What type of race was the Dolichos?

The Dolichos was a type of long-distance race that was part of ancient Greek athletic competitions, particularly noted in the context of the Olympic Games. This race involved a greater distance than the sprints and typically consisted of anywhere between 7 to 24 lengths of the stadium, depending on the specific historical accounts. The emphasis on prolonged exertion distinguishes it from short races, culminating in a test of endurance as much as speed. In contrast, sprint races focus on quick bursts of speed over shorter distances, relay races involve teams passing a baton, and hurdle races include obstacles to jump over. The Dolichos, therefore, stands out as a grueling challenge that required athletes to maintain a steady pace over a significant length, aligning it clearly with long-distance racing traditions.