The word racing conjures up different images for different people: horses, cars, athletes, or even video games. It’s basically a speed contest. Originating from a Viking word raz, meaning “”fast water”” in Brittany, France, participants in a race try to finish a particular task in the shortest time possible. It can mean going from one point to another or completing a series of laps around a particular course as quickly as possible. The earliest records of racing are found in ancient Greece and a description of a chariot race is found in Homer’s Iliad.

Often a race is associated with the place where it is held or first started such as the New York Marathon. A race usually covers a fixed distance and the participants must comply with certain rules established by the organizers. While racing is the most common form of competition, other popular racing activities take place in vehicles such as boats, cars, or animals.

While races are usually run from point to point, some races may be run in stages or heats. A heat is a race that takes place on the same course at different times, while a stage is a short part of a longer race. Cross country races, marathons, road races, track races, swimming, bike races, ski races are the different types of races that take place. Races involving animals can be done by competing with animals alone or with human riders on the animal’s back or in a means of transportation such as a cart. Horse racing, greyhound racing and camel racing are very popular.

Vehicle racing is also popular: plane racing or car racing like the famous Formula One races or Grand Prix car races. Motorcycle racing and boat racing are equally popular.

However, racing is no longer limited to the physical world. The virtual reality world has its own racing scene. Computer and video racing games based on real world racing leagues or wholly imaginary scenarios can range from extreme simulations to simpler arcade racing games. Internet championships for such games are now held regularly.