or athletics
Variety of sport competitions held on a running track and on the adjacent field.
It is the oldest form of organized sports, having been a part of the ancient Olympic Games from с 776 BC to AD 393. Modern events include various sprint and middle-and long-distance races, hurdling , steeplechase , high jump , pole vault , long jump , triple jump, shot put, discus throw, hammer throw , javelin throw, decathlon , pentathlon , and heptathlon . Cross-country running , {{link=marathon">marathon s, and speed walking , which are rarely held on a track, are usually considered adjuncts of track-and-field athletics. Events are held indoors and outdoors, and records are kept separately; some events are modified or eliminated for indoor competition.