text: what's harder, the 400 meter dash or 800 meter dash? (track and field)? i ran the 400 in college. i believe it's the most grueling race, but then consider the 800! that's going for twice as long at that "i'm going to die" speed. anyone who has done both have an opinion? 400 over 800 any day for gut wrenching.  of the flat races, i would say its the hardest to run well, but i would put it behind the steeplechase and the 400 hurdles for being the toughest race in a meet.  you really can't run 800 at "i'm going to die" speed, of course if you go out the 200 like a fool, it may feel like you're doing it.