150 metres explained

150 metres is a sprint event in track and field. It is a very rarely contested non-championship and not an IAAF-recognised event. Given the proportion of standard running tracks, the event typically incorporates a bend when held in a track and field stadium, although some especially-built tracks allow the event to take place entirely on a straight.

The event was given a high-profile outing in 1997 as an intermediate contest between two 1996 Olympic champions: Donovan Bailey (100 metres) and Michael Johnson (200 metres).^[1] Johnson pulled up mid-race, allowing Bailey to win the $1 million prize.^[2] This race coincided with a period of similar 150 m meetings between Bailey and the 1992 Olympic champion Linford Christie; the pair raced three years running for high cash prizes in Sheffield, England, in 1995, 1996 and 1997, with Christie winning the first two outings and Bailey winning the last.^{[3] [4]} The Manchester City Games in England – a competition featuring a long, raised track on one of the city's major streets – has provided many of the event's highlights since 2009, including the men's world best of 14.35 seconds, set by Usain Bolt in 2009.^[5] Allyson Felix ran the fastest ever 150 m race by a woman in 2013 (16.36 seconds),^[6] although faster times have been recorded at intermediate stages of the 200 m event. The Great North City Games (held variously in Newcastle and Gateshead) features a similar setup to the Manchester event and has provided several of the best men's and women's times.^[7] The British events typically attracted American, British and Caribbean competitors, and athletes from these places account for nearly all the top 25 best times for men and women. A one-off 150 m race on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro was held in 2013 and Bolt finished in a time close to his own world record.^[8]

The 150 m had some significance as a regular indoor event in the 1960s and 1970s as a result of indoor tracks matching that distance. Wales held a national championship over the distance up to 1972 and Finland briefly had a women's national championship in the mid-1960s.^{[9] [10]} A relay version of the distance (4 × 150 metres) was contested at the 1967 European Athletics Indoor Championships and was won by the Soviet Union's women's team.^[11] The distance attracted the attention of 1980 Olympic 200 m champion Pietro Mennea, whose hand-timed run of 14.8 seconds in Cassino, Italy, in 1983 stood as a world best time for over a quarter of a century.^[12] Italy also provided a women's 150 m best that same decade, with Jamaican Merlene Ottey setting a time of 16.46 seconds in Trapani in 1989 – a world best mark which was unbeaten for over two decades.^[13]

All-time top 25

• + = en route to 200 m performance
• straight = performance on straight track
• NWI = no wind measurement

Men

Rank	Time	Type	Wind (m/s)	Athlete	Nationality	Date	Place	Ref
1	14.35	straight	+1.1	Usain Bolt		17 May 2009	Manchester	^[14]
2	14.41	straight	-0.4	Tyson Gay		16 May 2010	Manchester	^[15]
	14.41	straight	+0.3	Noah Lyles		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[16]
4	14.65	straight	+1.4	Walter Dix		17 September 2011	Gateshead	^[17]
5	14.66	straight	+0.3	Zharnel Hughes		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[18]
6	14.71	straight	+1.3	Yohan Blake		17 May 2014	Manchester	^[19]
7	14.75	straight	+0.1	Jereem Richards		23 May 2021	Boston	^[20]
8	14.8	bend		Pietro Mennea		3 September 1979	Cassino
9	14.81	straight	+0.2	Nethaneel Mitchell-Blake		20 May 2018	Boston	^[21]
10	14.83	bend	+0.4	Michael Johnson		1 August 1996	Atlanta	^[22]
11	14.85	straight	+0.3	Erriyon Knighton		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[23]
12	14.86	straight	+0.3	Alexander Ogando		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[24]
13	14.87	straight	+1.4	Marlon Devonish		17 September 2011	Gateshead	^[25]
			-0.1	Wallace Spearmon		20 May 2012	Manchester	^[26]
			+0.6	Reece Prescod		8 September 2018	Gateshead	^[27]
16	14.88	straight	+1.4	Daniel Bailey		31 March 2013	Rio de Janeiro	^[28]
17	14.89	straight	+1.0	Chris Royster		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[29]
			+0.3	Ferdinand Omanyala		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[30]
			+0.3	Josephus Lyles		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[31]
20	14.90	straight	-1.0	Christophe Lemaitre		25 May 2013	Manchester	^[32]
			-0.2	Michael Rodgers		14 September 2013	Newcastle	^[33]
22	14.91	straight	+1.4	Bruno de Barros		31 March 2013	Rio de Janeiro	^[34]
23	14.93	bend	+0.3	John Regis		20 August 1993	Stuttgart	^[35]
	14.93	straight	0.0	Miguel Francis		18 June 2016	Somerville	^[36]
			+0.3	Antonio Watson		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[37]

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 14.93:

• Usain Bolt also ran 14.42 straight (2013), 14.44 (2009), 14.85 (2007).
• Tyson Gay also ran 14.51 (2011), 14.75 (2007).
• Noah Lyles also ran 14.56 (2023),14.69 straight (2019), 14.77 (2018).
• Jereem Richards also ran 14.83 straight (2023).
• Marlon Devonish also ran 14.88 straight (2010).

