<P> The term track and field is intertwined with the stadiums that first hosted such competitions . The two basic features of a track and field stadium are the outer oval - shaped running track and an area of turf within this track--the field . In earlier competitions, track lengths varied: the Panathinaiko Stadium measured 333.33 metres at the 1896 Summer Olympics, while at the 1904 Olympics the distance was a third of a mile (536.45 m) at Francis Field . As the sport developed, the IAAF standardised the length to 400 m and stated that the tracks must be split into six to eight running lanes . Precise widths for the lanes were established, as were regulations regarding the curvature of the track . Tracks made of flattened cinders were popular in the early 20th century but synthetic tracks became standard in the late 1960s . 3M's Tartan track (an all - weather running track of polyurethane) gained popularity after its use at the 1968 US Olympic Trials and the 1968 Summer Olympics and it began the process in which synthetic tracks became the standard for the sport . Many track and field stadiums are multi-purpose stadiums, with the running track surrounding a field built for other sports, such as the various types of football . </P> <P> The field of the stadium combines a number of elements for use in the jumping and throwing events . The long jump and triple jump areas comprise a straight, narrow 40 - metre running track with a sandpit at one or both ends . Jumps are measured from a take off board--typically a small strip of wood with a plasticine marker attached--which ensures athletes jump from behind the measurement line . The pole vault area is also a 40 - metre running track and has an indentation in the ground (the box) where vaulters plant their poles to propel themselves over a crossbar before falling onto cushioned landing mats . The high jump is a stripped down version of this, with an open area of track or field that leads to a crossbar with a square area of landing mats behind it . </P> <P> The four throwing events generally all begin on one side of the stadium . The javelin throw typically takes place on a piece of track that is central and parallel to the straights of the main running track . The javelin throwing area is a sector shape frequently across the Pitch (sports field) in the middle of the stadium, ensuring that the javelin has a minimal chance of causing damage or injury . The discus throw and hammer throw contests begin in a tall metal cage usually situated in one of the corners of the field . The cage reduces the danger of implements being thrown out of the field of play and throws travel diagonally across the field in the centre of the stadium . The shot put features a circular throwing area with a toe board at one end . The throwing area is a sector . Some stadia also have a water jump area on one side of the field specifically for steeplechase races . </P> <P> Basic indoor venues may be adapted gymnasiums, which can easily accommodate high jump competitions and short track events . Full - size indoor arenas (i.e. those fully equipped to host all events for the World Indoor Championships) bear similarities with their outdoor equivalents . Typically, a central area is surrounded by a 200 - metre oval track with four to eight lanes . The track can be banked at the turns to allow athletes to run around the radius more comfortably . Some have a second running track going straight across the field area, parallel to the straights of the main circuit . This track is used for the 60 metres and 60 metres hurdles events, which are held almost exclusively indoors . </P>

Length of the inside lane for an olympic games athletic track