How Long Is 800 m
800 m is 0.8 kilometers or approximately half a mile. This distance is equal to two laps on a standard 400-meter track and is a common middle-distance running event in track and field competitions. 800 m helps in comparing distances like kilometers and miles, providing a useful reference point for understanding various lengths.
Length conversions
- Metric conversion: 800 meters = 0.8 kilometers (800 m in kilometers)
- Imperial conversion: 800 m ≈ 0.497 miles (800 m to miles, roughly half a mile)
- Track laps: 800 m = 2 full laps on a standard 400-meter track
Context in sports
- Track event: The 800 m is the shortest middle-distance running event in track and field
- Olympic history: It has been part of the Olympic Games since 1896 for men and 1960 for women
- Nickname: Sometimes referred to as the "two-lap sprint" due to its intense pace
World record performances
- Men's world record: 1:40.91 set by David Rudisha (Kenya) at the 2012 London Olympics
- Women's world record: 1:53.28 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova (Czechoslovakia) in 1983
- Average pace: World-class 800 m runners maintain a pace of approximately 2:06 per kilometer or 3:22 per mile
Race characteristics
- Tactics: Requires a balance of speed and endurance, with crucial decisions on pacing and when to sprint
- Physical demands: Involves both anaerobic and aerobic exercise systems
- Race structure: Runners start in lanes for the first 100 meters, then the course becomes open
FAQ
How long is 800 m in kilometers?
800 m is equal to 0.8 kilometers. To convert meters to kilometers, you simply divide by 1000, so 800 ÷ 1000 = 0.8 km.
What is 800 m in miles?
800 m is approximately 0.497 miles, which is roughly half a mile. To be more precise, it's about 0.4971 miles.
How many laps is 800 m on a standard track?
800 m is equal to 2 full laps on a standard 400-meter track used in most track and field competitions.
How long does it take to run 800 m?
The time it takes to run 800 m varies greatly depending on the runner's ability. World-class athletes can run it in under 2 minutes, while casual runners might take 3-4 minutes or more.
Is 800 m considered a long or short distance in track events?
800 m is considered a middle-distance event in track and field. It's the shortest of the middle-distance races, requiring both speed and endurance from athletes.
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