Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Track (Technical Rule 160)
The standard outdoor athletics track has a circumference of 400 metres. The track shall have a minimum of six lanes for all World Athletics Series competitions; eight lanes are required for World Athletics Championships and Olympic Games track events. Each lane shall be 1.22 m wide (minimum 1.22 m, maximum 1.25 m), including the lane line to the right. Lane lines shall be white, 5 cm wide.
The track surface must be all-weather (synthetic) for all World Athletics Series and Area Championship competitions. The track shall have a maximum cross-fall of 1:100 (1%) and a maximum overall inclination in the running direction of 1:1000 (0.1%).
The inside edge of the track shall be bordered by a kerb (raised or flat) of white or another colour. Where a kerb is not used, a painted line 5 cm wide delineates the inside edge, and the inside measurement is taken 20 cm from that line (Technical Rule 160.4).
3.2 Lanes and Measurements
All races up to and including 400m, and the first leg of relays up to and including the 4×400m, shall be run entirely in separate lanes. The 800m shall be run in lanes to the end of the first bend. Distances are measured 20 cm from the outer edge of the lane line for Lane 1 (where no raised curb exists), and 20 cm from the inner edge of each outer lane line for all other lanes (Technical Rule 163.3).
3.3 Start and Finish Lines (Technical Rule 161)
The start and finish lines shall be 5 cm wide, painted white, and form part of the measured distance of the race. The finish post shall be placed at least 30 cm beyond the outer edge of the outermost lane.
3.4 High Jump Area (Technical Rule 181)
The runway shall be a minimum of 15 m in length (no maximum) with a maximum cross-fall of 1:100. The landing area shall be a minimum of 5 m × 3 m. The crossbar is of circular cross-section, maximum 30 mm diameter, total length 4.00 m ± 2 mm (±4 mm at World Athletics Series level).
3.5 Pole Vault Area (Technical Rule 183)
The runway shall be a minimum of 40 m in length (45 m preferred) and minimum 1.22 m wide. The landing area shall be a minimum of 6 m × 6 m (excluding the front section nearest the box). The plant box shall be 1.00 m long, 60 cm wide at the top, tapering to 15 cm at the bottom, set at an angle of 105° to the runway. The crossbar is circular, maximum 30 mm diameter, length 4.50 m ± 2 mm.
3.6 Long Jump and Triple Jump Area (Technical Rules 185–186)
The runway shall be a minimum of 40 m in length (45 m preferred) and minimum 1.22 m wide. The takeoff board is 20 cm wide and flush with the runway surface. The landing area shall be a minimum of 2.75 m wide and filled with moist sand, the surface of which is level with the takeoff board. For Long Jump, the takeoff board is placed at least 1 m from the near edge of the landing area. For Triple Jump, the men's takeoff board is 13 m from the near edge of the landing area (11 m for women at World Athletics Series level).
3.7 Shot Put Circle (Technical Rule 187)
The circle is made of steel or iron, internal diameter 2.135 m ± 5 mm. The top of the rim shall be flush with the ground outside, and no higher than 26 mm above the ground inside. A stop board (arc) of wood or metal, internal height 10 cm, radius approximately 1.067 m, is placed at the front of the circle. The throwing sector angle is 34.92° (a chord drawn between the two sector lines at 1 m from the centre of the circle is approximately 60 cm).
3.8 Discus and Hammer Circles (Technical Rules 188–189)
- Discus: Internal diameter 2.500 m ± 5 mm. Throwing sector 34.92°.
- Hammer: Internal diameter 2.135 m ± 5 mm. Throwing sector 34.92°. A protective cage must surround the throwing area to protect officials, athletes, and spectators (Technical Rule 189.3). The cage must be capable of stopping a 7.260 kg ball travelling at 32 m/s.
3.9 Javelin Runway and Sector (Technical Rule 190)
The runway shall be a minimum of 30 m in length (33.5 m preferred) and 4 m wide, with a maximum cross-fall of 1:100. The scratch line is an arc of radius 8 m. The throwing sector is 29°.
3.10 Steeplechase Water Jump (Technical Rule 169)
The water jump shall be located on the inside or outside of the track. It is 3.66 m × 3.66 m, with maximum water depth at the barrier of 0.70 m sloping uniformly to 0 m at the far end. The barrier at the water jump is fixed (not adjustable) and set flush with the front of the water.