What is the final event in the men's decathlon?

What is the final event in the men’s decathlon? The answer is the 1500 metres.

The decathlon contains ten athletics events spread across two days. The first day traditionally ends with the 400 metres, while the second day proceeds through the 110 metres hurdles, discus throw, pole vault and javelin throw before concluding with the 1500 metres.

Unlike a standalone race, the 1500 metres is scored as part of the decathlon’s combined total. Athletes receive points for their performance in every event, and the winner is the competitor with the highest aggregate score. A strong final run can therefore improve a placing, but it cannot erase a disastrous earlier event entirely.

The decathlon’s modern Olympic form first appeared at the 1912 Stockholm Games. It combines four running events, three jumps and three throws. The 1500-metre finale is especially demanding because competitors reach it after a full day and a half of sprinting, jumping and throwing.