How do blind runners race with a guide?
B · Beginner · Track · 3 of 4T11 athletes must race with a guide-runner and T12 athletes may. The pair is joined only by a tether, held from start to finish; the guide may talk but may not pull, push or slingshot the athlete forward. The athlete must cross the line ahead of the guide. In races of 5,000 m or more, one change of guide is allowed.
How it works
- T11: must run with a guide-runner.
- T12: may run with one or alone.
- Tether: the only link; no holding hands or wrists.
- Length: no more than 30 cm on the track, 50 cm on the road.
- Help: verbal instructions allowed; pushing, pulling or slingshotting is not.
- Finish: the athlete must reach the line first.
- 5,000 m and over: one guide change, on the back straight.
- Own guide: athletes bring their own guide-runner.
The glossary has the guide-runner, the tether, the slingshotting, the T11 to T13 and F11 to F13, the yellow and red cards and the eye patches and opaque glasses.
Tricky cases
The tether breaks mid-race. What happens?
The athlete is disqualified.
The guide lets go a stride before the line. Penalty?
Yes. The tether must stay attached until both have finished; the pair is disqualified.
The athlete falls. Can the guide help?
Yes, to regain footing and direction, as long as it gives no advantage.
Does a guide's yellow card count against the athlete?
Yes.
Why the rule exists
The guide lets an athlete with little or no sight race at full speed safely. Strict rules on the tether make sure the athlete's own running wins the race.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Track | Tether up to 30 cm | R 6.15.4 |
| Road | Tether up to 50 cm | R 6.15.4 |
| 5,000 m and over | Two guides allowed | R 7.11 |
From the rule book
World Para Athletics, Rules and Regulations, September 2026, Rules 6.15, 7.6 to 7.12, 8.1 and 19.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, September 2026.