Middle-distance running events are
track races longer than sprints, up to 3000 metres. The standard middle distances are the
800 metres,
1500 metres and
mile run, although the
3000 metres may also be classified as a middle-distance event. The 1500 m came about as a result of running three laps of a 500 m track, which was commonplace in continental Europe in the 20th century.