Can a walker be disqualified in the finishing straight?
I · Intermediate · The event · 2 of 4Checked 14 October 2026
Yes.
In the last 100 m the chief judge may disqualify a walker whose way of moving plainly breaks the definition,
however many red cards the walker already has. The walker is allowed to finish and is shown a red paddle as soon as
possible afterwards.
How it works
- The power: in all World Rankings Competitions "the Chief Judge has the power to disqualify an athlete in the last 100m" when their way of moving plainly fails to meet the definition of race walking.
- Whatever the count: it applies "regardless of the number of previous Red Cards the Chief Judge has received on that athlete". A walker with none can be disqualified this way.
- A plain case only: the rule asks for a failure that is obvious. This power is for a walker who has stopped walking, not for a small fault.
- Finishing: the athlete "shall be allowed to finish the race".
- Being told: the chief judge or an assistant shows a red paddle "at the earliest opportunity after the athlete has finished the race".
- Only here: this is the one situation in which the chief judge acts as a judge.
Tricky cases
A walker with no red cards breaks into a run 50 m from the line and finishes first. Can they be disqualified?
Yes. The chief judge may disqualify in the last 100 m whatever the number of earlier red cards.
Is the walker stopped before the line?
No. They are allowed to finish and are told afterwards.
Can the chief judge use this power 300 m from the finish?
No. It covers the last 100 m only.
Why the rule exists
Red cards take time to travel from three judges to the chief judge. Without this power, a walker could run the last 100 m to win a close finish, knowing the cards could not arrive before the line. One official with authority at the finish closes that gap.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 54.4.1; TR 54.4.2 |
| The rest of the race | Disqualification needs red cards from three different judges | TR 54.7.1 |
| Competitions that are not World Rankings Competitions | The rule gives this power for World Rankings Competitions | TR 54.4.1 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 54.4.1 and 54.4.2. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).