An intermediate time measurement taken at specific points during a race, showing an athlete's pace and progress. Split times help athletes monitor their performance and adjust strategy during longer events.
From 'split' (to divide or separate) and 'time' (duration measurement). The concept developed as timing technology improved in the early 1900s, allowing officials to record multiple time points within a single race for pacing and tactical analysis.
Elite marathoners receive split times every 5 kilometers, and their coaches often stand at specific points shouting out whether they're ahead or behind their target pace! Negative splits—running the second half faster than the first—are considered the ideal racing strategy for distance events.
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