The 1500 meters run (metric mile) is an Olympic event, traditionally dominated by Africans from Morocco and Kenya. Until 1990, British athletes dominated this discipline. The current world record holder is Hicham El Guerrouj (3 min 26 sec) from Morocco. On a 400-meter running track, this distance equals 3 and 3/4 laps.
The 1500 meters is run on the balls of the feet.
The pack usually stays together until the final sprint (last 100 to 200 meters). The athlete with the most energy reserves and the best strategy for the final meters usually wins. That’s why runners with strong aerobic conditioning are more likely to win the 1500 meters.
Professional runners run an average of 55 seconds per lap.
Tall athletes are often better suited for the 1500 meters, although technique and endurance play a larger role.
None
Watch Hicham El Guerrouj break the 1500 meters world record — Rome 1998
