How do cross country starts work?

Under the UKA Rules 2026 (TR56, 6.6 and TR56 S2):

• The race is started by a gun, cannon, air horn or other distinctive signal, using the commands for races over 400m ("On your marks", then the signal; there is no "Set").
• In big fields, five-minute, three-minute and one-minute warnings should be given.
• Where possible, team races use start boxes, with each club's runners lined up one behind the other.
• On "On your marks", no part of your body may touch the start line or the ground in front of it.
• Crossing the start line before the signal makes you liable to disqualification.

UKA guidance asks starters and referees not to be over-zealous with false starts in races outside the stadium, as recalls are often impractical in large fields, but a clear and wilful breach can still be dealt with during or after the race.