Most people think of the sport of Track and Field as one sport, but in reality Outdoor Track and Field and Indoor Track and Field have enough differences to be classified as two different sports. The obvious difference is that one takes place outside and the other takes place inside. However, there are more comparisons than just the location. Comparisons can be made concerning the season, track specifications, events, and weather conditions.
Season
In the United States, the indoor track and field season traditionally takes place during the winter months, December to March. This is a practical solution for most of the U.S. to escape from the cold temperatures outside. Indoor track is often thought of as preparatory to the outdoor season. Outdoor track and field takes place during the spring and summer months, March to July.
Track Specifications
An indoor track is typically 200 meters long whereas an outdoor track is 400 meters. According to USA Track and Field rules, an indoor track has to be completely enclosed. In some places an indoor track is longer than 200 meters. This is an advantage, so races run on these tracks are sometimes not recognized until a standard amount of time has been added. An indoor track can have a maximum of six lanes; an outdoor track typically has eight lanes. An indoor track is further unique because it can have banked turns. This banking is an advantage to a runner who competes on a flat track.
Events
There are many differences between the events contested in indoor track and outdoor track. These differences are mainly due to space constraints in an indoor facility. Outdoor competitors race 100 meters, whereas indoor they compete in 60-meter races. Indoor includes the weight throw, however this event is not contested outdoor. The typical indoor events include: 60m, 200m and 400m Dashes; 800m, 1 mile and 3000m Runs; 60m Hurdles, 4X400m Relay; High Jump, Pole Vault, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Shot Put and Weight Throw.
Weather Conditions
There is an obvious difference in weather conditions between the two sports. An indoor track has a controlled climate. Meet organizers can set the lighting, heating and ventilation to provide satisfactory conditions. Weather conditions of an outdoor track are not controlled, thereby creating another element the athlete must deal with.
Arizona
The weather conditions in most of Arizona allow for nearly year round outdoor sport participation; and for that reason, the majority of indoor track and field competitions take place outdoors. The only permanent indoor track facility in the state is in the Walkup Skydome on the campus of Northern Arizona University. NAU is host to several indoor competitions each season including the USA Track & Field Indoor State Championships.