Long distance Track and field

kenenisa bekele leading in long distance track event

there 3 common long distance running events in track , field competitions: 3000 metres, 5000 metres , 10,000 metres. latter 2 races both olympic , world championship events outdoors, while 3000 m held @ iaaf world indoor championships. 5000 m , 10,000 m events have historical roots in 3-mile , 6-mile races. 3000 m historically used women s long distance event, entering world championship programme in 1983 , olympic programme in 1984, abandoned in favour of women s 5000 m event in 1995.

in terms of competition rules , physical demands, long distance track races have in common middle-distance races, except pacing, stamina, , race tactics become greater factors in performances. however, number of athletes have achieved success in both middle- , long-distance events, including saïd aouita set world records 1500 m 5000 m. use of pace-setters in long distance events common @ elite level, although not present @ championship level competitions qualified competitors want win.

the long distance track events gained popularity in 1920s achievements of flying finns , such multiple olympic champion paavo nurmi. successes of emil zátopek in 1950s promoted intense interval training methods, ron clarke s world record-breaking feats established importance of natural training , even-paced running. 1990s saw rise of north , east african runners in long distance events. kenyan , ethiopian athletes, in particular, have since remained dominant in these events.