Assisted marks

Any performance with a following wind of more than 2.0 metres per second is not counted for record purposes. Below is a list of the fastest wind-assisted times (inside 14.92). Only times that are superior to legal bests are shown.

• Linford Christie (GBR) ran 14.74 s (+3.9 m/s) on 23 July 1995 in Sheffield^[38]
• Donovan Bailey (CAN) ran 14.92 s (+3.9 m/s) on 23 July 1995 in Sheffield.

Women

Rank	Time	Type	Wind (m/s)	Athlete	Nationality	Date	Place	Ref
1	16.09	bend	+0.2	Shericka Jackson		8 September 2023	Brussels	^[39]
2	16.10	bend	+1.3	Florence Griffith Joyner		29 September 1988	Seoul	^[40]
3	16.23	bend	+0.6	Inger Miller		27 August 1999	Seville	^[41]
	16.23	straight	-0.7	Shaunae Miller-Uibo		20 May 2018	Boston	^[42]
5	16.28	bend	+1.7	Allyson Felix		31 August 2007	Osaka
6	16.30	straight	+0.1	Tori Bowie		4 June 2017	Boston	^[43]
			0.0	Candace Hill		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[44]
				Favour Ofili		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[45]
9	16.33	bend	0.0	Merlene Ottey		19 August 1993	Stuttgart	^[46]
10	16.41	bend	+1.1	Brianna Rollins-McNeal		20 July 2020	Fort Worth	^[47]
11	16.43	bend	+1.7	Veronica Campbell-Brown		31 August 2007	Osaka
	16.43	straight	0.0	Celera Barnes		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[48]
13	16.44	straight	+0.1	Tamari Davis		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[49]
			0.0	Daryll Neita		18 May 2024	Atlanta	^[50]
15	16.50	straight	+1.5	Carmelita Jeter		17 September 2011	Gateshead	^[51]
			+0.1	Gabrielle Thomas		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[52]
17	16.53	straight	-1.5	Lynna Irby		23 May 2021	Boston	^[53]
18	16.54	bend	+0.6	Merlene Frazer		27 August 1999	Seville	^[54]
	16.54	straight	+0.1	Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie		17 May 2009	Manchester	^[55]
20	16.56	bend	+0.6	Dafne Schippers		8 September 2020	Ostrava	^[56]
21	16.57	bend	+0.6	Beverly McDonald		27 August 1999	Seville	^[57]
	16.57	straight	+1.1	Desiree Henry		10 September 2016	Newcastle	^[58]
			-0.7	Michelle-Lee Ahye		20 May 2018	Boston	^[59]
24	16.58	straight	+0.1	Angie Annelus		6 May 2023	Atlanta	^[60]
25	16.59	straight	+1.2	Candyce McGrone		12 September 2015	Newcastle	^[61]

Notes

Below is a list of other times equal or superior to 16.59:

• Allyson Felix also ran 16.36 straight (2013).
• Shaunae Miller-Uibo also ran 16.37 straight (2019).
• Merlene Ottey also ran 16.46 bend (1989).

