One barrier is longer than the other, does it matter where that goes?
One barrier is longer than the other, does it matter where that goes?
It goes where the first barrier will be addressed, as this is typically where runners will be spread out widest across the track. In most instances, athletes will not encounter any hurdles in the first fraction of a lap then face one within the the first few meters of crossing the universal finish line for the fist time. This often presents interesting encounters with athletes who are finishing with reckless abandon with no regard to the rather ominous obstacle in their path almost immediately after finishing the race.
Ultimate Pen wrote:
It goes where the first barrier will be addressed, as this is typically where runners will be spread out widest across the track. In most instances, athletes will not encounter any hurdles in the first fraction of a lap then face one within the the first few meters of crossing the universal finish line for the fist time. This often presents interesting encounters with athletes who are finishing with reckless abandon with no regard to the rather ominous obstacle in their path almost immediately after finishing the race.
definitely when the water pit is on the outside, because there's a very short distance to the first barrier once the race starts. but is it the same as an inside water jump, where there is over 200m before the first barrier?
The athletes do not go over any barriers until they cross the finish line for the first time. The long barrier is then placed at the next mark, since the runners be bunched closest at that time.
Track Official wrote:
The athletes do not go over any barriers until they cross the finish line for the first time. The long barrier is then placed at the next mark, since the runners be bunched closest at that time.
when the water jump is on the outside, the start line is moved (because the laps are longer than 400m) and the runners hit a barrier approx 60m into the race. so no matter where the start is, the big barrier goes right after the finish line?
off track wrote:
Track Official wrote:
The athletes do not go over any barriers until they cross the finish line for the first time. The long barrier is then placed at the next mark, since the runners be bunched closest at that time.
when the water jump is on the outside, the start line is moved (because the laps are longer than 400m) and the runners hit a barrier approx 60m into the race. so no matter where the start is, the big barrier goes right after the finish line?
Right bro. 7 laps of 5 barriers. If the laps are ~425m you run just over 7 laps. If the laps are ~385m you run just over 7.75 laps. Either way, when you hit 7 laps to go your first barrier is coming up.
off track wrote:
when the water jump is on the outside, the start line is moved (because the laps are longer than 400m) and the runners hit a barrier approx 60m into the race. so no matter where the start is, the big barrier goes right after the finish line?
Yes - it isn't quite as critical when there is an inside water jump and the starting line is over 200m away because the runners have more distance to spread out before they get to it, but in this case there isn't any other barrier position where it would be needed so it still is placed as the first barrier after the finish line.
Absolutely when the water jump is on the outside and the starting line is then 60m (or so) from the first barrier - that is where it is most definitely needed.
With an outside water jump it could be problematic with a large field.
The 1998 Goodwill Games had an outside water jump. I measured out a two group (double alley) start with two sets of barriers. The runners used the 800 break line - it worked well but I have never seen it done since.
Track Official wrote:
The athletes do not go over any barriers until they cross the finish line for the first time. The long barrier is then placed at the next mark, since the runners be bunched closest at that time.
Not necessarily. Some tracks with outside water pits you jump the first barrier after 50-80 meters. The first barrier is actually just before the finish line regardless of start line. The norm is you get that first 200 open, but with outside water pits you get about 50-80 meters open before the first jump. This is why you need the long barrier.
Katz you are brilliant!