What are the middle and long distance races, and how is one won?
B · Beginner · The event and the start · 1 of 5The middle and long distance races on the track run from 800 m to 10,000 m. Athletes start standing, on a curved line or in lanes for the first bend of the 800 m, and then run together on the inside of the track. The first to get their torso to the finish line after the full distance wins.
How it works
- The races: 800 m and 1500 m are the usual middle-distance events, and 5000 m and 10,000 m the long-distance events. Other distances, such as the mile and the 3000 m, are also run.
- Laps: on a 400 m track the 800 m is two laps, the 1500 m three and three-quarters, the 5000 m twelve and a half and the 10,000 m twenty-five.
- The start: standing, with the single command "On your marks". Starting blocks are not used.
- Not in lanes: the start line is curved "so that all the athletes start the same distance from the finish".
- The 800 m: run in lanes as far as the breakline after the first bend.
- The inside: on a bend an athlete may not step on or inside the kerb or line that marks the inside of the track.
- Counting laps: a display at the finish shows the laps remaining, and "The final lap shall be signalled to each athlete, usually by ringing a bell."
- False start: an athlete responsible for one is disqualified.
- The finish: athletes are placed in the order in which the torso reaches the finish line.
- The time: recorded to 0.01 second from the photo finish.
- Wind: not measured in these races.
Tricky cases
Is the 800 m run in lanes?
It depends on the part of the race. It starts in lanes and stays in them round the first bend. At the breakline athletes may leave their lanes.
Do distance runners use starting blocks?
No. Blocks are used only in races up to and including 400 m.
Can a runner who has been lapped stay in the race?
Yes. A lapped athlete keeps running. They may not set the pace for another athlete.
Can men and women run in the same race?
It depends on the distance and the competition. In the stadium it may be allowed in races of 5000 m or longer when there are too few athletes for separate races, and neither sex may pace the other.
Why the rule exists
Over several laps the shortest way round is the inside, so everyone is allowed to run there and the start line is curved to make that fair. From then on the rules deal mainly with a crowded track: no pushing, no cutting inside the kerb and no outside help.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 16.1; TR 16.4; TR 17.2.4; TR 17.5; TR 18.2 |
| Large fields | With more than 12 athletes the field may start in two groups | TR 17.5.2 |
| Local competitions | The 800 m may be run without lanes | TR 20.4 (note i) |
| Road races and cross country | Separate parts of the rules | TR 55; TR 56 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 6.3.1, 9.4.1, 15.1, 16, 17 and 18 and Competition Rule 24. The list of distances is common usage and is not set out in the Technical Rules. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).