‘赛跑’ literally combines ‘赛’ (sài), meaning ‘contest’ or ‘competition’, and ‘跑’ (pǎo), meaning ‘to run’. Together, they form a compound noun meaning ‘footrace’ or ‘running race’—a competitive event where participants run a set distance to determine a winner. It is commonly used in school sports days, community events, and athletic training contexts.

Unlike the more general term ‘跑步’ (pǎo bù, ‘running’ as exercise), ‘赛跑’ specifically implies competition and timing, often with official rules, starting signals, and rankings. It can refer to any running race—from short sprints like 100 meters to longer distances like cross-country—but always emphasizes the competitive aspect rather than casual or recreational running.