Why wont my Apple Watch detect that I am on a 400m running track?

Hi Gene2121,

Thanks for posting in Apple Support Communities. Automatic track workouts were introduced in watchOS 9 so if you are on an earlier watchOS, updating will likely help. You can update using either method from Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support.

Then, check out the following from Automatic track workouts on Apple Watch - Apple Support which can help further.

"Begin a Track workout

1. Open the Workout app  on your Apple Watch.
2. Tap Outdoor Run.

If your Apple Watch detects that you’re at a track, you’re prompted to choose a lane.

3. Tap Choose Lane, use the plus or minus button to choose a lane, then tap Confirm.

4. If this is the first time you’ve performed a Track workout, choose a measurement unit (Miles or Meters), then tap Confirm.

To change the measurement unit later, open the Settings app, go to Workout > Units of Measure, then choose a unit below Track Workouts."

All the best.

Hello Faith, thanks for your comments but I too am having this problem. Mine is an Apple Ultra 2 that I got for Christmas so I am up to date in terms of updates. I went to the track this evening and selected outdoor run, I did a lap and nothing appeared to show that it recognised it as a track. Any ideas ?

Happens to me 1 out of 5 track workouts. At the exact same track. Today again, I track my workout manually and got discrepancies.

(I tried to kill the workout app several times but it didn’t help)

3km =2.97

2km =1.97

1km =0.98

and it’s not corrected later once uploaded to the phone (or to Strava)

Hey there Gene2121, 

Thank you for taking the time to let us know. We're glad things are up and running now.  

Have a good one!

How many laps do I have to do for the watch to detect that I'm on the track line?

It’s supposed to be detected as soon as you reached the track. Usually it takes 10-50m after entering the track area.

but when it doesn’t happen, there is no way to trigger it manually