800 Metres - Race Tactics

Race Tactics

The 800m event is also known for its tactical racing techniques. Because the 800m event is the fastest event that has all the runners converge on lane one, positioning on the cut in is critical to the outcome of the race. It is commonly believed that getting the first or second position early in the race is advantageous as these positions are not usually caught up in the pack. Often the winner of 800m races at high levels are not determined by the strongest man but instead by the man with the best positioning near the end of the race. This can lead to the most exciting aspect of the 800m which is its high probability of an upset.