An octathlon is a multisport competition consisting of eight different sports or contests.
An octathlon in athletics is an event which consists of eight track and field events. The most common version of the combined event is contested by boys at youth level, most notably at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Athletics. The events within the youth octathlon are: the 100 metres, long jump, 110 metres hurdles, high jump, 400 metres, shot put, javelin throw, and finally the 1000 metres.[1][2]
Although this is primarily a youth or junior event, logistical problems have seen senior octathlons contested, for example at the 2007 South Pacific Games.[3]
From time to time octathlons only have seven events, in which case it is sometimes referred to as an "octathalon". This is best exemplified by the New Jersey version, though this may have began somewhere in Delaware County in Pennsylvania. The seven event "octathalon" typically features a range of events that challenge a wide range of skill sets. Events such as 12-hole golf, bowling, flip cup, horseshoes, beer pong, cornhole, three-point shootout are common, though a case race, bocce ball, and even a 400 meter dash have been used before.
The octathlon can also refer to a set of gym exercises, including the stationary bike, lat pulldown, step ups, row machine, treadmill, and bench press. Because all of these events are done on gym equipment, it can be done in most health clubs. Some claim it to be the ideal pre-season sport for athletes due to its mix of strength and cardiovascular activities.[4]