Combined events

Ten events over two days — the decathlon is the classic all-round test of men's track and field, and its winner has a fair claim to the title of world's greatest athlete.

Seven events over two days indoors — the men's heptathlon is the winter combined event, a compressed test of speed, power and technique held when the throws and the long runs move under a roof.

Seven events over two days — the heptathlon has been the standard women's combined event outdoors since 1981, rewarding sprint speed, jumping spring and throwing power in equal measure.

Five events in a single day indoors — the women's pentathlon is the sport's most concentrated combined event, packing hurdles, two jumps, a throw and an 800 metres into one continuous session.