Forums  > General Running  > 400 Meter Track. Questions on measurements


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400 Meter Track. Questions on measurements (Read 1364 times)
posted: 5/19/2009 at 3:55 PM
Question:

Does anyone know what the distance of each lane on a 400m track is?

As I understand it the very inside line of lane 1 is 400m. How far are you running in lane 2 or 3?

In the latest Runner's world they mention that running in the outside lane is 40-50m longer than the inside one.

The reason I am asking is because I would like to practice my marathon pacing on a track and have feedback on my pace on every lap. My pacing is going to be based on min/mi and since 400m is not the same as 0.25mi, I would like to know which lane is closer to a quarter of a mile. I suspect it is lane 2 or 3.

In other words if 4 X 400m lane 1 =1600m,
4 X lane ? = 1609m (1 mi)

Does anyone know for sure?
The right path is my path.
posted: 5/19/2009 at 3:58 PM
Lane 1 will be closest to a quarter mile. Someone will post a link to a site that gives you the distance of each lane, I'm sure, but 400m is only about 2+ meters shy of a quarter.

But really the track is the last place I'd practice marathon pace.
Luti 2010. It won't come down to a kick this year. Thunder by 20+ seconds. Put that in your pipe and smoke it -Thunder, March 18, 2010
posted: 5/19/2009 at 3:59 PM
modified: 5/19/2009 at 4:01 PM
If you can run on the inside lane, I wouldn't concern myself to that level of detail for a marathon pace. I think lane 2 will be even further off from a quarter mile.

9 meters per mile is 0.56% difference. On an 8 minute mile, you'd only be off 2.7 seconds.

MTA: I think 3 laps in lane 1 and a 4th lap in lane 2 will get you the closest.
posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:00 PM
Here's a link to one of the calculators MikeyMike mentions, there are others (google "track lane calculator"):

http://www.eracewalk.com/CalcTrac.htm
Look both ways before crossing...
jEfFgObLuE


posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:00 PM
modified: 5/19/2009 at 4:01 PM
http://www.eracewalk.com/CalcTrac.htm

MTA: Ah, you beat me by seconds, Milktruck! Big grin
20th Century: Is ancient history
21st Century: 5k: 19:42 |10k: 43:00
posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:01 PM
modified: 5/19/2009 at 4:03 PM
Quote from wyerock on 5/19/2009 at 3:59 PM:
On an 8 minute mile, you'd only be off 2.7 seconds.



Thats my point. On lane 2 how off would you be?

Sorry to nitpick I am just really curious.
The right path is my path.
posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:03 PM
Quote from MilkTruck on 5/19/2009 at 4:00 PM:
Here's a link to one of the calculators MikeyMike mentions, there are others (google "track lane calculator"):

http://www.eracewalk.com/CalcTrac.htm


Thanks everyone. That is just what I was looking for! Smile
The right path is my path.
posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:04 PM
modified: 5/19/2009 at 4:04 PM
Quote from adam carsis on 5/19/2009 at 4:01 PM:
Thats my point. On lane 2 how off would you be?


This site http://www.csgnetwork.com/disttracklanecalc.html says lane two would be almost 408 m using their default values.
posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:04 PM
I believe standard lane width per IAAF regs is 1.22 meters. Get out your calculator and go from that.


A Saucy Wench

posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:09 PM
Quote from mikeymike on 5/19/2009 at 3:58 PM:
But really the track is the last place I'd practice marathon pace.


+500

Is your marathon flat as a pancake with tight unbanked turns?
Beware the Pink Boxing Gloves of DOOM! "It's not enough to bash in heads, you've got to bash in minds" - Captain Hammer

I failed the 12 minute run at 15...BQ'd at 38
"You worry too much. Eat some bacon... What? No, I got no idea if it'll make you feel better, I just made too much bacon." -shitmydadsays
jEfFgObLuE


posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:10 PM
modified: 5/19/2009 at 4:11 PM
Quote from adam carsis on 5/19/2009 at 4:01 PM:
Thats my point. On lane 2 how off would you be?

Sorry to nitpick I am just really curious.


If you run exactly 4 laps on a 400m track, you'll cover 0.994 miles in lane one, and 1.011mi in lane 2. So lane 1 is closest to exactly 1 mile.

As far as how many seconds, that depends on how fast you're running.

Pace / lane1/ lane2
5:00 / -1.8 / +3.3
10:00 / -3.6 / +6.6

i.e. you're 1.8 sec short of a mile at 5:00 pace in lane one, and 3.3 seconds too long in lane 2, etc.
20th Century: Is ancient history
21st Century: 5k: 19:42 |10k: 43:00
posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:14 PM
Quote from Ennay on 5/19/2009 at 4:09 PM:
+500

Is your marathon flat as a pancake with tight unbanked turns?


I am only using the track to practice holding the exact pace that I want. Just to get used to the feeling. I use a track because I can check in on my pace on every lap. I do my main training on the streets. I just like to run a few miles on a track now and then to check in on how consistant my pace is... You know?


Ok. I am satisfied. Thanks for all the replies!
The right path is my path.
Jeff


fu don't kung think

posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:16 PM
Lane 7 on most tracks is almost exactly 10% long, which makes it easy to calculate splits. If you are looking for 100 second laps, then you run 110's in lane 7. Looking for 80? It's 88's!


A Saucy Wench

posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:19 PM
modified: 5/19/2009 at 4:21 PM
Quote from jEfFgObLuE on 5/19/2009 at 4:10 PM:
If you run exactly 4 laps on a 400m track, you'll cover 0.994 miles in lane one, and 1.011mi in lane 2. So lane 1 is closest to exactly 1 mile.

As far as how many seconds, that depends on how fast you're running.

Pace / lane1/ lane2
5:00 / -1.8 / +3.3
10:00 / -3.6 / +6.6

i.e. you're 1.8 sec short of a mile at 5:00 pace in lane one, and 3.3 seconds too long in lane 2, etc.


So run 2 1/2 laps in lane 1 and then drift out for the last 1 1/2 in lane 2 That is a mile to 4 significant digits. Plus you'll have to pick it up slightly the last lap which is always fun.

I usually run in lane 7 for speedwork as Jeff mentions. Partially because at my track they block the first 4 lanes to preserve the surface for the actual track meets. At marathon pace it doesnt matter if you run 1 mile or 1.1 miles. Only that you calculate what it is you want per lap. The track calculators can tell you that for any lane.
Beware the Pink Boxing Gloves of DOOM! "It's not enough to bash in heads, you've got to bash in minds" - Captain Hammer

I failed the 12 minute run at 15...BQ'd at 38
"You worry too much. Eat some bacon... What? No, I got no idea if it'll make you feel better, I just made too much bacon." -shitmydadsays


Hometown AG win.

posted: 5/19/2009 at 4:21 PM
Run on the lane line between 1 & 2 should be about closest. That way, you'll also develop the skilz to follow the marathon tangent line. Assuming your marathon has one. I'm sure no one will mind. Also, don't run too late in the day. Tracks tend to expand from the sun's warmth.
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