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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