Eli5: in track running (800 m, for example), how isn’t the runner on the outer lane in a disadvantage? I know that the starting position is compensated, but…

Question

…but at one point, all runners get together on the inner lane, which means that the outside runner needs to add the width of the track to their total distance, right?

In: 0

Answer 1

If memory serves, the staggered starting positions are considered enough to compensate for that.
The other factor is that pack running is a skill in its own right, and outside runners don’t have to worry about defending after the first curve.