Athletics Track Dimensions: Standard 400 m Track, Lane Width and Markings
A standard 400 m athletics track consists of two straights and two bends with a radius of 36.50 m. Every dimension, from lane width to line thickness, is defined by World Athletics rules, and the validity of results depends on them.
An athletics track is one of the most precisely dimensioned sports facilities. Even a few centimetres of error over a 400 m lap can affect the validity of results. That is why track geometry, lane widths and line positions are defined in detail in the World Athletics Track and Field Facilities Manual. Below we summarise the most frequently asked dimensions.
Standard 400 m track geometry
- Bend radius: 36.50 m (to the inner kerb edge).
- Straight length: 84.39 m (two straights).
- Measurement line: 0.30 m outside the inner kerb in lane 1; 0.20 m outside the outer edge of the inner line in other lanes. 400 m is measured on the lane 1 measurement line.
- Number of lanes: usually 8 on national and international competition tracks; extra lanes can be added on the straight for sprints and hurdles.
This geometry also lets a standard 105 x 68 m football pitch fit inside the track. See our football pitch dimensions article.
Lane width and lines
- Lane width: 1.22 m (±0.01 m), including the line on the right.
- Line width: 50 mm, white.
- Start, relay and hurdle marks: painted in the colour codes set out in the rules; each distance has its own start line and staggered start positions.
Kerb
A kerb 50–65 mm high runs along the inner edge, with removable sections for competition. Because rigid kerbs pose a risk to athletes, a soft-top kerb is preferred.
Inclinations
- Lateral: maximum 1% towards the inside.
- Running direction: maximum 0.1% overall (downhill).
These slopes send rainwater to the drainage channel along the inner edge.
Steeplechase water jump
The water jump is usually located on a bend, inside or outside the track. It is 3.66 m wide and 3.66 m long; depth is greatest at the barrier and decreases towards track level. Product: water jump barrier.
Field event dimensions
Long jump and triple jump
- Runway at least 40 m long and 1.22 m (±0.01) wide.
- Take-off board 1.22 m x 0.20 m; landing pit 2.75–3 m wide.
- In long jump the distance from the board to the far end of the pit is at least 10 m. In triple jump the board is recommended at 13 m (men) and 11 m (women) from the pit in international competition.
- Product: long and triple jump take-off board.
High jump
Pole vault
Throwing areas
- Shot put and hammer circle inner diameter 2.135 m; discus circle 2.50 m.
- Sector angle 34.92°.
- Javelin runway 30–36.5 m long and 4 m wide; throwing arc radius 8 m.
- Discus and hammer are protected by a cage. See our throwing cage standards article.
Total area required
A facility with a standard 400 m track and field events inside needs roughly 175–180 m x 95–100 m including safety zones and service roads. Stands, a warm-up track and amenities are added to this.
SFS Engineering designs and builds to World Athletics dimensions in its athletics track construction projects. For certification read our Class 1 and Class 2 guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How wide is a lane on an athletics track?
1.22 m (±0.01 m), including the 50 mm line on the right.
What is the bend radius of a 400 m track?
36.50 m to the inner kerb edge on a standard track, with straights of 84.39 m.
How much land does an athletics track need?
Roughly 175–180 m x 95–100 m including safety and service zones; stands and other facilities are extra.
Why is lane 1 exactly 400 m?
The distance is measured on a line 0.30 m outside the inner kerb in lane 1. The extra distance in outer lanes is offset by staggered starts.
Get technical support for your project: SFS Engineering handles site survey, design, material selection and installation as a single contractor. Send us your dimensions and site details through our contact page and we will work out the right solution together.
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