What happens if a runner steps on or inside the kerb?
I · Intermediate · Running and finishing · 3 of 9On a bend, a runner may not step on or inside the kerb or line marking the inside of the track. That means disqualification, with one allowance: a single step on or over it in the whole event is let go if nobody was obstructed and nothing was gained. Stepping inside to escape from a boxed-in position is always a fault.
How it works
- The duty: in a race not run in lanes, an athlete on a bend "shall not step or run on or inside the kerb or line marking the applicable border".
- The penalty: disqualification, on the report of a judge or umpire.
- Not a fault, being pushed: an athlete "pushed or forced by another person or object" to step inside is not disqualified.
- Not a fault, on the straight: stepping inside on a straight part of the track.
- Not a fault, one step: an athlete who "steps once on or completely over the kerb or line" on a bend.
- The condition: these exceptions apply only if no other athlete is jostled or obstructed and "no material advantage is gained".
- Once in the whole event: in an event with several rounds the single step is allowed once across all the rounds. A second means disqualification.
- Boxed in: an athlete who gains an advantage by "removing themselves from a 'boxed' position in the race by having stepped or run inside the inside edge of the track at any point" is disqualified.
- Pushed inside: the commentary says an athlete forced inside should "take immediate steps to return to the track without seeking or gaining any advantage".
- In the results: a single step of this kind is shown with the letter L.
Tricky cases
A runner is knocked onto the infield in a crowded bend. Are they disqualified?
No. An athlete pushed or forced inside by another person is not disqualified. They must get back onto the track without gaining from it.
A runner boxed in on the bend steps inside the kerb for two strides to get past. Is that allowed?
No. Getting out of a boxed position by running inside the track is named in the rule as a material advantage.
A runner's foot lands on the kerb once during a 5000 m. Are they out?
No, if it is the first time in the event, nobody was obstructed and nothing was gained.
Is running on the inside of lane 1 on the straight a fault?
No, not automatically. The commentary says the referee may still disqualify if the athlete gains an advantage by it.
Why the rule exists
The kerb is the edge of the measured distance. A runner inside it is running a shorter race, and in a tight pack it is also the way out of a trap that other runners have fairly set. The single-step allowance covers the accidental stumble.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 17.2.4; TR 17.3; TR 17.4 |
| Races that start in lanes | The lane rule applies to the lane part and this rule to the rest, with one allowance for the whole race | TR 17.3 commentary |
| Where the kerb is removed | The inside is marked by a white line with cones or flags | TR 14.1 |
| Records | A record can stand after a first single step, and not after a second | CR 31.14 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 14.1 and 17.2 to 17.4 with the commentary printed under them, and Competition Rule 25.5. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).