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A race to cover a certain distance may be almost any length, and using any means stipulated by the rules of the race. Running a certain distance is the template of racing, but races are often conducted in vehicles, such as boats and cars, or on/with animals, such as horses.

Early records of races are evident on ancient Greek pottery, where running men are depicted vying for first place. A chariot race is described in Homer's Iliad.

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 .

Types of racing

Here is a list of some common and not so common forms of racing.

Using only the human body's own muscles:

• MarathonAlthough marathon sometimes refers to any athletic event requiring great endurance, more specifically it refers to a long-distance track event of 42,195 m (26 miles and 385 yards). The name "marathon" comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek soldier
• Racewalking
• Track running in AthleticsAthletics also known as track and field or track and field athletics is a collection of sport events. The word is derived from the Greek word "athlos" meaning "contest". It is a collection of sport events, which can roughly be divided into running, throwi
• SwimmingSwimming is the method by which humans (or other animals) move themselves through water. Swimming is a popular recreational activity, particularly in hot countries and in areas with natural watercourses. Swimming is also a competitive sport. There are man

With bicycleBicycle" may also refer to Bicycle Playing Cards. A bicycle or bike is a pedal-driven land vehicle with two wheels arranged in line. First introduced in 19th century Europe, it evolved quickly into its current design. With over one billion in the world tos, known as CyclingCycling is a recreation, a sport, and a means of transport across land. It involves riding bicycles, unicycles, tricycles, and other human powered vehicles (HPVs). As a sport it is governed internationally by the Union Cycliste Internationale in Switzerla:

• Track cyclingTrack cycling is a form of bicycle racing usually held on specially-built banked tracks or velodromes (but many events are held at older velodromes where the track banking is relatively shallow). Track racing is also done on grass tracks marked out on fla such as a Points race
• Road cycling such as the Tour de France
• Offroad cycling or Mountain bicycling

With skis on snow:

• Alpine skiing such as Slalom skiing or Downhill skiing
• Cross-country skiing

With animals (alone or with human riders on animal's back or in carriage):

• Camel racing
• Chariot racing
• Greyhound racing
• Equestrian sports
• Horse-racing, see also United Kingdom horse-racing
  • Flat racing
  • Thoroughbred horse races, such as Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing or a Derby.
  • Trotting
  • Steeplechase

• Pigeon racing
• Pig racing

Using machines powered by motors, on land:

• Auto racing (also known as automobile racing, motor racing or autosport)
  • Formula One, Formula Ford , Formula 3000
  • Production Car Racing
  • Rally racing, Drifting
  • Drag racing
  • Sand Drag Racing
  • Sports car racing
  • Stock car racing, NASCAR, Indy Cars - Champ Cars
  • dirt speedway racing
  • Offroad racing
  • Touring car racing
  • Truck racing

• Kart racing

• Motorcycle racing such as the Isle of Man TT:
  • Motocross Racing
  • Grand Prix motorcycle racing
  • Pocketbike Racing
  • Production Bike Racing
  • Superbike racing

• Snowmobile racing ("land" = land or frozen lakes/rivers)

Using boats on water:

• Dragon Boat Racing
• Hydroplane racing
• Jet sprint boat racing
• Offshore powerboat racing
• Outrigger Canoe racing
• Rowing
• Sailing or Yacht racing also Match race such as America's Cup races or Team Racing.

and in virtual reality or in a videogame

• Chocobo Racing

See also: Sport, Gambling, Totalisator, Pacemaker, Nuclear arms race, Space Race, Race Game, Surf lifesaving