Athletics long distances - Definition and Overview

Long-distance track event races requires runners to balance their energy. Because of these kind of races are very energy-consuming, one requires mental determination and aerobic conditioning since stamina is a bigger factor than speed.

A person may be considered to be minimally trained if one has trained consistently for over 10 weeks prior to running the race.

• 3000 m is considered a middle distance track event

• 3000 m Steeplechase is a distance event requiring greater strength, stamina and agility than the flat 3000 m.

• 5000 m is considered a premier event that requires tactics and superior aerobic conditioning. Training for such an event may comprise of a total of 60-200 km a week.

• 10000 m is the final standard track event. Most of those running such races also run road and cross country running.

• Longer races are rarely contested on the track, although records do exist for distances up to 1600 km (see marathons and ultramarathons).

Notable long-distance runners

Men

• Haile Gebrselassie
• Kipchoge Keino
• Hannes Kolehmainen
• Paavo Nurmi
• Steve Prefontaine
• Lasse Viren
• Emil Zátopek

Women

• Tegla Loroupe
• Paula Radcliffe
• Derartu Tulu

See also

• athletics (also known as track and field)
• Olympic medalists in athletics (men)
• Olympic medalists in athletics (women)
• athletics training
• athletics competition
• sprints
• road running