How do guides work for T11 and T12 athletes on the track?

At the Canadian Championships, T11 and T12 athletes are allocated two lanes, regardless of whether they use a guide. This may result in more rounds and/or fewer athletes progressing through rounds (for example, if a T11 or T12 athlete qualifies for the final in the top 8, only 7 athletes qualify for the final). If the championships are held at a track with 9 available lanes, the final may use the extra lane for a guide, allowing 8 athletes to progress, at the discretion of the Technical Delegate.

Athletics Canada's Para page adds that blind and visually impaired runners may compete with guide runners attached to them by a tether at the wrist.

Sources: https://athletics.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Para-Event-Guidelines-2026.pdf and https://athletics.ca/get-involved/para-athletics/