A race is a competition of speed. The competitors in a race try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time. Typically this involves traversing some distance, but it can be any other task.
A race to cover a certain distance may be any length, and using any means stipulated by the rules. Running a distance is the most basic form of racing, but races are often conducted in vehicles, such as boats and cars; and on or with animals, such as horses.
A race may be run continuously from start to finish or may be made of several segments called heats or stages. A heat is usually run over the same course at different times. A stage is a shorter section of a much longer course or a time trial.
Early records of races are evident on pottery from ancient Greece, which depicted running men vying for first place. A chariot race is described in Homer's Iliad.
List of types of race
Unassisted human racing
Using only the human body's own muscles:
Cycle racing
Bicycle racing:
Ski racing
Skiing with skis, on snow:
Animal racing
Animals alone, or with human riders on the animal's back or in a conveyance:
Motorized racing
Machines powered by motors, on land:
Boat racing
Boats on water:
Other types
In virtual reality, or in a videogame:
On Wikipedia:
Etymology
The word race comes from a Viking word. This Viking word arrived in France during the invading of Normandy and gave the word raz which means "swift water" in Brittany; it can be found in "Pointe du Raz" (the most western point of France, in Brittany), and "raz-de-marée" (tsunami).
A race and its name are often associated with the place of origin, the means of transport and the distance of the race. As a couple of examples, see the Paris-Dakar rally or the Athens marathon .
See also