Middle-distance running

Middle-distance running events are track races longer than sprints, up to 3000 metres. The standard middle distances are the 800 metres, 1500 metres and mile run, although the 3000 metres may also be classified as a middle-distance event. The 1500 m came about as a result of running three laps of a 500 m track, which was commonplace in continental Europe in the 20th century.

Events

600 yards

This was a popular distance, particularly indoors, when imperial distances were common. In 1882, American Lon Myers set what was then a world record at 600 yards (548.64 metres), running it in 1:11.4. The event was a common event for most American students because it was one of the standardized test events as part of the President's Award on Physical Fitness. In the early 1970s, Martin McGrady was unsuccessful at longer or shorter races, but made his reputation, set world records and drew many fans to arenas to watch him race elite Olympians at this odd distance.

600 metres

This middle distance length is rather uncommon, and is mainly run by sprinters wishing to test their endurances at a longer distance. Like other middle distance races, it evolved from the 600 yard race. The 600 m is also used as an early season stepping stone by 800 m runners before they have reached full race fitness.

IAAF Diamond League

The IAAF Diamond League is an annual series of track and field meetings held from 2010 onwards, beginning with the 2010 IAAF Diamond League. It was designed to replace the IAAF Golden League, which was held annually since 1998.

While the Golden League was formed to increase the profile of the leading European athletics competitions, the Diamond League's aim is to "enhance the worldwide appeal of athletics by going outside Europe for the first time." In addition to the original Golden League members (except Berlin) and other traditional European meetings, the series includes events in China, Qatar, and the United States.

Editions

Scoring system

Each one of the thirty-two disciplines (sixteen for male athletes, sixteen for females) is staged a total of seven times during the season. The top three athletes at each meeting are awarded points, and in the case of the Final meeting of the discipline the points are doubled.

1st place: 4 points; (Final: 8 points)
2nd place: 2 points; (Final: 4 points)
3rd place: 1 point; (Final: 2 points)

Ayanleh Souleiman

Ayanleh Souleiman (born 3 December 1992), also known as Hassan Ayanleh, is a Djiboutian middle distance runner who specialises in the 1500 metres. He is the Djiboutian record holder for the distance, with his best of 3:29.58 minutes, as well as being the 3000 metres holder with 7:42.22 minutes.

Running career

Souleiman's first international appearances came in 2009, when he placed tenth in the 1500 m at the Jeux de la Francophonie and ran in the heats of the 3000 m at the World Youth Championships.

In 2011, Souleiman won the title of 1500 m of the 2011 Pan Arab Games in Doha, in a time of 3:34.32, to win his country's first medal in this competition. He also placed sixth in the 1500 m at the 2011 All-Africa Games.

The following season saw him appear on the global scene, as he reached fifth in the final at the 2012 IAAF World Indoor Championships. His first major medal followed at the 2012 African Championships in Athletics where he claimed the silver medal in the 1500 m.

Souleiman set the Djiboutian national indoor record in the 3000 m at the Indoor Flanders Meeting in February 2013, coming third with a time of 7:39.81 minutes. In June 2013 he ran a national record at 800 m at a meet in Sweden.