Shorter distance events, like as 50-meter hurdles, are also popular in indoor track and field competitions. In the mid-twentieth century, women participated in the 80-meter hurdles in the Olympics. Hurdles races are frequently included in combined events competitions such as the decathlon and heptathlon. In addition to being a field event, hurdles are also often used by athletes as an opportunity to demonstrate their speed or ability to jump over objects in their path. An athlete who can quickly rise over a hurdle will be given a head start in the next race or contest, for example. Athletes use this advantage to their benefit when competing against each other in hurdle races or contests. Some track and field events that involve jumping over obstacles are: Hurdle races: These are races between single men or pairs of men over distances ranging from 100 meters to 1 kilometer. They are commonly held as part of local festivals or carnivals. The oldest record of a public hurlie is from 1555. It was held annually in London's Smithfield meat market until it was cancelled due to plague epidemics in 1665 and 1666. It was revived in 1672 and has been held ever since. Today, it is held annually in England on Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday). These races were first invented to use up all those brave soldiers who had been captured during wars.