Can para athletes run with prosthetic legs?
Officials' detail · Track · 1 of 2T61 to T64 athletes must compete on lower-limb prostheses and finish the race with them; reaching the line without one disqualifies, and in field events the trial fails. T61 and T62 athletes' height on their prostheses may not exceed a set maximum, measured in the call room. Arm prostheses and orthoses are optional for other classes.
How it works
- T61 to T64: must use lower-limb prostheses.
- Finish: must finish with them attached.
- Field events: losing one makes the trial a failure.
- T61 and T62: height on prostheses capped (MASH).
- Over the cap: not allowed to start; DNS.
- T45 to T47: arm prosthesis optional, chosen each round.
- Orthoses: optional for several classes.
- Other devices: no other assistive devices for running.
The glossary has the prosthesis and orthosis, the T61 to T64 and F61 to F64, the T42 to T47 and F42 to F46, the non-compliant equipment, the prohibited assistance and technology and the sport class code.
Tricky cases
A blade falls off before the line. Result?
Disqualification.
Can a T46 athlete drop the arm prosthesis for the final?
Yes, as use is optional round by round.
Who measures height?
Call room judges.
Can T42 athletes use prostheses?
No. They compete without one; prosthesis users race in T61 to T64.
Why the rule exists
Requiring prostheses keeps both legs balanced and symmetric. The height cap stops athletes gaining stride length from longer blades.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| T61 and T62 | Height cap | R 6.12.2 |
| T63 and T64 | Prosthesis required, no cap listed | R 6.12.1 |
| T45 to T47 | Arm prosthesis optional | R 6.12.3 |
From the rule book
World Para Athletics, Rules and Regulations, September 2026, Rules 6.12 and 6.13. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, September 2026.