The sport of athletics is defined by the many events which make up its competition programmes. The Olympic athletics programme has played a significant role in shaping the most common events in the sport. The IAAF World Championships in Athletics is the foremost World Championship event, holding the vast majority of World Championship-level events within the competition. A small number of events, such as the 60 metres, are exclusive to the IAAF World Indoor Championships.

Two further, separate World Championship events are held for their specific events: the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships and the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. Cross country is one of many events which have appeared at Olympics but are now not part of the Olympic athletics schedule. Some events, such as the mile run, remain very popular at competitions, despite having neither Olympic, nor World Championship status.

Athletics events

Sprints:

50 metres
55 metres
100 yard dash
150 metres
200 metres straight
440 yard dash
Middle-distance:
880 yard run
1000 metres
Mile run
2000 metres
Two miles
Hurdles:
50 metres hurdles
55 metres hurdles
2000 metres steeplechase

Relays:

4×800 metres relay
4×1500 metres relay
Distance medley relay
Sprint medley relay
Swedish relay
Road events:
5 kilometres road race
Quarter marathon
25 kilometres road race
30 kilometres road race
Ultramarathon
Timed events
One hour run
12-hour run
24-hour run
Multiday race