What running events would you like to see added to the Olympics?

This is really out there, but I'd love a Devil Takes the Hindmost run.

For those unfamiliar, the format is basically this: at the end of each lap of the race, the runner in last place is eliminated. What results is a distance race that rewards surging tactics and front running over sit and kicking. And it is wonderfully exciting to watch.

Ashton Eating wrote:

1) Distance relays (medley, 4×8, etc)

2) Cross Country instead of 10k, can be run in summer or winter games, perhaps would have a required amount of elevation change and hurdles.

3) 50m dash

4) I like the sprinting slalom idea from an earlier poster.

Could we invent new styles of racing entirely? How about this: Race on the track, every 400m the person in last place is eliminated. Based on this, the number of people in the field determines the distance run (25 people=10k), and the race would inspire people at the back of the pack to pick up the pace every lap or risk elimination.

Another idea: for distance race everyone must be at or below wr pace for the set distance. When someone fails to make the split (can be 400m, 200m, whatever) they get eliminated. Last man running wins.

What event would I like to see added?

That's easy. Cross Country (and put it in the winter games). Both team and Individual Medals.

What will I see added?

I would not be surprised that we will see some sort of "Muddy Buddy" Obstacle Course event with mud jumps, climbing walls, and hanging rope swings added.

Seems crazy, right? With the huge influence of short, studio-ready, TV packaged crud fed to us throughout the games, this type of event it what NBC would love. Cross wouldn't sell on TV.

The 399 meter dive. You must dive and lay across the finish line without running across it.

Mixed gender relays.

I have said this a thousand times before: winter Olympics rules clearly says that the events have to be held on snow or ice, so you can stop this silly "XC in the winter Olympics" right now.

2nd the Mo wrote:

Brianruns10 wrote: I'd love to see cross country added to the winter games. Mirror the World Cross and have a long and short course, with team and individual medals.

I second this motion, except that I see no reason to hold the event(s) as part of the Winter Olympics. Cycling has its MTB race in addition to the road race, time trial and track competitions, so there is no reason that XC can't be held as a running event in the Summer Olympics.

MTB is not a winter sport. Cyclocross is, though, and there's been a push to add it to the winter Olympics too.

800 meter silly walk. It would be a judged event like gymnastics with points for style and grace plus number of steps completed within a set time period.

semi tough wrote:

Ekiden

+1.

Hey, let's add two more throwing events to the four that already exist!

90% of XC is run on pancake flat carpet like courses in reasonable weather. Nothing winter about it.

Women only races.

I would like to see the Olympic Catch the Bus While Carrying a 10 Pound Bag of Groceries and in Dress Clothes Event. Or the Olympic Stop! Thief! Pursuit where you have to chase a robber that snatches your smartphone.

You know, something that is actually relevant to the average person instead of pointless running races.

Brianruns10 wrote:

I'd love to see cross country added to the winter games. Mirror the World Cross and have a long and short course, with team and individual medals.

I also think it'd be great to expand the marathon participation to 5 athletes per country and score the top three for teams. Or failing that, score the top two of three for a team award.

And lastly, I wish there was more road running. I'd love to see the half marathon, though I understand when others say it would just dilute the 10K and marathon. So failing that, how about an ultra?

Clown triathlon:

1. 1500m breaststroke

2. 25 miles on the road course BUT on a BMX bike

3. 50m racewalk

Finally, we can determine the world's greatest clown!

Distance Medley Relay

Who would win?

Can't believe nobody stated the obvious.

Marathon... on a track!

If you are lapped by a competitor, you are DQed.

RW Truffer wrote:

2nd the Mo wrote:

I second this motion, except that I see no reason to hold the event(s) as part of the Winter Olympics. Cycling has its MTB race in addition to the road race, time trial and track competitions, so there is no reason that XC can't be held as a running event in the Summer Olympics.

MTB is not a winter sport. Cyclocross is, though, and there's been a push to add it to the winter Olympics too.

Please - I mean, PLEASE - tell me where I wrote that MTB is a winter sport. The comparison I clearly implied was that MTB is a Summer Olympics sport and, therefore, XC would also be a good fit in the summer.

Poor Reading Comprehension + Rush To Criticize = RW Truffer + Typical LR Poster

Your an idiot