Competition format

The number of heats and rounds depends on the number of athletes competing, but there will not be more than three rounds – heat, semi-final, final – in any event.

The draw to determine which heat an athlete will run in is decided by their initial seedings (based on previous performance) for the first round, and then their performances after that, ensuring that the highest seeded athletes are not allocated the same heat.

In the first round, an athlete’s lane allocation is drawn by lot, and in subsequent rounds is dependent on their performance. The higher-seeded athletes in subsequent rounds will be allocated one of the four central lanes. 

Depending on their class, athletes start sprint races using startingblocks, or with their wheelchairs behind the starting line. Athletes with hearing or visual impairment can receive help with the starting signal from a flag or a light.

Visually impaired athletes are allocated two lanes each, one for the athlete and one for their guide runner.

For more information, please go to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) website.

Read more about classifications in Paralympic Athletics