Who counts the laps, and may a runner be paced or handed a drink?
I · Intermediate · The event and the start · 2 of 9Officials count the laps and show the number remaining at the finish line, and a bell marks each runner's last lap. A runner may not be paced by anyone outside the race or by a lapped athlete. Pace lights beside the track are allowed. Water may be provided in races of 5000 m or longer when the weather calls for it.
How it works
- Lap scorers: keep a record of the laps completed by every athlete in races longer than 1500 m.
- The board: a display at the finish line shows the laps remaining and is changed each lap when the leader enters the finish straight.
- The bell: the final lap is signalled to each athlete, usually by ringing a bell. This is the bell lap.
- Lapped runners: are told by hand how many laps they have left when that is needed.
- Pacing that is banned: "Pacing in races by persons not participating in the same race, by athletes lapped or about to be lapped or by any kind of technical device".
- Pacing that is allowed: an athlete entered in the race may lead it. Such a runner is a pacer.
- Lights: "Electronic lights or similar appliance indicating progressive times during a race, including of a relevant record" are allowed.
- Watches: a heart rate or speed and distance monitor may be worn, as long as it cannot be used to communicate with anyone.
- Times called out: intermediate times may be announced or displayed officially. Nobody in the competition area may call times to athletes without the referee's approval.
- Water: in races of 5000 m or longer the organisers may provide water and sponges "if weather conditions warrant such provision".
- Carrying a drink: an athlete may carry water or refreshment if it was carried from the start or collected at an official station.
- Taking a drink elsewhere: from anywhere other than an official station, or from another athlete's supply, brings a warning the first time and disqualification the second.
Tricky cases
Are pacemakers legal?
Yes, if they are entered in the same race. The rule bans pacing by people who are not in the race and by lapped athletes.
A lapped team-mate moves in front of the leader and tows them along. Is that allowed?
No. Pacing by an athlete who has been lapped, or is about to be, is assistance. It may be punished without a first warning.
Can one athlete hand another a bottle?
Yes, if it was carried from the start or picked up at an official station. Continuous support from one athlete to another may still be treated as unfair assistance.
Can a runner wear headphones?
No. Using a radio, phone or similar device in the competition area is on the list of assistance that is not allowed.
Why the rule exists
A runner who is led by a fresh athlete, or by someone outside the race, is getting help the others are not. A lapped runner is in effect a fresh athlete for the leaders. Lights by the track are open to the whole field, which is why they are treated differently.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 6.3; TR 6.4; TR 17.14; TR 17.15; CR 24 |
| Races longer than 10,000 m | Refreshment, water and sponging stations must be provided | TR 17.15.2 |
| Mixed races | Where men and women run together, neither may pace or assist the other | TR 9.4.1 |
| Lap counting by machine | A transponder system may replace manual lap scoring | CR 24.1 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 6.2 to 6.4, 9.4.1, 17.14 and 17.15 and Competition Rule 24. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).