If you have just joined a track team or are a parent who has a child that wants to start participating in track events, then this is a guide that you are going to want to have a read of. We will take a look at the different events that you can choose to participate in as well as the gear that you will need. So, without further ado, let’s get cracking.
Common Track Events
The are a number of common events that come under the category of track and field. We will take a look at them all right now.
Running
There are three categories for running and these are sprints, mid-distance, and long distance. Sprints can either be 100m. 200m, or 400m long and these races are all about speed and power. While you do need to have decent cardio endurance, it really is all about getting through the distance as quickly as possible. Mid-distance races are 800m or 1500m, which is roughly 2 or 4 laps of a track. With this type of racing participants need to combine the speed of a sprinter with the aerobic ability of a distance runner. A long-distance race is 3000m and 5,000m, and obviously all participants need to have a lot of stamina in order to be successful.
Hurdles
For hurdles, there are two common distances, and these are 100m and 400m. As you can guess from the name, this is not just running - participants have to jump over a number of hurdles on the way to the finish line. You will not be disqualified if you knock a hurdle down, but it will obviously slow you down.
Jumping
There are a variety of track and field events that fit into the jumping category. There is the long jump where athletes try to jump as far as possible, there is the triple jump where athletes get three steps to jump as far as they can, there is the high jump where participants have to jump over a bar without knocking it down, and there is the pole vault where athletes use a long pole to propel themselves over a high bar.
Throwing
There are also a number of events that fit this category, which is really self-explanatory. You are attempting to throw something as far as you can, and the event name tells you what you are throwing. There is discus, javelin, hammer throw, and shot put.
Equipment That You Will Need
If you are just starting up in a track and field event, then you will need to go out and buy yourself some track spikes. These are shows with small spikes in them that give you extra purchase on the surface when you are taking part in your track and field event. The last thing you will want is to lose a race because you lose your footing with the finishing line in sight. You will also need to make sure that you have clothes that you are comfortable in and do not restrict your movement. Head on over to your local sports shop and speak to a member of staff about the type of sport that you are going to take up, and we are sure they will be able to help you find the correct equipment.
Source: https://thewiredrunner.com/track-and-field-tips-for-beginner-athletes/