The Ultimate Dash: Understanding the 100 Meters
What Is the 100 Meters?
The 100-meter dash is often called the most exciting event in track and field. It is a short, straight race that tests a runner's maximum speed. Because the race is so short, athletes must run at their top speed from the very beginning to the very end. It is held on a standard 400-meter outdoor track, using one of the long, straight sides. People all over the world watch this event during the Olympic Games to see who will be named the "fastest person on Earth."
How the Race Works
The race begins with the runners positioned in individual lanes. They do not stand up straight at the start; instead, they use metal devices called starting blocks. These blocks help the runners push off with great force when they hear the starter’s pistol fire. If a runner moves before the gun goes off, it is called a "false start," and they may be disqualified from the race.
- Starting blocks:
- Metal devices that runners use to push their feet against to get a powerful start.
- False start:
- When a runner moves out of their starting position before the signal to begin is given.
- Torso:
- The main part of the body, specifically the chest and shoulders, excluding the head and limbs.
- Reaction time:
- How quickly a person responds to a sound or signal, like the firing of a starting pistol.
- Photo finish:
- The use of a fast camera to see which runner crossed the finish line first in a very close race.
- disqualified:
- Removed from a competition or prevented from finishing because of breaking a rule.
More sheets from this passage
Built from the text itself — answer key included where it counts.
vocabulary worksheet
Match the passage words to their meanings, then fill the missing words back into real sentences.
writing prompts
Two writing tasks that build on the passage, with plenty of lines to write on.
- All 3 sheets as one workbookPro
One PDF with a cover, contents page and every answer key at the back.
You Might Also Like
About this explanatory article passage for Upper Elementary
“The Ultimate Dash: Understanding the 100 Meters” is a explanatory article reading passage about Track and Field, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 4 minutes to read (569 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.