Why do athletics and swimming have 1500 meter races and not 1600 there are 100m 200m 400m 800m distances then 1500m not logical?

Answer 1

That is a very interesting point you have. However, there is a reason for everything.

That is probably because:

In Track and Field, notice that nice rould numbers are easier. In minor tournaments the 3000 meters might be an event. That is double of 1500 meter. Is 3000 meters easier to comprehend than 3200 meters?

Also, it might be for psychological reason.

The human brain likes comprehend things that are easy. 1500 meters (psychologically) more easy to comprehend that 1600 meters.

(When your dealing with larger number (distances) multibles of 5 and 10 are easier to deal with)