TRACK EVENTS
FIELD EVENTS

SPRINT RACES
The shortest and quickest track events are the dashes or sprints. This includes the 100, 200, and 400 meter races. Runners begin the race at the sound of the starter pistol, reach their full stride immediately and maintain their fastest speed until they cross the finish line.

MID-DISTANCE RACES
Middle-distance runners have to learn how to pace themselves during their races. They must maintain a consistent speed without wearing themselves out during the event. This includes the 800 meter (2 laps) and 1600 meter (4 laps) races.

RELAY RACES
Relay races are run as a 4-person team. Each athlete runs an equal portion of the race, called a stage, and then exchanges a baton to the next runner to begin. Transitioning the baton to your teammate is just as critical as running your own stage. Relay events include the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 meter races.

HURDLES
Hurdlers must sprint 100M (girls) or 110M (boys) while clearing 10, 30" gates that are evenly spaced throughout the race. The most successful hurdlers clear each gate in stride instead of jumping over them.

LONG JUMP
Competitors sprint along a runway and jump as far as possible into a sandpit from a wooden take-off board. The distance travelled, from the edge of the board to the closest indentation in the sand to it, is then measured. A foul is committed if an athlete crosses the board before jumping.

POLE VAULT
Athletes use a pole to lift themselves off the ground and over a bar without dislodging it. The bar is continually raised until no one is able to complete the jump within 3 tries.

SHOT PUT / SOFTBALL TOSS
Varsity athletes compete in shot put where a 4 kg ball is thrown as far as possible. Junior varsity athletes similarly compete in the softball toss.

DISCUS THROW
Athletes throw a 1 kg disc as far as possible by rotating their bodies.