Athletics tracks are shared spaces that cater to a variety of training disciplines, from distance running to sprinting, hurdling, and field events. With so many athletes using the track simultaneously, good etiquette is essential to ensure safety, fairness, and longevity of the facility. Based on insights from experienced Australian athletics experts, here’s a comprehensive guide to track etiquette, highlighting areas of consensus and some points of contention.
Consensus: The Universal Do’s and Don’ts
1. Courtesy and Awareness
Respect for fellow athletes is fundamental. This includes acknowledging the presence of others, maintaining spatial awareness, and ensuring that equipment such as starting blocks, hurdles, and markers are not moved without permission.
“If you hear ‘Track!’ check yourself and be prepared to move fast.”
Additionally, respecting coaches, athletes, and other facility users is crucial to maintaining a smooth training environment.
“DON’T argue, insult or abuse others using the track. Show some respect.”
2. Safety First – Respect the Infield and Throwing Zones
One of the most strongly agreed-upon rules is that the infield should never be used as a shortcut, especially when throwing events are in progress. Walking or jogging across javelin, discus, shot put, or hammer sectors is highly dangerous. Throwers are hypervigilant, but runners can often be unaware of flying implements until it’s too late.
“Do not walk across the infield when throwers are throwing! Go around the ends and enter safely.”
This rule applies even if it appears no one is actively throwing. Many throwers engage in drills or warm-ups that can be unpredictable. The safest policy is to stay clear of the infield entirely unless there’s no throwers at the venue and your training requires it.
The same goes for jumpers – respect the high jump D and long jump run ways.
3. Lane Usage – Training Should Distribute Wear and Tear
While athletics tracks have designated lanes, how they should be used in training is a major point of discussion. Most agree that sprint training should take place in the outer lanes, while distance runners conducting repetitions should use the inner lanes.
“Walk or slow jog in the outside lanes. Fast runs in lanes 1-3, recovery runs in lanes 4-6.”
However, a significant portion of the community believes that lane 1 should be preserved strictly for minimal use to reduce wear and tear.
“No training should take place in lane one. Keep it in its best condition for as long as possible.”
Additionally, training groups should distribute their wear across multiple lanes, rather than using the same one repeatedly, to prevent excessive damage to a single area.
4. Always Look Before You Cross
Another widely accepted rule is that athletes and coaches should treat the track like a road—always look left and right before crossing, and never stand in active lanes talking or stretching.
“I was collected by a long jumper once. Look both ways before crossing the track or runways.”
This is especially important when multiple training sessions are happening at once. Sprinters, hurdlers, and distance runners often have different training needs, so being aware of their movements helps avoid collisions.
Areas of Debate: Where Opinions Diverge
1. Lane 1: Training or Off-Limits?
One of the most contentious topics is whether lane 1 should be used during training. Some argue that distance runners naturally use lane 1 for accurate pacing, while others insist that reserving it strictly for essential sessions extends the track’s longevity.
“Distance runners live in lane 1—it’s unrealistic to keep them out.”
“Every distance squad in Queensland uses lane 1, and the track is fine.”
“It costs a lot of money to replace lane 1, so avoid unnecessary wear!”
Some tracks have implemented signage or barriers to encourage training in outer lanes, which should be respected, while others take a more relaxed approach based on track usage levels.
2. Running Clockwise: Yes or No?
The traditional rule in athletics is that all running should be anti-clockwise. However, some believe clockwise running should be allowed for warm-ups and cool-downs in the outer lanes.
“No running clockwise—everyone should move in the same direction for safety.”
“Clockwise running should be encouraged in outer lanes to avoid unilateral overuse injuries.”
“If you must run clockwise, do it when the track is quiet or outside the track perimeter.”
This remains a situational rule – the onus is on the runner moving clockwise – to ensure there’s no accident.
Additional Common-Sense Rules
- No Spitting on the Track – It’s unhygienic and unpleasant for others.
- Warm-Up & Cool-Down Off the Track – If possible, use grass areas rather than track lanes.
- No Dogs on the Track – Athletics facilities are for athletes, not pets.
- No Bikes on the Track – It’s not a velodrome.
- Respect Equipment – Rake sandpits after use, return hurdles, and don’t touch others’ starting blocks without permission.
- Communication is Key – Coaches and athletes should communicate to share lanes effectively and avoid collisions.
- Avoid Blocking Lanes – Standing around or stretching in active lanes can obstruct those training at full speed. Move off the track for stationary activities.
- Plan Your Training Space – Training groups should organize their sessions efficiently to prevent congestion and allow others to use the track smoothly.
Conclusion: A Shared Space Requires Shared Respect
Ultimately, track etiquette boils down to respect, awareness, and common sense. While there may be differences in approach regarding lane use and training direction, the fundamental principles remain the same: be considerate, look out for others, and prioritise safety.