I have some skill in the exercises.
In the palaestrae of Rome I am not unknown.

Let us to the course." Malluch lingered to say, quickly, "The duumvir was a Roman, yet I see his son in the garments of a Jew." "The noble Arrius was my father by adoption," Ben-Hur answered.
"Ah! I see, and beg pardon." Passing through the belt of forest, they came to a field with a track laid out upon it, in shape and extent exactly like those of the stadia.

The course, or track proper, was of soft earth, rolled and sprinkled, and on both sides defined by ropes, stretched loosely upon upright javelins.

For the accommodation of spectators, and such as had interests reaching forward of the mere practise, there were several stands shaded by substantial awnings, and provided with seats in rising rows.

In one of the stands the two new-comers found places.
Ben-Hur counted the chariots as they went by--nine in all.
"I commend the fellows," he said, with good-will.