Wave Start

Staggered starting format where groups of runners begin at timed intervals (every 5–15 minutes) to reduce congestion.

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Understanding Wave Start

A wave start is a race format where runners are released in separate groups (waves) at timed intervals — typically every 5–15 minutes — rather than all at once. It's used in large races to reduce congestion, improve safety, and give runners more room to settle into their pace.

Waves are usually organized by expected finish time, age group, or registration category. The fastest runners go first, with progressively slower waves behind them. This keeps the course more evenly distributed and prevents the dangerous crushing that can happen when 30,000+ runners try to funnel through a narrow start at once.

Wave starts have become standard for any race over ~5,000 participants. Your wave assignment determines when you cross the start line, but your official chip time begins when YOU cross the start mat — not when the first wave starts. So being in a later wave has no effect on your official result.

Key Facts: Wave Start

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

Waves release every 5–15 minutes dependi

Waves release every 5–15 minutes depending on race size and course width

Reduces start-line congestion and improv

Reduces start-line congestion and improves safety in large races

Chip time starts when you cross the mat

Chip time starts when you cross the mat — wave assignment doesn't affect your result

Typically organized by pace, age group,

Typically organized by pace, age group, or priority status (elites first)

Pro Tips: Wave Start

Position yourself near the front of your wave if you're faster than average for that group

Don't stress about your wave assignment — your chip time is what matters for your result

Arrive at your wave staging area 15–20 minutes before your assigned start time

Use the wait for later waves as extra warmup time — jog, stretch, and stay loose

Frequently Asked Questions About Wave Start

Usually no — wave assignments are set during registration or based on qualifying times. Some races allow wave changes if you can provide a qualifying time. Jumping into an earlier wave is against race rules and disrupts congestion management. If you're genuinely faster than your wave, contact the race organizer before race day.

Corrals are subdivisions within a wave. A wave is a group that starts together at a specific time. Within that wave, corrals organize runners by pace (A in front, B behind, etc.). Large races use both: multiple waves, each containing multiple corrals. Small races may use just corrals or just waves.