Metric mile

Metric mile is a distance which approximates one statute mile (1609.344 m) at a round figure of metres (the SI or metric unit of length). The term is most commonly used in track running and swimming.

In track running, the 1500 m race became the standard middle distance race in Europe in the late 19th century,^[1] and has been the standard distance in the Olympic Games since 1896. The distance of the race is sometimes referred to as a metric mile.^[2]

However, even in countries which do not embrace the metric system, most running tracks have a lap distance of 400 metres in the innermost lane. The standard middle distance in many United States high school competitions, for instance, is four times around the track, and this 1600 m distance is sometimes referred to as a metric mile as well.

See also

• Metric foot
• Metrication
• Scandinavian mile

References

1. ^ Nelson, Cordner; Quercetani, Roberto (1985). The Milers. ISBN 0-911521-15-1. 
2. ^ "Middle-distance running". http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9052542/middle-distance-running. Retrieved 2008-01-13.