binnenbaan

Binnenbaan is a Dutch term meaning inside track or inner lane. It is used in sports to refer to the inner portion of an oval track, in contrast with the buitenbaan (outer track). The designation is common in athletics (track and field) and is tied to how races are run on the track’s innermost lanes.

In athletics, the binnenbaan typically denotes the innermost lanes along the route of a race. Races may take place on different lanes, with the inner lanes often offering the shortest distance ambitions and a tactical advantage in positioning. The exact use of the binnenbaan can vary by competition, venue, and level of play, but the concept generally centers on the inside portion of the track.

Indoor venues frequently employ a smaller, inner circuit compared with outdoor tracks. In this context, the term binnenbaan helps distinguish the competitive inner track from outer areas used for warm-ups, practice, or other activities. The terminology reflects the practical layout of oval tracks, where lane assignment and track geometry influence pacing, overtaking, and record eligibility.

The concept is primarily used in Dutch-language contexts and is part of standard sports vocabulary in the Netherlands and Flemish-speaking regions. While the general idea of an inner track is widely understood, the exact characteristics—such as lane count, track length, and rules for using the innenbaan—are determined by the specific venue and governing bodies for each event.