How does a sprint start?
B · Beginner · The event and the start · 2 of 7Races up to 400 m start from a crouch in starting blocks. On "On your marks" the athlete settles behind the line with both hands and at least one knee on the ground. On "Set" they rise and hold still. The starter fires the gun once every athlete is steady, and nobody may start before it.
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.
- 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.
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 sprinter 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 |
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 Competition Rules 22 and 23. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Athletics Competition and Technical Rules 2026 (PDF).