Running tracks are composed of two straights connected by two semicircular turns. The innermost part of the track has a circumference of 400 metres. A number of concentric lanes are marked on the track (usually eight, but occasionally more or fewer). It is coated with a rubberised surface that allows runners equipped with appropriate footwear (usually fitted with metal spikes that dig into the rubber) to get good grip, and cushions the impact on joints.
There are many track running events, differing slightly for men and women. For men, the commonly-run events include the 100,200,400,800,1500, 5000 and 10,000 metres, and for women 100,200,400,800,1500,3000 and 5000 metres.
Events 400 metres and shorter are regarded as sprint events, and are run exclusively in individual lanes (except in indoor areans where the second lap of the 400 metres in run 'out of lane'), with competitors using [starting block]?s to rest against in an attempt to get the fastest start possible, and competitors run as fast as they can for the entire race. These events, particularly the 100 metres, are primarily tests of muscle power, anerobic energy systems, technique, and reaction times.
Events of between 800 and 3000 metres are classed as middle-distance events. After a slightly staggered start, runners converge to the inner lane of the track. Collisions between runners are common. Runners change their speed throughout the race (usually speeding up for a sprint on the last lap), and tend to run in packs. Tactics are very important in these events. Some runners are capable of maintaining very high speeds for short periods of time, so these runners prefer to stay in a pack running relatively slowly until close to the end of the race and then sprint to the finish line, where other runners may be able to main slightly lower speeds for much longer periods and start accelerating further from the finish in the hope of tiring their competitors. Still other runners (notably many from Kenya) like to vary their pace throughout the race in the hope of disrupting their competitors' rhythm.
The longest track events, the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, are almost mini-marathons in terms of athletic requirements and tactics, and indeed many marathon runners also race in these events.
Track running also includes the 110 and 400 metre hurdles events, where at intervals around the track wooden barriers (mounted so that if they are touched by a competitor, they will fall down easily and allow the runner to continue). Competitors leap over the hurdles as they complete their race, though there is no penalty for touching or knocking over a hurdle except for the disruption it causes to the hurdler's stride. Hurdles is a highly technical event rewarding runners who can manage their stride length and timing perfectly.
The steeplechase is a 3000 metre (and thus middle-distance) event with with addition of five barriers at approximately 80 metre intervals around the track. These solid wooden flat-topped barriers cannot be knocked down, but competitors can use the top of them to leap off. It is also notable for adding a "water jump" in which the landing over the steeple is a shallow pool.
Track running events, particularly the 100 metre sprint, are regarded as the most prestigious events at the Summer Olympic Games. Competitors from the United States, mainly of African descent, have dominated athletics competition for many years, but there is little interest from American spectators outside Olympic games. A professional circuit of events is held, mainly throughout Europe, and there are biannual World Championships.
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