The Different Events in Track & Field

Running Events

When you hear the term “track meet” your first thought is probably toward running races. Foot racing events include sprints, long distance events, relays, and hurdling. These events are pretty straight forward. Sprints races are won by sprinting as fast as you can for a short distance. Long distance events are won by running at a consistent pace for a long period of time. Relays can be sprints or long distance, but are when teams of two or more win with the fastest time. And hurdles are when runners must jump over an obstacle as they run toward the finish line.

Jumping & Throwing Events

There are also jumping events, including long jump, triple jump, high jump, and pole vault. Pole vault is when a pole is used to aid the athlete in jumping over a bar.

Throwing events include shot put, javelin, discus, and hammer. Shot put is the act of throwing a spherical object, known as the shot, as far as possible. Javelin is the act of throwing a javelin, or a spear, as far as possible. Discus is when an athlete throws a heavy disc, called a discs, as far as possible. And the hammer throw is when a metal ball attached by a steel wire to a grip is thrown as far as possible.

Not all of these events are at every track and field meet. The most prominent events held at a track meet include all of the running events, long jump, pole vault, discus, and shot put.

It takes extreme dedication and strength to perform these events. With a strong core and continued practice, athletes can go on to compete in college and even in the Olympics. If your child is interested in track and field, support their goals and help them to stay focused with a healthy diet and exercise.