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
Athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's 10,000 metres Athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics – Men's 10,000 metres The Men's 10,000 metres at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on August 17 at the Beijing National Stadium. The race was dominated by the Ethiopian and Kenyan teams along with Tadese of Eritrea. With 200m remaining, Bekele pulled away from the rest of the field with a final lap of 53.42 seconds, winning his second 10,000m Olympic gold medal. The qualifying standards for the 2008 event were 27:50.00 (A standard) and 28:10.00 (B standard). The Men's 10,000m competition consisted of only one race the Final. Prior to this competition,