Corrals

Fenced sections at the start line grouping runners by expected pace to prevent congestion.

corralsstartgroupingpaceorganization

Understanding Corrals

Corrals are fenced sections at the start line of a large road race that group runners by expected pace. Faster runners are placed in front (Corral A), progressively slower runners behind (Corral B, C, D, etc.). This prevents slower runners from blocking faster ones and reduces congestion at the start.

Corral assignments are typically based on a qualifying time from a previous race or a projected finish time you submit during registration. In major marathons, you may need to provide proof of your qualifying time. Starting in the wrong corral (too fast or too slow) creates problems for you and other runners.

Your corral determines your "gun time" starting gap — Corral D might cross the start line 5–10 minutes after the gun. This doesn't matter for results because chip time (your individual timer) starts when YOU cross the start mat. But it does affect your experience: starting in a too-slow corral means weaving through crowds; starting too fast means being swept along above your fitness.

Key Facts: Corrals

Key facts and insights about corrals that every endurance athlete should know.

Assigned by qualifying time or projected

Assigned by qualifying time or projected finish time

Chip time

Chip time (not gun time) is your official result, so corral timing doesn't affect PRs

Large marathons may have 10+ corrals wit

Large marathons may have 10+ corrals with staggered starts

Jumping into a faster corral than assign

Jumping into a faster corral than assigned ("bandit corral") is against race rules

Pro Tips: Corrals

Be honest about your qualifying time — starting too far forward leads to early overcrowding as faster runners weave around you

Arrive at your corral 15–20 minutes before your wave start for best positioning

Move to the side of your corral if you're slower than average for that group — let faster runners pass easily

Don't worry about your gun time — only chip time matters for your result

Frequently Asked Questions About Corrals

If you start too far back, you'll spend the first miles weaving around slower runners, which wastes energy and adds distance. If you start too far forward, faster runners will push past you and you may go out too fast trying to keep up. Neither ruins your race, but honest self-seeding makes for a better experience.

Most races prohibit corral jumping, and some enforce it with bib checks. If you've recently run a qualifying time faster than your assigned corral, contact the race organizer before race day to request a reassignment. On race morning, it's usually too late.