2000). Atletismo. Barcelona, Spain. Editorial INDE publicaciones.