Track and field events (9)
I believe the answer is:
athletics
'track and field events' is the definition.
(events in athletic disciplines)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for athletics that I've seen before include "Lithe acts observed in sporting contests" , "Track and field events" , "Oldham and Charlton?" , "Track and field sports" , "Sports - his cattle (anag)" .)