In track and field, what is the standard width of one outdoor running lane?
Answer
1.22 metres
A standard outdoor athletics running lane is 1.22 metres wide.
The width is specified in international track regulations and is used when laying out lanes on standard oval tracks. Lane measurements are normally taken from the inside edge of the lane line, while the line itself forms part of the lane on the side nearest the runner's direction of travel.
Most outdoor tracks have eight lanes, although major stadiums can have more. Lane assignments matter in races such as the 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres, where competitors remain in separate lanes for all or much of the race.
The standard lane width should not be confused with the track's total width or the length of a lap. On a 400-metre track, wider outside lanes also have staggered starts so that every runner covers the correct distance.