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
Haile Gebrselassie needed a sub-4-minute final 1,600 metres for the record. With one lap to go and in great pain, Haile took off, recording a final lap of 56.77 seconds and a final 1,600 metres of 3:59.36 (= 4:00.96-mile) to race to a 12:39.36 world record. In 1999, Haile starred as himself in the movie "Endurance". The film chronicled his quest to win Olympic gold in the 10,000 metres in Atlanta. On the track, he won a 1500/3000 metres double at the World Indoor Track Championships, defended his Outdoor World Track Championships 10,000 metres title, and remained undefeated in all his races