Middle-distance running Middle-distance running Middle-distance running events are track races longer than sprints, up to 3000 metres. The standard middle distances are the 800 metres, 1500 metres and mile run, although the 3000 metres may also be classified as a middle-distance event. The 1500 m came about as a result of running laps of a 400 m outdoor track or laps of a 200 m indoor track, which were commonplace in continental Europe in the 20th century. A very uncommon middle-distance event that is sometimes run by sprinters for muscle stamina training. This was a popular distance, particularly indoors, when imperial distances
5000 metres 5000 metres The 5000 metres or 5000-meter run (approximately 3.1 mi or 16,404 ft) is a common long-distance running event in track and field. It is one of the track events in the Olympic Games and the World Championships in Athletics, run over 12.5 laps of a standard track. The same distance in road running is called a 5K run. The 5000 m has been present on the Olympic programme since 1912 for men and since 1996 for women. Prior to 1996, women had competed in an Olympic 3000 metres race since 1984. The 5000 m has been held at