How many runs are there in luge, and who starts first?
B · Beginner · The race · 2 of 3Olympic singles have four runs and doubles two. Most other races, World Championships included, have two runs. A seeded group of 12 is drawn for its start numbers; the rest qualify through the Nations Cup at World Cups. In the second run the top 20 singles and top 18 doubles start in reverse, leader last.
How it works
- Disciplines: women's and men's singles, women's and men's doubles, team relay, sprint and mixed events.
- World Championships and World Cup: two runs for singles and doubles, one for the relay.
- Olympics: four runs for singles, two for doubles, one for the relay.
- Seeded group: the top 12 by World Cup points, drawn in two blocks of six.
- Nations Cup: a one-run qualifier at World Cups for those outside the seeded group.
- World Cup field: 30 singles and 24 doubles.
- Second run: singles 20 to 1, doubles 18 to 1, by first-run placing.
- Not qualified for the last run: ranked on their earlier placing.
The glossary has the number of heats, the singles, the doubles, the start ranking, the ranking list and the quota.
Tricky cases
A run is cancelled after crashes. Do the crashes still count?
No. Disqualifications and eliminations from crashes in a cancelled run are not valid.
How many athletes can a nation enter at the Olympics?
Three women, three men and two doubles teams.
What is the sprint?
A one-run race from the usual start height, with timing that begins 100 to 150 m down the track, so the start is a flying start.
Does a seeded athlete have to race the Nations Cup?
No. The seeded group goes straight into the World Cup race.
Why the rule exists
Ice wears during a run, so the order matters. Seeding protects the best athletes from a bad draw, and reversing the leaders keeps the deciding runs on equal terms at the end.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics | Four singles runs; up to three athletes per nation | IRO Supp. 4 1.1, 1.3 |
| World Cup | 12 seeded, 18 singles or 12 doubles from the Nations Cup | IRO §3 6.5.7 |
| Sprint | One run, flying start, top 15 by World Cup ranking | IRO §3 6.6 |
From the rule book
FIL, International Luge Regulations (IRO), artificial track (2026 edition), §3 points 1 to 6.6 and Supplement 4 points 1.1 to 1.3. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the FIL International Luge Regulations, issued each season.