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Sprint.co.uk
Celebrating the quest for
ultimate speed
An Introduction
Sprint races push runners to their limits for maximum speed over a short distance. Competitive sprint races are run over 100, 200, and 400 metre distances.
No conversation about sprint racing is complete without mentioning the staggering fact that Usain Bolt has held the world record for both 100 and 200 metre outdoor sprint since 2009, with him averaging an amazing 0.96 seconds per metre in both races!
Photo credit: Erik van Leeuwen
Starting Blocks
The race starts with the runners pressing their feet against starting blocks, to maximise the power of their launch.
Lane Discipline
As the tracks are oval, starting blocks are staggered and runners stay within their designated lanes to ensure they all run the same distance.
Finish Line
The race is won by the runner that has their upper torso cross the finish line first. Sensitive timing equipment and cameras are used to determine this.
Competition Distances
100 metres
200 metres
400 metres
World Record Holders
Men
200 Metres Indoors
19.92 seconds
Frank Fredericks, Namibia
1996
Women
100 Metres Outdoors
10.49 seconds
Florence Griffith-Joyner, USA
1988
200 Metres Outdoors
21.34 seconds
Florence Griffith-Joyner, USA
1988
History Of Sprint Racing
776 BCE
The ancient Olympic Games started with a single event, involving sprinting from one side of the stadium to the other. That event was named Stadion. The distance was approximately 185 metres.
724 BCE
At the 14th Olympiad of the ancient Olympic Games, the introduction of the Diaulos event doubled this length, by running from one side to the other.
1896
The modern Olympic Games included sprint races from the outset, with distances of 100 yards and one furlong, which later transitioned to 100 metres and 400 metres with the adoption of the metric system.
1928
For the first time since its inception, women are allowed to compete, starting at the Amsterdam games.
Sprint Videos
For more information: