How do Olympic Style and mass start races work, and how many skaters line up?

Olympic Style (skaters race in pairs against the clock):

• Track: 400 m or 333.33 m oval, measured and marked under ISU Rules 203-206 and 226.
• With automatic timekeeping, the recorded time decides which skater in a pair is the winner, or if they are equal.
• With manual timekeeping, the Finish Line Judge decides the winner, with no appeal. If the skaters are less than 5 m apart, the judge reports the gap to the Chief Timekeeper.
• Electronic timing is used at all SSC Championships, National and International competitions. Transponders and photocells are accepted as official timing for long track. If electronic timing fails, the manual time plus 0.20 seconds is accepted.

Tracks for mass start, team pursuit, team sprint and mixed relay: 400 m, 387.36 m or 333.33 m oval, without separate lanes and with a racing area at least 6 m wide.

Mass start starts:

• Up to six skaters on the start line; seven on tracks with a racing area wider than 6 m, and eight for the longest distance (this does not apply to marathon skating).
• You may not place a hand or hands on the ice during the start procedure.
• If a skater is interfered with and falls within 10 m of the start, the Starter may call the race back.

Source: SSC Procedures and Regulations (Red Book), updated July 16, 2026, C2-201, C2-202, C3, C7 and C8.