Athletics is the basic form of sports, as long as there has been mankind, there has been the drive to contest in running, jumping and throwing. The earliest clues for organised events lie in Egypt over 3000 years back. Athletics were the backbone of the anthic Olympic Games, and has been ever since in the modern Olympics. The International Amateur Athletic Federation was founded in 1912. Next to international outdoor and indoor championships, there are cross-country championships, marathon and ultra running events.