What sort of route may a road race use?
B · Beginner · The event · 2 of 4A road race is run on made-up roads. Where traffic makes the road unsuitable, a marked bicycle path or footpath beside it may be used, but not soft ground such as a grass verge. The distance in kilometres must be shown along the route. At the top competitions the roads are closed to motor traffic in both directions.
How it works
- The surface: "The races shall be run on made-up roads."
- Beside the road: when traffic or similar circumstances make the road unsuitable, the course "may be on a bicycle path or footpath alongside the road, but not on soft ground such as grass verges or the like".
- Start and finish: may be inside an athletics stadium.
- Short stretches off the road: a note says it is acceptable for the start, the finish and other segments to be on grass or other unpaved surfaces, kept to a minimum.
- Distance markers: "The distance in kilometres on the route shall be displayed to all athletes."
- Start and finish apart: it is recommended that the start and finish, in a straight line, are no further apart than half the race distance.
- Downhill: it is recommended that the course drops no more than 1 m for each kilometre between start and finish.
- Safety: the organisers must ensure the safety of athletes and officials. At the top competitions the roads used are closed to motorised traffic in all directions.
- Umpires: placed at regular intervals and at each key point, with others moving along the course.
Tricky cases
Can part of a road race go over grass?
Yes, for short stretches. A note accepts the start, the finish and other segments on grass or unpaved surfaces if they are kept to a minimum.
Can a race start in one town and finish in another?
Yes. Keeping the start and finish close together is a recommendation, not a requirement. It matters for records.
Does a road race have to finish on the road?
No. The start and finish may be inside a stadium.
Must every road race be closed to traffic?
No. The rule requires closed roads at the top competitions. Every organiser must still ensure the safety of athletes and officials.
Why the rule exists
A hard, even surface is what makes road times comparable, which is why grass is kept out. The two recommendations on the shape of the course guard against a route that runs one way with the wind behind or mostly downhill. They become firm conditions when a record is claimed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| World Athletics rules | As above | TR 55.2; TR 55.4; TR 55.7; TR 55.11 |
| Record attempts | The limits on separation and drop are conditions, not recommendations | CR 31.21 |
| Race walking | The road circuit is 1 km to 2 km round | TR 54.11.1 |
| Finish line outside a stadium | May be up to 0.30 m wide and of any colour that stands out | TR 18.1 (note) |
From the rule book
World Athletics, Competition and Technical Rules, 2026 Edition, Technical Rules 18.1, 55.2, 55.4, 55.7 and 55.11 with their notes. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).