This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Trackinfo (talk | contribs) at 00:59, 7 March 2014. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 00:59, 7 March 2014 by Trackinfo (talk | contribs)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Metric mile is a distance which approximates one statute mile (1609.344 m) at a round figure of metres (the SI or metric unit of length). The term is most commonly used in track running and swimming.
In track running, the 1500 m race became the standard middle distance race in Europe in the late 19th century, and has been the standard distance in the Olympic Games since 1896. The distance of the race is sometimes referred to as a metric mile.
When the mile was run, the race was four laps of a quarter mile (440 yard/(402.336 m) track.
However, even in countries which do not embrace the metric system, most running tracks have a lap distance of 400 metres in the innermost lane. The final leg of a Distance medley relay uses a 1600 metre leg; The standard middle distance in many United States high school competitions is four times around the track, and this 1600 m distance is sometimes referred to as a metric mile as well.
In swimming, the 1500 m (or 1650 yards) race is commonly referred to as "the swimmer's mile", and is often the longest distance swum by competitors in a pool. The standard distance triathlon also employs the swimmer's mile, except in open water instead of a pool.
See also
References
- Nelson, Cordner (1985). The Milers. p. 14. ISBN 0-911521-15-1.
{{cite book}}: Check|first=value (help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - "Middle-distance running". Retrieved 2008-01-13.