Track and field competitions are undoubtedly the crown jewel of the Olympic Games and the most anticipated events for millions of viewers around the globe. For hundreds of athletes, years of hard work and preparation will culminate when they step into the arena in Paris. Here is what you need to know about the competitions:

Track and field events encompass a wide range of running, walking, jumping, and throwing competitions, which are essential to the Olympic Games. Races are generally held on the main track, which is divided into eight lanes, while throwing events take place in an area surrounded by the track. Walking and marathon races are conducted on the roads.

The competitions will begin on August 1 with the men’s and women’s 20 km race walk. The preliminary and qualifying rounds for other events will start on August 2. The women’s 100 meters final is scheduled for August 3, while the men’s 100 meters final will take place the following day. The women’s marathon on August 11 will conclude the track and field events on the last day of the Games.

All sprint and middle-distance races will be held on the purple track at the Stade de France in Paris, while field events will also take place at the same stadium. Marathon and race walking events will be held outside the stadium in the French capital.

In these events, the world’s top athletes will compete for medals. According to World Athletics, here are the top-ranked sprinters:

Long-distance races will offer sharp competition among the world’s best athletes, many of whom will be from Africa. Kenya’s “Queen of 1,500m,” Faith Kipyegon, will attempt to secure a hat-trick of Olympic gold medals in her primary middle-distance event, as well as in the 5,000 meters, aiming for a double medal win in the same Games.

Kipyegon is expected to be one of the biggest stars on the track in Paris. Dutch long-distance runner Sifan Hassan has registered for the 1,500m, 5,000m, and 10,000m events, alongside her preferred marathon discipline. In the women’s marathon, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, the world record holder in this category, is one of the favorites for gold.

In men’s competitions, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge will aim to conclude what may be his final Olympic Games with a third gold medal in Paris. He will compete alongside his compatriot Peres Jepchirchir and against his longtime rival Kenenisa Bekele from Ethiopia. Kenya’s Alexander Munyao will also challenge for medals in long-distance events.

The preliminary rounds of selected track and field events, along with all medal events, will be broadcast live by the respective rights holders and online streaming platforms in all countries. Al Jazeera will provide live text and photo coverage of a selection of medal events.