What help may an athlete have during the race?

• Pacing: banned when done "by persons not participating in the same race, by athletes lapped or about to be lapped or by any kind of technical device".
• Athletes in the race: an athlete entered in the same race who sets the pace is not covered by that ban.
• Devices: "Possession or use of video recorders, radios, CD, radio transmitters, mobile phone or similar devices in the competition area" is banned.
• Watches and sensors: a heart rate monitor, speed and distance monitor or stride sensor may be worn, "provided that such device cannot be used to communicate with any other person".
• Coaches: an athlete may communicate with a coach who is not in the competition area.
• Officials: may not give advice or support beyond their job, such as coaching or calling out time or distance gaps.
• Other athletes: physical support from another athlete that helps forward progress is banned. Helping someone back to their feet is not.
• Medical help: treatment by the official medical staff is allowed. An official may also help an athlete to stand or to reach medical help.
• Protection: bandages, tape, belts, supports, wrist coolers and breathing aids may be worn for protection or for medical reasons.
• Clothing from stations: hats, gloves, shoes or clothing handed out at official stations are allowed.
• The penalty: a warning from the referee, and disqualification from the event if it happens again. For pacing, and for physical support from another athlete, disqualification may come without a warning.

A race is meant to be completed on the athlete's own judgement and effort. Over a long distance the temptations are greater: a helper could set the pace, block the wind or pass on what rivals are doing. The rules allow what only informs the athlete, such as a wrist monitor. They ban what brings another person into the race.