How does a distance race start?
B · Beginner · The event and the start · 2 of 5Races longer than 400 m start standing, with one command: "On your marks". Athletes step up behind the start line without touching the line or the ground in front of it, and without a hand on the ground. The starter fires the gun once everyone is steady, and nobody may start before it.
How it works
- The line: a white line 50 mm wide. The distance of a race is measured from the edge of the start line farther from the finish.
- The signal: "All races shall normally be started by the report of the Starter's gun held upwards."
- Commands over 400 m: "On your marks" only.
- Standing start: "all starts shall be made from a standing position". The athlete may not touch the ground with a hand, or touch the start line or the ground in front of it with the feet.
- The curved line: in races not run in lanes the start line is curved, so that every athlete starts the same distance from the finish. Starting positions are numbered from left to right, facing the direction of running.
- Steady: the gun is fired once the starter is satisfied that all athletes are steady.
- At once: on each command athletes must take up their position "at once and without delay".
- Who is in charge: the starter has "entire control of the athletes on their marks".
- Language: at the top level of competition the commands are given in English only. Elsewhere they may be in the local language, English or French.
Tricky cases
Can a distance runner crouch with a hand on the track?
No. In races longer than 400 m the start is standing and the athlete may not touch the ground with a hand.
Is there a "Set" command in a distance race?
No. The only command is "On your marks". The gun follows once everyone is steady.
Can an athlete put their hand up and ask for the start to be delayed?
It depends on the reason. An athlete who causes a start to be called off without a valid reason may be warned for improper conduct. The referee judges whether the reason was valid.
Is the start given in the athlete's own language?
It depends on the competition. At the top level the commands are in English only.
Why the rule exists
Over a long race the push from the line matters little, so the rule asks only for a fair, still line of athletes. Requiring stillness before the gun gives the starter one clear thing to judge: who moved first.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 16.1 to 16.5 |
| Races outside the stadium | The start line may be up to 0.30 m wide | TR 16.1 (note i) |
| Deaf or hearing-impaired athletes | Start lights may be used and are not treated as assistance | TR 15 commentary |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 14.3, 15.1 and 16.1 to 16.5 and Competition Rules 22 and 23. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).