What decides who crosses the line first?
B · Beginner · Running and finishing · 6 of 7Athletes are placed in the order in which any part of the torso reaches the near edge of the finish line. The head, neck, arms, legs, hands and feet do not count. Close finishes are read from a photo finish image, taken by a camera in line with the finish.
How it works
- The line: a white line 50 mm wide.
- What counts: athletes are placed "in the order in which any part of their bodies (i.e. torso, as distinguished from the head, neck, arms, legs, hands or feet) reaches the vertical plane of the nearer edge of the finish line".
- Reaching, not crossing: the moment that counts is the torso reaching the plane. The athlete does not have to be over the line.
- The camera: a photo finish system films the finish through a camera lined up with the finish line. At major competitions it records at least 1000 frames a second.
- Reading it: the chief photo finish judge reads the placings and times from the image.
- Two cameras: there should be at least two, one from each side, so that no athlete is hidden behind another.
- Hip numbers: where a photo finish is used, athletes may be given extra numbers to wear on the side of their shorts.
- A tie: if the judges cannot separate two athletes, it is a tie.
- In a relay: the team is placed by the torso of its last runner. The baton must be in that runner's hand, and its position does not decide the placing.
Tricky cases
A runner's hand reaches the line before a rival's chest. Who is ahead?
The rival. Hands and arms do not count.
An athlete falls and slides over the line. When have they finished?
When any part of the torso reaches the plane of the line.
Does leaning forward at the finish help?
Yes. A lean brings the torso to the line sooner, and it is the torso that is timed and placed.
Do the athletes have to stay in their lanes after the line?
No. The lane rule runs "from start to finish".
Why the rule exists
Arms and legs can be thrown forward, and a head can be dipped ahead of the body. The torso is the part every athlete carries to the line in the same way, and it shows as a solid shape on a photo finish image.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 18.1; TR 18.2; TR 19.13 to 19.21 |
| Finishes outside the stadium | The line may be up to 0.30 m wide | TR 18.1 (note) |
| Smaller competitions | The camera may record 100 frames a second, or judges may place the athletes by eye | TR 19.13.1; TR 19.1 |
| Races with transponders | The chip gives a time, and the torso rule still decides close finishes | TR 19.26 |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 5.10, 18, 19.13 to 19.21 and 21.1. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).