800m: the sport
The 800m race is the bridge between sprinting and middle distance running in Athletics track events. Usually run over 2 laps of a 400m track, it requires both a high level of physical endurance, typical of the longer distances, and the ability to keep up a speed effort, and sprint in the last 200 metres, more akin to 400m running.
A third essential component in the 800m runner’s bag of skills is tactical ability. In modern 800m races, competitors start from staggered positions and must remain in their lanes until the end of the first curve (about 115m). After the first curve, competitors may break for the inside lane, as long as they do not deliberately obstruct or push another competitor.
Running in the lead is often considered a disadvantage, as trailing runners can choose when to accelerate past the leader, and wind resistance is greater on those in the front of the pack. Runners in lane one but not leading the race must also be careful to avoid becoming boxed in by other runners, as this forecloses the crucial option to control one's own pace.
The fixed-lane start usually ensures a brisk pace for the first 200 m. Occasionally, no one will be happy to lead, and the field will bunch for the remainder of the first lap. This will lead to a slow first 400 m, leaving the runners extra energy for a hard sprint on the second lap, favouring the sprint-type 800m runner. Alternatively, one runner will ensure a fast first lap and the winner will be the athlete who slows least on the second lap. This tactic favours the endurance or distance-type 800m runner. Some 800m runners are able to run world-class times with even laps, or even negative splits (which means the second lap is quicker than the first).
For the men, the 800m has been in the modern Olympic games from the very start, while for the ladies, after the initial introduction in the track program of the 1928 Olympics, did not feature again until 1960.
