It’s no news that track and field is one of the most physically and mentally challenging sports. Running is often used as a punishment in other sports, but in track, it’s the entire point.  

Track has many events to choose from, but one question has always been debated: which event is the hardest?

To understand this debate, it is important to understand the specific events which track and field athletes participate in. In sprinting, events include the 55 meter dash, 55 meter dash with hurdles, 100 meter dash, 200 meter, 400 meter, and 400 meter with hurdles. Distance events include the 800, 1600 (or the mile), and 3200 (2 mile). Throwing events include shotput, discus and javelin. 

Every event, whether on the field or track, has its own obstacles to face. 

• Distance running requires not only physical strength, but mental strength and requires careful calculation and planning to find the perfect pace. 
• Sprinting requires explosive power, fast feet and the ability to perform at maximum power with no room for error. 
• Throwing, whether shot put or discus, requires precise technique and body control. 

“I think the hardest track event is the 400 hurdles, because the 400 is hard enough as it is, and adding hurdles makes it even worse,” says Madelyn Spencer, a senior sprinter

Many agree with Spencer, with 12 out of 20 NPHS track athletes voting for the 400mH as the toughest event in track.

“You have to run 95% the entire race while perfectly timing your hurdle jumps. One missed step and your whole momentum is ruined which is needed for the final 100m,” said Connor Killian, a junior sprinter. 

The 400 meter race is special because of the strategy behind running it. Most races focus on one energy system, but that’s not the case for the 400. Your body mixes both the anaerobic system, which is used for short bursts of energy, and the aerobic system, used for longer efforts. Because of this, runners experience extreme lactic acid buildup by the end of the race. Adding jumps over 10 hurdles in between running at full speed makes it worse,. This event requires speed, endurance, rhythm and speed, which is why most athletes call it the hardest. 

The second most popular pick was the 800 meter run. Both coaches Alexander Meyer and Corey Arnold chose the 800 as the hardest event in track, along with 7 out of 20 athletes on the team. 

The 800 is challenging because, despite having fewer variables and room for error than the 400mH,  it requires a mix of physical skill and strategy. Runners need to maintain a steady pace while getting out strong, while conserving energy for a kick at the end. It is uncomfortable, especially if not paced correctly.

“If you start too conservatively then you risk being left behind, but if you go out too fast you risk crashing and burning in lactate hell,” said Arnold. 

“The 800m is often considered the hardest track event because it demands both anaerobic speed and aerobic endurance, forcing athletes to run at near-max effort for two full laps,” said senior Clare McGill, a distance runner on the team.

This is where I decided to add my own opinion on where I stand on the dilemma. As a distance runner, I’ve dabbled in the 800, and I would argue that while many athletes are right about it being ONE of the hardest, the 800 is not tougher than the 400mH.