The Difference Between Sprinters, Distance Runners

Every sport has its positions, lines, offense, defense, etc.; but in Track there aren’t any of those. Track is a sport that involves individuals accomplishing a goal by themselves without the hassle of worrying about where another person is so they can reach the goal, unless it’s a relay. Sprinters are short-distance runners that often have the most events to do in a meet that includes field. Distance runners usually just run long-distances because they’re not necessarily equipped to runner faster. Then are those who just participate in field events only because that’s what their best at and either rather not try anything else or just aren’t good at anything else, usually throwers. That is not always the case. Sprinters are the fast-pace athletes that use their legs for all they do. When sprinters run they’re generally on their toes, because they run at such fast paces to let their entire foot touch the ground would slow them down. Also, sprinters use starting blocks to run their race; they help the runner explode when they run. Starting blocks are a sprinters equipment that enables them from slipping when they’re about to start the race. Sprinters mostly participate in field events like long jump, high jump, or triple jump. Discus is also a possibility of a field event for a sprinter. Distance runners are the masters of pacing, they tend to run heel-toe because it’s a flat footed style that doesn’t need speed to be successful. Distance runners don’t need any equipment to start their race, except their feet. As well as their turnover speed, turnover speed comes at the end of their race when it’s just their time at stake. Their start for a race is usually staggered, about four runners on one line and six on the other. Distance races typically have about ten heats per race because there are so many people in the race at a time. Typically, distance runners don’t participate in field events, field events require speed, they may do high jump because they’re usually tall and skinny individuals who are distance runners.


 *This blog is from an elementary to high school level perspective, at the college level things become more complex.