Longtrack

Long track speed skating, or long-track speed skating, is a discipline of ice skating where athletes race on a standard 400-meter oval. Races are typically held indoors and skaters compete either in pairs, against the clock, or in team formats. On the straightaways, skaters use separate lanes and switch lanes on the back straight to maintain equal distance.

The sport is governed by the International Skating Union (ISU). It features a World Cup circuit and annual World Championships for long track, with world records recognized by the ISU. Long track is also a core component of the Winter Olympic program, including individual distance events and multi-athlete formats such as team pursuit and mass start in many competitions.

Typical events for men and women include a range of sprint and distance races. Common distances are 500 m, 1000 m, and 1500 m, with longer events such as 3000 m and 5000 m for women and 5000 m and 10000 m for men. In addition to these individual races, international competition includes team pursuit, team sprint, and mass-start formats, which emphasize strategy, drafting, and pack dynamics.

Equipment in long track focuses on speed and efficiency. Skates have long blades designed for gliding on ice, paired with aerodynamic suits and protective gear. Training emphasizes endurance, speed, technique, and efficient pacing over multiple laps around the circuit.

Long track developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with strong traditions in the Netherlands and other European countries. The ISU codifies rules and organizes major championships and records, while the sport has grown internationally to include athletes from Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond.