Do blind runners get two lanes?
I · Intermediate · Track · 1 of 4In races run in lanes, T11 and T12 athletes get two lanes, treated as one, with starts in lanes 1, 3, 5 or 7. In sprints, T11 to T13 and T20 athletes start with both hands and a knee down. A false start disqualifies. Runners place by the torso crossing the line; wheelchairs and frames by the front axle.
How it works
- Two lanes: for T11 and T12 athletes, with or without a guide.
- Staggered starts: lanes 1, 3, 5 or 7.
- Crouch start: both hands and a knee down for T11 to T13 and T20.
- False start: disqualification.
- Signals: a flag, light or touch may signal the start.
- Placings: torso for runners, front axle for chairs and frames.
- Leaving the track: no return to the race.
- Starting blocks: may be set by an assistant for some classes.
The glossary has the T11 to T13 and F11 to F13, the guide-runner, the athlete's assistant, the T20 and F20, the wheelchair racing classes and the frame running.
Tricky cases
Which side does the guide run?
Either; the athlete chooses.
A T12 athlete without a guide. Two lanes?
Yes, and they may set their blocks anywhere in them.
Can a T12 athlete hear split times?
In races of 800 m or more without a guide, from a set spot by the start line.
Can an athlete make marks on the track?
No. Check-marks on the track are not allowed except in relays.
Why the rule exists
Two lanes give a guide and athlete room to run side by side. Visual or touch signals make a fair start possible for athletes who cannot hear well.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| T11 and T12 | Two lanes each | R 18.8 |
| Wheelchairs and frames | Front axle at finish | R 19.3 |
| Wheelchairs and frames, 800 m and over | Restart after an early crash | R 17.6 |
From the rule book
World Para Athletics, Rules and Regulations, September 2026, Rules 7.4, 7.13, 17.4, 17.6, 17.8, 18.8 to 18.10, 18.21 and 19. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the World Para Athletics Rules and Regulations, September 2026.