Notes and References

1. Longman, Jere (1997-06-02). In a Duel of the Fastest, Bailey Runs All Alone. New York Times. Retrieved on 2017-01-29.
2. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bailey-beats-johnson-and-takes-home-15-million-in-fastest-man-race.aspx?pageID=438&n=bailey-beats-johnson-and-takes-home-1.5-million-in-fastest-man-race-1997-06-03 Bailey beats Johnson and takes home $1.5 million in 'fastest-man' race
3. http://www.itnsource.com/shotlist//RTV/1995/07/23/605211243/?s=* ENGLAND: INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS IN SHEFFIELD
4. http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/bailey-cashes-in-on-emphatic-victory.aspx?pageID=438&n=bailey-cashes-in-on-emphatic-victory-1997-07-01 Bailey cashes in on emphatic victory
5. Hart, Simon (2009-05-17). Usain Bolt clocks fastest ever 150m. Daily Telegraph. Retrieved on 2017-01-29.
6. http://www.finishlynx.com/2013/06/allyson-felix-sprints-to-150m-world-record-at-the-great-city-games/ Allyson Felix Sprints to 150m World Record at the Great City Games
7. http://www.usatf.org/News/Team-USA-takes-Great-North-City-Games-trophy.aspx?feed=news Team USA takes Great North City Games trophy
8. Biscayart, Eduardo (2013-03-31). Bolt blazes to victory in Rio beach race . IAAF. Retrieved on 2017-01-29.
9. http://www.gbrathletics.com/bc/wali.htm Welsh Indoor Championships
10. http://www.gbrathletics.com/nc/fini.htm Finnish Indoor Championships
11. http://www.gbrathletics.com/ic/eiw.htm European Indoor Championships (Women)
12. https://www.iaaf.org/news/news/bolt-runs-1435-sec-for-150m-covers-50m-150m-i Bolt runs 14.35 sec for 150m; covers 50m-150m in 8.70 sec!
13. http://www.gbrathletics.com/wrec.htm WORLD RECORDS AND BEST PERFORMANCES
14. News: Markham. Carl. Butler. Mark. 17 May 2009. Bolt runs 14.35 sec for 150m; covers 50m-150m in 8.70 sec!. IAAF. 28 January 2017.
15. News: Tyson Gay 2010 Manchester 19.41 200 meter Splits. speedendurance.com. Jimson Lee. 20 May 2010. 9 April 2017.
16. Web site: Lyles and Hill equal American 150m bests as track royalty lights up adidas Atlanta City Games. adidas Atlanta City Games. 18 May 2024. 19 May 2024.
17. Web site: Great City Games 2012 Results. greatcitygames.org. September 2011. 28 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232315/http://www.greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2011. 8 October 2017. dead.
18. Web site: Atlanta City Games 2024 Results. adidasatlantacitygames.com/. 19 May 2024.
19. News: Great City Games: Yohan Blake fails to break Bolt's 150m record. bbc.com. 17 May 2014. 28 January 2017.
20. News: Hurdle stars Holloway and Harrison lead record blitz in Boston. World Athletics. Jon Mulkeen. 24 May 2021. 18 June 2021.
21. News: 150m Results. adidasboostboston.com. 20 May 2018. 23 May 2018. 22 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180522080531/http://www.adidasboostboston.com/events/may-20/mens-150m.php. dead.
22. Web site: Who is the fastest man in the world?. elitetrack.com. Robert Tibshirani. May 1997. 29 January 2017. 2 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202072226/http://elitetrack.com/article_files/fastestman.pdf. dead.
23. Web site: Lyles, Hobbs and Holloway produce fast times in Atlanta. World Athletics. Karen Rosen. 7 May 2023. 11 May 2023.
24. Web site: Atlanta City Games 2024 Results. adidasatlantacitygames.com/. 19 May 2024.
25. Web site: Great City Games 2012 Results. greatcitygames.org. September 2011. 28 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232315/http://www.greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2011. 8 October 2017. dead.
26. Web site: Manchester City Games 2012 Results. greatcitygames.org. 15 May 2012. 28 January 2017.
27. Web site: Great North CityGames - 2018 Results/Startlists. greatcitygames.org. The Great Run Company. 8 September 2018. 3 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190105145429/http://www.greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2018. 5 January 2019. dead.
28. News: Bolt blazes to victory in Rio beach race. IAAF. Eduardo Biscayart. 31 March 2013. 28 January 2017.
29. Web site: Oblique Seville wins Atlanta City Games 100m in 9.99, 150m victory for Jereem Richards. sportsmax.tv. Leighton Levy. 7 May 2023. 11 May 2023.
30. Web site: Lyles, Hobbs and Holloway produce fast times in Atlanta. World Athletics. Karen Rosen. 7 May 2023. 11 May 2023.
31. Web site: Atlanta City Games 2024 Results. adidasatlantacitygames.com/. 19 May 2024.
32. Web site: Manchester City Games 2013 Results. greatcitygames.org. 25 May 2013. 28 January 2017.
