Page 118 - Health & Physical edu- 8

Unit

6
Athletics

Generally, athletics includes the activities of walking, running, jumping and throwing.
It is also called track and field event because running and walking are done in a track
and jumping and throwing are done in a field. Athletics includes running, jumping and
throwing, it is considered a fundamental activity for all kinds of games. Therefore,
children should be involved in different events of athletics.

1. Long Distance Running

Race above 1500 meters is called long distance running. To run a long distance,

endurance of blood circulation, respiration and muscular system must be developed.
Long distance running includes different distances of running such as 3,000m,
5,000m, 10,000m and marathon 42.195km. Participation in long distance running
requires long and consistent training.

2. Relay Race

The race which is run by passing a baton to the member of the team is relay race.

Each team has four participants. The first runner runs with the baton in his hand
and passes it to the second runner after he has run his distance and the baton is
being passed likewise to the third and the fourth runner after the previous runner
has finished his distance and the fourth runner completes the race with the baton
in his hand.

Generally, relay race is of 4×100m or 4×400m. In 4×100m race each runner runs
about 100 meters and hands over the baton to his another teammate and in 4×400m
race, each runner hands over the baton to his next teammate in every 400 meters.

To handover and receive the baton, an area of 20 meters is maintained.

114 Health & Social Education, Class-8