How to Run the 200 Meter Dash

The 200 meter dash is a classic sprinting event that combines speed, strategy and technique into one exciting race. It draws sprinters from both the 100-meter and 400-meter dashes, so the competition tends to be diverse. Like the 100 meters, you'll have a chance to run at your top speed. Unlike the 100 meters, however, you'll need to reserve this speed for a specific portion of the race.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your head down out of the blocks as you drive through your start. Build speed, but stay relaxed.

    • 2

      Run the first quarter of the race at about 80 percent of your maximum effort. Pushing too hard will leave you without enough energy to finish strong, but you still need to get up to your maximum speed in a relatively short period of time.

    • 3

      Pull your head up and slowly come out of your drive phase around the 30 meter mark.

    • 4

      Turn your right shoulder across your body as you run through the turn and onto the final straight.

    • 5

      Run at full speed from the 50 meter mark to the 150 meter mark. If you fatigue before the finish line, then you'll only have to hold onto your position for the last 50 meters.