Long-distance track event races require runners to balance their energy. Because of these types of races are very energy-consuming, one requires mental determination and aerobic conditioning , since stamina is a bigger factor than speed. A person may be considered to be minimally trained if one has trained consistently for over 10 weeks prior to running the race.

Standard long-distance events

3,000 meter steeplechase

• The 3,000 meter Steeplechase is a distance event requiring greater strength, stamina and agility than the flat 3,000 meter event. The world record for men is:

Brahim Boulami        7:55.28                  2001

For women:

Gulnara Samitova       9:01.59  Heraklion       04 July 2004

5,000 meters

• The 5,000 meter is considered a premier event that requires tactics and superior aerobic conditioning. Training for such an event may comprise of a total of 60-200 kilometers a week. The world record for men:

Kenenisa Bekele      12:37.35                  2004

For women:

Elvan Abeylegesse    14:24.68  Norway          11 June 2004

10,000 meters

• The 10,000 meter is the final standard track event. Most of those running such races also compete in road races and cross country running events. The world record for men:

Kenenisa Bekele      26:20.31                  2004

For women:

Wang Junxia          29:31.78                  1993

Other distance events

Longer races are rarely contested on the track, although records do exist for distances up to 1600 kilometers (see marathons and ultramarathons). 3,000 meters is considered a middle distance track event.

Notable long-distance track athletes

Men

• Saïd Aouita
• Bernard Barmasai
• Kenenisa Bekele
• Brahim Boulami
• Ron Clarke
• Haile Gebrselassie
• Gunder Hägg
• Salah Hissou
• Volmari Iso-Hollo
• Ben Jipcho
• Kipchoge Keino
• Wilson Boit Kipketer
• Moses Kiptanui
• Hannes Kolehmainen
• Daniel Komen
• Paavo Nurmi
• Yobes Ondieki
• Steve Prefontaine
• Gaston Roelants
• Henry Rono
• William Sigei
• Paul Tergat
• Lasse Viren
• Miruts Yifter
• Emil Zátopek

Women

• Elvan Abeylegesse
• Jiang Bo
• Zola Budd
• Mary Decker
• Wang Junxia
• Ingrid Kristiansen
• Tegla Loroupe
• Liz McColgan
• Paula Radcliffe
• Fernanda Ribeiro
• Gulnara Samitova
• Gabriela Szabo
• Derartu Tulu
• Dong Yanmei

See also

• athletics (also known as track and field)
• Olympic medalists in athletics (men)
• Olympic medalists in athletics (women)
• athletics training
• athletics competition
• sprints
• road running