In track terms, what does "kick" mean?

Question

In track terms, what does "kick" mean?

Answer 1

A "kick" is when a runner speeds up at the end of a race.  A runner will use "whatever's left in the tank" to finish as strong as possible.  This also can prevent other runners from cruising until the end of a race and sprinting the tail end of it, and beating you.

~abab

Answer 2

The last point of the race where they push with all they have left to get to the finish. The final sprint.

Answer 3

It means the ability to take it up a notch at any given time in a race. For example,"  Janice was trailing Gene during the entire race but during the last lap she was able to kick past her competitor."