33. Web site: Great City Games 2013 Results. greatcitygames.org. 6 September 2014. 28 January 2017. 10 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170110161831/http://greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2013. dead.
34. News: Bolt blazes to victory in Rio beach race. IAAF. Eduardo Biscayart. 31 March 2013. 28 January 2017.
35. http://www.runblogrun.com/track-field/fast-150-meter-races-by-alfons-juck-note-by-larry-eder.html Fast 150 meter races, by Alfons Juck, Note by Larry Eder
36. News: News From Around the World - EME NEWS (JUN 19, 2016). american-trackandfield.com. 19 June 2017. 17 March 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20161001235402/http://american-trackandfield.com/atf/index.php/news/item/1838-news-from-around-the-world-eme-news-jun-19-2016. 1 October 2016. dead.
37. Web site: Oblique Seville wins Atlanta City Games 100m in 9.99, 150m victory for Jereem Richards. sportsmax.tv. Leighton Levy. 7 May 2023. 11 May 2023.
38. Web site: UNITED KINGDOM ALL-TIME LISTS - MEN. gbrathletics.com. 31 December 2006. 16 February 2017.
39. https://www.omegatiming.com/File/0002030F0101110101FFFFFFFFFFFF4D.pdf Wanda Diamond League Brussels - 200m Women race analysis
40. http://www.athleticsweekly.com/stats/records/world-records-best-performances-womens-outdoor World records and best performances, women’s outdoor
41. Web site: A KINEMATIC STUDY OF THE SPRINT EVENTS AT THE 1999 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS IN SEVILLA. University of Konstanz. 2002. 29 January 2017.
42. Web site: 150m Results. adidasboostboston.com. 20 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180522080607/http://www.adidasboostboston.com/events/may-20/womens-150m.php. 22 May 2018. dead.
43. News: Jon Mulkeen . 5 June 2017 . Miller-Uibo clocks 21.76 on 200m straight in Boston . 5 June 2017 . IAAF.
44. Web site: Lyles and Hill equal American 150m bests as track royalty lights up adidas Atlanta City Games. adidas Atlanta City Games. 18 May 2024. 19 May 2024.
45. Web site: Lyles and Hill equal American 150m bests as track royalty lights up adidas Atlanta City Games. adidas Atlanta City Games. 18 May 2024. 19 May 2024.
46. Web site: Commonwealth All-Time Lists – Women. www.gbrathletics.com. 2006-08-09. 28 January 2017.
47. News: Olympic Champ Brianna Rollins-McNeal takes down Merlene Ottey record to set a world best. globenewswire.com. 30 July 2020. 29 April 2021.
48. Web site: Atlanta City Games 2024 Results. adidasatlantacitygames.com/. 19 May 2024.
49. Web site: Lyles, Hobbs and Holloway produce fast times in Atlanta. World Athletics. Karen Rosen. 7 May 2023. 11 May 2023.
50. Web site: Atlanta City Games 2024 Results. adidasatlantacitygames.com/. 19 May 2024.
51. Web site: Great City Games 2012 Results. greatcitygames.org. September 2011. 28 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171008232315/http://www.greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2011. 8 October 2017. dead.
52. Web site: Lyles, Hobbs and Holloway produce fast times in Atlanta. World Athletics. Karen Rosen. 7 May 2023. 11 May 2023.
53. News: Hurdle stars Holloway and Harrison lead record blitz in Boston. World Athletics. Jon Mulkeen. 24 May 2021. 18 June 2021.
54. Web site: A KINEMATIC STUDY OF THE SPRINT EVENTS AT THE 1999 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS IN SEVILLA. University of Konstanz. 2002. 29 January 2017.
55. Web site: Manchester City Games 2009 Results. greatcitygames.org. 17 May 2009. 28 January 2017.
56. News: Kiplimo, Crouser, Kipyegon and Taylor impress in Ostrava. World Athletics. Bob Ramsak. 8 September 2020. 18 September 2020.
57. Web site: A KINEMATIC STUDY OF THE SPRINT EVENTS AT THE 1999 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ATHLETICS IN SEVILLA. University of Konstanz. 2002. 29 January 2017.
58. Web site: Great City Games 2016 Results. greatcitygames.org. 10 September 2016. 28 January 2017. 2 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202055454/http://www.greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2016. dead.
59. Web site: 150m Results. adidasboostboston.com. 20 May 2018. 23 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180522080607/http://www.adidasboostboston.com/events/may-20/womens-150m.php. 22 May 2018. dead.
60. Web site: Oblique Seville wins Atlanta City Games 100m in 9.99, 150m victory for Jereem Richards. sportsmax.tv. Leighton Levy. 7 May 2023. 14 May 2023.
61. Web site: Great City Games 2015 Results. greatcitygames.org. 12 September 2015. 28 January 2017. 2 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202055124/http://www.greatcitygames.org/results/NewcastleGateshead/2015. dead.