| Track & Field is composed of three sections: throwing, | | | | competitions, as the muscles used are different in the |
| jumping, and running events. There are dozens of | | | | two styles of running. |
| events encompassing the three sections. The throwing | | | | The 400 meter, 800 meter, 1600 meter (1 mile), and |
| and jumping events are done on the grass field within | | | | 3200 meter races represent the mid-length races, and |
| the track which is used for most running events. | | | | there are also longer 5 and 10k track races. In indoor |
| Running events vary greatly from one another, with | | | | track competitions, the 100 meter dash is often cut to |
| some races as short as 100 meters and others taking | | | | only 60 meters, though all other races maintain the |
| to the streets for a full 26.2 mile marathon. With the | | | | same distance on indoor and outdoor tracks. |
| exception of races over 10k, which are held on the | | | | In addition to standard running competitions, there are |
| road, all races take place on the 400 meter, 8-lane | | | | also hurdles races. Men run 110 and 400 meter |
| ovular track. | | | | courses, and women participate in 100 meter hurdles |
| The speed races are called dashes or sprints. Though | | | | races. |
| all races are for speed, the so-called speed races are | | | | The final style of competition on the track is the relay |
| preformed at all out sprints, which cannot be | | | | race. In both the 4x400 and 4x1600 meter relays one |
| maintained over longer distances. Competitors race in | | | | participant runs a quarter of the total distance (either |
| the 100 meter dash and 200 and 400 meter sprints. | | | | 400 or 1600 meters) before passing the baton to the |
| Competitors often run in all three, but it is rare for a | | | | next runner. Instead of getting points for each pass off, |
| track athlete to run in both sprint and distance | | | | what's important is who finishes the race first. |