How does a relay start?
B · Beginner · The event and the start · 2 of 7The first runner starts as in any race of that distance: from a crouch in blocks when the leg is 400 m or shorter, and standing when it is longer. The other three wait in their takeover zones and must begin their run inside the zone. A false start by the first runner ends the team's race.
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 up to 400 m: "On your marks" and "Set".
- Blocks: in races up to and including 400 m, "a crouch start and the use of starting blocks are compulsory". This covers the first leg of the 4 × 200 m, the Medley Relay and the 4 × 400 m.
- On your marks: the athlete takes a position completely within their lane and behind the start line. They may not touch the start line or the ground in front of it with hands or feet. "Both hands and at least one knee shall be in contact with the ground and both feet in contact with the foot plates".
- Set: the athlete rises at once to the final starting position, keeping the hands on the ground and the feet on the foot plates.
- 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.
- 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.
- The baton at the start: the starter's assistants make sure the first runners have their batons.
- The other three legs: "athletes are not permitted to begin running outside their takeover zones, and shall start within the zone".
Tricky cases
Can a hand rest on the start line?
No. In a crouch start the athlete may not touch the start line or the ground in front of it with hands or feet.
Is there a fixed time between "Set" and the gun?
No. The rules set no time. The starter fires when all the athletes are motionless in the set position.
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
The crouch and the blocks give every first runner the same strong push, and the blocks can be wired to measure it. 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 |
| Relays with legs over 400 m | The first runner starts standing, as in the 4 × 800 m | TR 16.4; TR 15.1 |
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 24.21 and Competition Rules 22 and 23. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).